The Oceans Program focuses both domestically and internationally on protecting marine wildlife and ocean ecosystems and combatting the causes and consequences of a rapidly changing climate. We do this through litigation and advocacy to: (1) Protect marine biodiversity and the marine ecosystem from destructive industrial fishing practices and other harmful human activities and advocating to build/restore resilience in critical ecosystems; and (2) Combat climate change and protect the ocean ecosystem from harm caused by expanded and unfettered offshore oil and gas drilling. Our team currently consists of ten full-time attorneys, a full-time litigation paralegal, and a part-time litigation paralegal. The person in this position would work on oceans matters in the United States. For more information about the work of the Oceans Program, visit https://earthjustice.org/about/offices/oceans

This position is for a 2.5-year term beginning January 2027. At the end of this term, we expect that the Project Attorney will be prepared and well-positioned to contribute to the broader oceans conservation community, having gained experience, relationships, strategic orientation, and cross-organizational perspective.

This is a hybrid role based in our Seattle or San Francisco office and requires regular in-person attendance.

Responsibilities:

Attorneys perform a range of litigation and advocacy-related tasks including:

• Work closely with Earthjustice attorneys and coordinate with colleagues in partner organizations on strategies to strengthen and reform the legal frameworks governing U.S. ocean protection.
• Conduct factual and legal research, analysis, drafting, and cross-organizational coordination.
• Along with Oceans Program attorneys, represent Earthjustice in virtual and in-person meetings with partner organizations.
• Work closely with Earthjustice attorneys, scientists, and professional staff to build cases and support policies that serve a diverse set of clients.
• Participate in the full range of tasks involved in administrative advocacy and complex litigation, including factual investigation, legal research, memo writing, briefing, and oral advocacy.
• Interact with clients and work with experts to develop a clear understanding of the facts involved in each case and, ultimately, to support our litigation goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Law school graduate with active bar membership and admitted to, or willing to apply for admission to, the relevant state bar.
• 2-5 years of post-law school legal experience.
• Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong and demonstrated work ethic, good judgment, initiative, and creativity.
• Strong desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment.
• Ability to work well independently and in a team-oriented atmosphere.
• Commitment to serving the public interest and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission.
• Contributes towards an equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages partnership, active listening, and integrating diverse perspectives.
• Supports Earthjustice's core values of partnership, inclusion, justice and excellence.
• High level of emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

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. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Salary depends on experience and location.

Salary range in Seattle, WA: $116,600 - $129,200

Salary range in San Francisco, CA: $122,700 - $136,000

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit the following via Jobvite:

• Resume
• A cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects:
• Why you are drawn to this position and particular Oceans legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you;
• Aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with diverse clients and colleagues.
• Writing sample, preferably a legal memorandum or legal brief that is either unedited or lightly edited by someone other than you. Please include a cover sheet explaining the extent of editing by someone else.
• Law school transcript.

For this position, we are seek a candidate available to start in January 2027. Complete applications must be received by October 11, 2026.

Please reach out to [email protected] if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

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