Litigation Assistant, California Regional Office

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 California Regional Office was the first of the now fifteen Earthjustice offices. With offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, the California Regional Office covers almost all areas of our work. We fight for the rights of all Californians to a healthy environment. We fight to protect the magnificent natural spaces and wildlife found only in California. And, we fight to transition California to a zero-emissions future fueled by clean, fossil-free energy. Earthjustice’s work in California is particularly important given California is both a health and climate leader and yet is still one of the largest producers of oil, with some of the worst air in the country, contains and faces some of the most challenging water issues, and is seeing its unique biodiversity face unprecedented threats. Learn more about the California Regional Office and its work at - https://earthjustice.org/about/offices/california. The Litigation Assistant, based in San Francisco, would support our work across offices throughout California.    
 
This position facilitates the efficient practice of litigation by providing litigation and administrative support to attorneys and other staff in the California Regional Office.  

Beginning Jan. 18, 2022, Earthjustice staff will be working two days a week in the office. After six months, the Executive Leadership Team will evaluate whether to adjust our hybrid work plan. 

Responsibilities: 

Litigation Support (70%): 

• Prepare documents under attorney supervision for filing in court and before agencies, including: 
• Draft procedural motions, certificates, and disclosure statements; 
• Ensure document compliance with court rules; 
• Proofread, blue book, and cite-check; 
• Prepare tables of contents, tables of authorities, exhibits, and exhibit lists; and 
• Coordinate filing of documents either manually or via e-filing:  
• ensure all court filing rules are being met 
• ensure accuracy of service list and create proof of service 
• ensure timely filing and service of all documents 
• Become familiar with relevant court and administrative agency rules. 
• Receive, research, and respond to public inquiries requesting legal assistance. 
• Maintain litigation calendar, including: 
  • Monitor, calculate, and schedule court and agency deadlines based on court orders and Federal Register notices;  
  • Monitor Federal Register, court, and/or other web sites as requested by attorneys; and 
  • Organize meetings and events as needed. 
• Maintain digital and physical files, including: 
  • Case pleadings, general litigation documents, and general correspondence; and 
  • Case management database (Intapp). 
• Prepare client communications, including retainer agreements, litigation hold letters, and joint defense agreements. 
• Assist attorneys with hearing preparation. 
• Contribute to attorneys’ preparation of presentations for board members, donors, client groups, public outreach, etc. 
• Submit Freedom of Information Act inquiries and review and summarize responsive documents as needed. 
• Obtain factual, legal, and legislative documents from various sources, including government agencies, libraries, Westlaw, HeinOnline, and other internet-based tools, etc.;  
• Stay up-to-date on environmental issues and network relevant news to cases, advocacy, and developing areas of interest. 

Administrative (30%): 

• Operate all basic office equipment (computers, printers, postage meter, fax machines, copier, scanner, etc.) and perform minor trouble-shooting. 
• Work with IT and Litigation Operations Departments to identify and resolve computer and technical problems. 
• Track and communicate supply needs relevant for case work.  
• Participate in interviews and onboarding. This role may be asked to schedule interviews and contribute to the onboarding process for new hires, law clerks, and externs.  
• Take notes at staff or issue area work-group meetings. 
• Schedule meetings for attorneys, as needed. 
• Maintain subscriptions and order additional publications as needed. 
• Collaborate with litigation support team to coordinate case coverage; communicate with litigation support staff across organization to share information, peer mentor, and contribute to collective problem solving. 
• Work with attorneys to compile and organize cost and time reports for fee awards. 

General: 

• Help foster office morale and inclusive work environment. 
• Other tasks as assigned as needed. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience or education required. 
• Proactive, meticulous attention to detail, and an unrelenting commitment to high performance standards. 
• Computer skills (word processing, databases and spreadsheets, Internet, etc.). 
• Demonstrated command of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. 
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and work well under deadline pressure. 
• Strong time management and organizational skills. 
• Demonstrate an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations. 
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, including with remote staff, and to maintain confidential information. 
• Flexible, punctual, and highly reliable. 
• To meet filing requirements and deadlines: 
  • This job may require occasional evening and weekend work, as well as overtime on an as-needed basis.  
  • This job frequently entails work for extended periods on the computer. 
• A team player who will take on tasks that range from challenging to routine work and the ability to work independently to identify, assess, and complete tasks. 
• Contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences. 
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite a plus. 
• 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. We also offer a congenial work environment and a casual dress code. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity. 

Salary is based on experience and location. 
Salary range for Litigation Assistant in San Francisco, CA: $65,200 - $72,400 

To Apply: 

Interested applicants should submit the following: 

• Resume. 
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and whether there are particular legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you; (2) experience that demonstrates the ability to meet the needs and expectations of the position; and (3) experience that demonstrates competence to work with a diverse group of clients and colleagues. 
• References. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 
 
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.