Litigation Assistant, Toxic Exposure and Health

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time, and bring about positive change. We are guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.  

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Juneau, Los Angeles, Tallahassee, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, and Washington, DC.

Earthjustice’s Toxic Exposure & Health Program litigates in state and federal court and conducts administrative and legislative advocacy to ensure that all people have safe workplaces, neighborhoods, and schools; have access to safe drinking water and food; and live in homes that are free of hazardous chemicals. We partner with and represent groups that face the greatest exposure to and risks from hazardous chemicals, including the communities surrounding the facilities where those chemicals are manufactured, used and released. For more information about the Toxic Exposure and Health Program, please visit https://earthjustice.org/about/offices/toxic-exposure-health. 

The position provides administrative and litigation support services for several attorneys and a staff scientist.  Depending on qualifications and experience, we plan to hire a Litigation Assistant or Senior Litigation Assistant*.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with attorneys to prepare documents for filing in both federal and state courts and before agencies, including: proofreading, cite-checking; preparing tables of contents, tables of authorities, exhibits, and exhibit lists; ensuring compliance with court rules; and filing and serving.
• Maintain litigation calendar including monitoring, computing, and scheduling court and agency deadlines based on court rules, orders and other sources
• Maintain digital and physical files, including case pleadings, general litigation documents, agency records and filings, and general correspondence; and case document and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) productions.
• Assemble and oversee production of documents, exhibits, and other materials for court or administrative agency filings and arguments.
• Review, organize, and interpret factual and technical information; generating research notes, memoranda, fact sheets, tables, maps, and other visuals as needed.
• Draft basic pleadings and other case-related documents under attorney supervision, including: case initiating documents, proposed orders, cover letters, FOIA requests, pro hac vice applications, etc.
• Communicate with courts, clients, experts, opposing counsel, and government officials as requested or approved by attorneys.
• Become familiar with relevant court and administrative agency rules and procedures, and maintain knowledge of latest changes to relevant rules.
• Support attorneys in gaining admission to courts, registration renewals, and creating and managing e-filing accounts.
• Monitor Federal Register, court, administrative agency, and/or other web sites as requested by attorneys.
• Perform general administrative assistance (scheduling meetings, taking meeting minutes, tracking case updates, photocopying, correspondence, etc.)
• Internal support of program and other work, including interdepartmental working groups, work in support of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles and teambuilding.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• A can-do attitude, meticulous attention to detail, and high performance standards.
• Interest in and knowledge of environmental, social justice, or public interest issues relevant to Earthjustice’s mission.
• Excellent command of spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and computer skills, including knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Powerpoint).
• The ability to organize, set priorities among multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and function calmly under pressure.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team, including with remote staff, and to maintain confidential information.
• Flexible, punctual, highly reliable, and available for occasional overtime work during evenings and/or weekends.
• A team player who will enthusiastically take on tasks that range from intellectually challenging to  basic tasks.
• Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Commitment and contribution to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
• The ability to develop visual aids and exhibits using mapping tools, and analyze demographic and geographic data to assist attorneys in case development is a plus.
• Paralegal experience is a plus.

* To be considered for the Senior Litigation Assistant position the successful candidate must meet the foregoing qualifications plus:

• At least two years of Litigation Assistant or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated performance in previous position.
• Proactive problem solver with ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
• Solid understanding of legal practice.

Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer.  We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits. 

Salary is based on location and experience.
Salary range for Litigation Assistant in New York, NY : $65,200 -$72,400
Salary range for Senior Litigation Assistant in New York, NY: $75,500-$83,900

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit the following via Jobvite:

• Resume.
• A transcript from college and any advanced degree program.
• One- or two-page cover letter.
• List of three references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; applicants are encouraged to apply by May 15.

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies accepted.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco:  Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles:  We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.