Associate Attorney, International

Overview

An environmental law organization is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its International Program. This role supports a team of lawyers and scientists working globally to protect the human right to a healthy environment and accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy in key countries.

The International Program collaborates with partner organizations worldwide to establish and enforce environmental and human health protections through legal advocacy. The Associate Attorney will assist in public interest litigation and advocacy outside the United States, gaining exposure to diverse legal systems and strategies.

This is a three-year position with the possibility of extension. The role is hybrid, based primarily in the San Francisco office, requiring regular in-person attendance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal, policy, and factual research on international and foreign law issues.
• Prepare memoranda supporting partner organizations' work in foreign jurisdictions.
• Review and analyze administrative records, scientific reports, policy research, and technical documents related to fossil fuel and clean energy infrastructure.
• Draft motions, briefs, administrative comments, and other legal and factual documents for litigation or administrative proceedings.
• Collaborate with partner organizations, lawyers, and experts from diverse cultural, linguistic, and legal backgrounds.
• Participate in communications such as drafting blog posts or press releases.
• Hire and supervise law students working as interns or clerks.

Qualifications

• Law school graduate admitted to, or willing to apply for admission to, the Bar in the state of residence.
• 0-5 years of post-law school experience.
• Experience or interest in fossil fuel extraction, energy law and policy, and climate change.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong work ethic, initiative, and sound yet creative judgment.
• Commitment to advocating for the right to a healthy environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Sensitivity to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Willingness to contribute to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work setting and willingness to travel periodically to San Francisco if not based there.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of environmental and/or international law.
• Experience working in or studying foreign or international legal systems.
• Professional fluency in a language other than English.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range for San Francisco location: $110,500 - $131,900, based on experience and location.
• Competitive benefits package.
• Qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Location

• Hybrid position based preferably in San Francisco with regular in-person attendance.
• Exceptional candidates desiring to work from other office locations may be considered.

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

• Resume
• One- or two-page cover letter addressing relevant experience, motivation for the role, and specific legal, environmental, or justice issues of interest
• Writing sample (preferably a legal brief or memorandum not edited by others)
• Law school transcript

Applications must be received by May 26, 2026. The anticipated start date is no later than September 2026. New hires join on a quarterly schedule (January, April, June, September).

Equal Opportunity

The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other non-job-related factors.

For positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles, fair chance hiring practices are followed regarding applicants with arrest and conviction records.