Litigation Assistant, Sustainable Food & Farming

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, individuals, and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. 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, Chicago, Tallahassee, Honolulu, Houston, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, Miami and Washington, D.C.    The successful applicant will provide litigation and administrative support to our team, including six attorneys and a scientist based in New York, NY and Washington, D.C. Together, we work to make our current system of food and farming safe, just, and climate friendly. This role will be based in our office in New York, NY. Our ideal candidate will be available to start as soon as possible.  This position reports directly to the Supervising Senior Attorney and requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. This hybrid role is expected to report to the office ~2 days per week.   Litigation Support (80%):  

Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Under attorney supervision, helping to prepare and filing documents in court and before agencies, including by:
  • Formatting, Bluebooking, cite-checking, and proofreading pleadings and other documents, including preparing cover pages, tables, and exhibits;
  • Drafting basic pleadings and other matter-related documents such as civil cover sheets, certificates, proposed orders, notices of appearance, pro hac vice applications, and retainer agreements; 
  • Ensuring compliance with court rules; and
  • Filing and serving documents electronically and by mail.
• Under supervision of attorneys and scientist, conducting factual and scientific research and analysis to support litigation and other advocacy; writing memos; contributing to and fact-checking advocacy documents; and preparing charts, maps, figures, and other visual aids. 
• Obtaining and synthesizing factual, legal, legislative, and scientific documents from various sources, including courts, government agencies, libraries, Westlaw, HeinOnline, Web of Science, PubMed, and other sources.
• Submitting and tracking requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act and other laws; filing, reviewing, and summarizing responsive information.
• Assisting attorneys in preparation for oral arguments & other engagements, including by printing and organizing relevant documents.
• Submitting and tracking new matter forms and board approval requests.
• Creating, organizing, and maintaining matter files. 
• Maintaining matter calendars, including computing and calendaring court and agency deadlines. 
• Supporting attorneys in gaining admission to courts, renewing registration, and creating and managing e-filing accounts. 
• Assisting attorneys and scientist in identifying potential partners and experts. 
• Tracking relevant court and administrative agency proceedings. 

Administrative  (20%): 

Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Helping to plan quarterly team retreats, including coordinating meals and travel, tracking expenses, and liaising with external vendors.
• Creating and updating PowerPoint and other presentations.
• Screening, researching, and after consultation with attorneys and scientist, responding to public requests for information or representation.
• Ensuring timely and accurate responses to messages and requests from Earthjustice staff and board members.
• Managing hard copy and electronic files in accordance with Earthjustice’s document-retention policies.
• Scheduling meetings and taking notes as requested.
• Assisting with general office tasks such as receiving and sending packages, scanning mail, managing supplies, helping to onboard new employees, shredding documents, and preparing for visitors.

General:

• Helping to foster office morale and positive work environment.
• Completing other tasks as assigned.

 Qualifications:   

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, preferably in environmental science or a related field.
• Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel and PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom. Familia