Associate Attorney
About the Role
The Sierra Club Environmental Law Program seeks an associate attorney to begin work at the Sierra Club national headquarters in Oakland, California starting in September 2027. This position is intended for recent law school graduates and early-career attorneys. As part of the national Sierra Club's legal team, the associate attorney helps coordinate all aspects of the Sierra Club's legal work.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate proposed environmental litigation and prepare formal written recommendations for the Sierra Club's decision-makers
- Support national volunteer and staff leadership in deciding whether the Sierra Club should participate in formal legal matters
- Oversee the Sierra Club's litigation docket at a national level
- Maintain a comprehensive view of active and potential lawsuits and assist in resolving issues as they arise in ongoing lawsuits
- Provide legal advice to Sierra Club chapters around the country
- Support chapters pursuing legal tactics, including helping secure effective, low or pro bono outside counsel and ensuring legal tactics are part of a well-integrated campaign strategy
- Help strategize and implement programmatic legal campaigns
- Help ensure that Sierra Club litigation furthers the principles of equity, inclusion, and justice, consistent with the Jemez Principles
- Ensure fair treatment and meaningful involvement of clients, partners, and front-line community groups and individuals in a way that demonstrates humility, patience, and respect
- During the second year, participate as counsel in select litigation matters aimed at advancing the Sierra Club's national campaigns, working under the supervision and mentorship of senior and staff attorneys
Qualifications
- Law school graduate by August or September 2027
- Admitted to or willing to apply for admission to the California Bar
- 0+ years of post-law school legal experience by August or September 2027
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent writing and analytical skills — able to write clearly and effectively and analyze complex legal issues
- Strong interpersonal and consensus building skills — able to work collaboratively with clients and colleagues from a variety of backgrounds
- Passion for the Sierra Club's mission — demonstrated commitment to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment
- Basic knowledge of environmental law — understanding of key principles of environmental law
- Committed to evolution — committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility; recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate
- Uplifting and additive — see mistakes as opportunities for growth, problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey; carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement savings 401(k) plan
Pay
The annual salary range for this position is $112,640 - $149,596, depending on years of experience. This is a category 5, exempt, represented, professional position. This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the contract between Sierra Club and Environmental Law Program Union.
Please note that Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, and thus Sierra Club employees are not eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Sierra Club values the expertise and talents of foreign nationals. Sierra Club sponsors both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met, based on immigration laws and organizational needs. Such sponsorship is at the discretion of the Department Head and Sierra Club People Department in consultation with the employee's manager. The Sierra Club cannot guarantee the approval of a visa petition.