Utilities and Energy Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney Earthjustice seeks an Associate Attorney to join our growing team of lawyers who work to accelerate a shift from coal- and gas-fired electricity generation, and to advance clean energy throughout the country. The Associate Attorney will reside in our Clean Energy Program, focusing on litigation, advocacy and strategy before state public utility commissions, administrative bodies, and in courts in support of an equitable transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. The work will include combatting fossil-fuel-fired generation, with a focus on emerging climate threats in the near-term that could jeopardize progress toward a clean energy future.

Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. Wielding the power of law, Earthjustice partners with our clients to take on the most critical fights of our time — fights to protect the incredible biodiversity and wild places of the planet; to avert climate disaster by transitioning society away from fossil fuels toward clean energy; Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position with the opportunity for extension. Many Associates have gone on to other more senior positions within Earthjustice or have joined other public interest organizations. The Associate Attorney program is designed to help attorneys who are in the early stages of their careers to develop into thoughtful, professional, and effective advocates skilled in the various phases of public interest litigation.

Earthjustice understands that attracting, developing, and retaining attorneys whose backgrounds represent our nation's rich diversity makes us more effective and is integral to our values of excellence, partnership, justice, and inclusion. Our goal is to produce the highest quality legal work in a diverse, inclusive, supportive, and collegial environment.

The Associate Attorney position will be based in one of the Clean Energy Program's home offices: or Los Angeles, CA office. Responsibilities Associate Attorneys perform a range of work, in partnership with senior attorneys and professional staff, to investigate, develop, and prosecute administrative appeals and litigation including: factual investigation, legal research, case development, record review, client engagement and development, expert evidence and witness development, motions practice and brief writing, oral advocacy, and appellate advocacy.

As Associate Attorneys gain experience, their case load may include cases for which they have primary responsibility under the supervision of a senior attorney, in addition to matters on which they work in a supporting role with senior attorneys. Work closely with Earthjustice attorneys and professional staff to investigate, develop and advance litigation and administrative advocacy that serves a diverse set of clients.

Participating in the full range of tasks involved in energy advocacy and litigation, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, memo and brief writing, expert testimony, hearings and more.

Engaging in proceedings before state and federal courts, public utility commissions, and other administrative tribunals. Representing Earthjustice at remote and in-person venues and meetings with clients, partners, co-counsel, opposing counsel, technical experts, and agency staff.

Prepare comments on proposed agency actions, permits, and environmental review documents.

Assist in reviewing and/or drafting policies including regulations, legislation, etc., in tandem with legal advocacy, to address cutting-edge environmental issues.

Developing skills required to serve as a spokesperson to media.

Participating in hiring and supervision of student law clerks and externs.

Licensed to practice law in the US jurisdiction in which the attorney will be located, or a willingness and qualifications to apply for membership within fourteen months of employment.

0-3 years of litigation and legal advocacy experience, with energy advocacy experience preferred.

Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills.

Interest in working on novel legal and factual issues at the intersection of technological advancements and the environment.

Emotional intelligence and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals associated with diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.

Ability and willingness to travel as needed for case work, court appearances, and presentations.

Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity. what draws you to Earthjustice's mission; Please also indicate the Earthjustice office location(s) where you would prefer to work.

Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that is either unedited or only lightly edited by someone other than you. Please include a cover sheet explaining the extent of editing by someone else.

Law school transcript.

Applications must be received by July 5, 2026. Earthjustice typically brings our associate attorneys on board on a quarterly schedule, during the months of January, April, June and September.

org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.