Associate Attorney, National Climate

Overview

An environmental law organization is seeking an Associate Attorney to join a team focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting communities by challenging federal permits for climate-damaging infrastructure projects. This role is part of a National Climate, Fossil Fuel Infrastructure team with members in multiple locations. Applicants interested in working at one of the organization's office locations will be considered.

This is a three-year position with potential for extension, designed for early-career attorneys to develop skills in public interest litigation. Associates work under supervision while gradually taking on more responsibility. Many past associates have advanced within the organization or other public interest groups.

The team litigates and advocates in federal courts and before administrative agencies to promote a transition away from fossil fuels and mitigate climate change impacts. The Associate Attorney will focus on federal energy regulatory practice, including advocacy and litigation before agencies such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy, and Army Corps of Engineers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal and factual research
• Review and analyze administrative records and technical documents
• Draft motions, briefs, and other legal documents supporting litigation and administrative advocacy
• Participate in proceedings before federal courts and agencies
• Build relationships with clients, experts, allies, and coalition partners
• Integrate media and legislative advocacy into legal strategies, collaborating with policy and communications teams
• Hire and supervise law students as interns or clerks

Qualifications

• Law school graduate
• 2-6 years of legal experience
• Admission to, or eligibility to apply for admission to, the bar of the state of residence
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Strong work ethic, good judgment, initiative, and creativity
• Commitment to environmental justice and public interest advocacy
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Sensitivity to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations
• Desire to contribute to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills

Compensation & Benefits

Salary varies by experience and location:

• New York, NY & San Francisco, CA: $119,100 – $135,900
• Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Seattle, WA; Honolulu, HI; Washington, DC: $113,100 - $129,100
• Juneau & Anchorage, AK; Denver, CO; Philadelphia, PA: $107,200 - $122,300
• Houston, TX; New Orleans, LA; Miami & Tallahassee, FL; Bozeman, MT: $101,200 – $115,500

The organization offers a mission-driven work environment with competitive benefits. It is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Location

Multiple office locations including San Francisco, Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Seattle, Tallahassee, and Washington, D.C.

Application Process

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• Resume
• One- or two-page cover letter explaining interest in the position, relevant life experiences, and preferred office location(s)
• Writing sample (preferably a legal brief or memorandum primarily reflecting the applicant's work)
• Law school transcript
• List of three references

The organization plans to hire candidates available to start in June or September 2026. Preference is given to applications received by March 13, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter until the position is filled.

Associate attorneys are onboarded quarterly in January, April, June, and September.

The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity 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 or conviction records.