Legal Practice Assistant, International

Earthjustice is now accepting applications for a legal practice assistant to join our San Francisco-based International Program.  This position works in close collaboration with the Legal Practice Manager to facilitate the efficient operation of the International Program by providing administrative and litigation support to our team of lawyers and scientists working to speed the transition from dirty fossil fuels to clean energy solutions in key countries around the world. 

Drawing on deep experience in foreign, US and international environmental, energy and human rights law, and foreign and international litigation, we work with partners in South Africa, Indonesia, Australia, Latin America and elsewhere on domestic and international legal advocacy to reduce dependence on dirty fossil fuels and speed the transition to clean energy. 

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, Chicago, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, Tallahassee, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, and Washington, DC. 

Responsibilities 

The Legal Practice Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Legal Practice Manager to provide administrative and program support for International Program staff. 

Administrative Support (70%): 

• Assist the Legal Practice Manager with developing, documenting, and implementing procedures, workflows, and systems to ensure the effective use of staff time and available resources.
• Organize and maintain physical and electronic files, SharePoint sites, and Microsoft Teams.
• Maintain International Program calendar and schedule internal meetings as well as meetings with external partners. Prepare and circulate meeting agendas and minutes.
• Collaborate with Legal Practice Manager to coordinate and plan office events, team retreats, planning meetings, and clerk & staff welcomes and farewells.
• Provide basic technical assistance to staff and attend internal trainings to learn and troubleshoot new technology tools.
• Assist staff with expense reports and help Legal Practice Manager process vendor and expert invoices according to Finance policies and procedures.
• Support International Program staff with hiring processes and ensure staff are meeting Human Resources guidelines and requirements.
• Assist Legal Practice Manager, hiring managers, and supervisors with onboarding incoming staff, clerks, and externs, and orienting visitors and guests.
• Conduct basic travel research, and interface with Lawyers’ Travel to ensure International Program staff and partners, experts, clients, and others can travel safely and efficiently, securing invitations, visas, etc.
• Receive and respond to mail inquiries.
• Facilities maintenance, including plant watering and general cleaning and upkeep of communal areas (kitchen, conference rooms).
• Other tasks as assigned. Needs may vary, and duties cannot be listed exhaustively in advance. 

Program Support (30%): 

• Organize, and maintain matter files, contacts, and matter-related calendaring.
• Assist attorneys with completing case-initiating forms and drafting templated proposed orders, certificates, retainer agreements, and litigation hold letters.
• Proofread, format, and finalize documents to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.
• Acquire notaries and certifications as appropriate for filing documents abroad.
• Maintain accurate data for International Program matters in Earthjustice matter database.
• Assist staff with court admission, professional membership renewal, and e-filing and PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) account management.
• Design and format reports, event materials, and PowerPoint slides for publication and presentations. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Prior office experience a plus.
• A can-do attitude, meticulous attention to detail, and high performance standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent ability to organize, set priorities among multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and function calmly under pressure.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new technologies. Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite including SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams a plus.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team, including with remote staff.
• Flexible and reliable team player who will enthusiastically take on both challenging and routine tasks.
• Demonstrated awareness of 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.
• Interest in and knowledge of environmental, social justice, or public interest issues a plus. 

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive.  

Salary range is dependent on experience and location.
Salary range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $53,600-$59,500 

To Apply 

Interested applicants should submit the following application materials online via Jobvite

• Resume.
• One page cover letter describing your interest in Earthjustice and our work. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

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

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.