Job Description

Earthjustice is accepting applications for a Senior Attorney to join the Fossil Fuels Program. Earthjustice’s Fossil Fuels Program uses the power of law to support communities fighting aggressive plans to lock in new oil and gas infrastructure, such as petrochemical facilities, pipelines, crude oil and gas export terminals and other projects that would dramatically increase pollution, harm our environment and contribute to climate change. We specifically partner and invest in groups to advance equity and justice as they chart a path toward healthy and thriving communities. This position is place-based in Texas in Houston or remotely within the state. For more information about the Fossil Fuel program’s work, visit https://earthjustice.org/about/offices/fossil-fuelsEarthjustice 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; to safeguard the right of all people to a healthy environment. 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, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.Responsibilities:

• Lead complex cases and the full range of litigation tasks, including factual investigation, legal research, discovery, briefing, witness preparation, trials, and oral advocacy.
• Develop cutting-edge legal theories and strategies.
• Work with clients, other attorneys, and partners to investigate, develop, and litigate cases.
• Work with our media and policy and legislation teams, as well as clients and partners, to leverage legal advocacy to obtain positive change and results.
• Train and mentor junior attorneys, including building their litigation skills in the course of legal advocacy.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of clients and other partner organizations.
• Develop and lead litigation campaigns and strategically integrate legal, advocacy, communication, and organizing strategies to achieve campaign goals.
• Engage in activities, including work with partners, funders, the media, and communities, that enhance the organization’s reputation and the attorney’s role as an “ambassador” of the organization.
  
  

Qualifications

• Admitted to, or eligible for, admission to the Texas Bar.
  
• 6+ years of litigation experience.
• Experience working with environmental law and administrative law. Experience in the Clean Air Act strongly preferred.
• Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills required; trial skills a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with a diverse set of clients and partner organizations.
• Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals associated with diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
• Desire to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
• Commitment to public interest work and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission, including a desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment.

We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity. Salary is based on experience and location. Salary range in Houston or Austin, TX: $144,000-$184,500To ApplyPreference will be given to candidates who apply by May 1, 2026 After that, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For this position, we are looking to hire a candidate who is available to start in the immediate future. Interested applicants should submit the following:

• Resume
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses (1) what draws you to the Program mission; and (2) any experience you have working on environmental, environmental justice, and/or oil and gas issues.
• Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that primarily reflects your work.
• List of three references.

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application.No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position.