Earthrise Staff Attorney
PRIMARY PURPOSE
Earthrise Law Center is Lewis & Clark Law School’s domestic environmental law clinic. Earthrise trains and educates law students by providing them with opportunities for direct involvement in legal work on complex environmental and natural resource issues. Earthrise also seeks to advance efforts to protect the environment by providing legal representation to public interest organizations and similar entities. The Earthrise Staff Attorney advances the aims of Earthrise by providing legal services to clients and working with students on the cases and projects.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Legal Representation
- Provide legal representation of public interest environmental organizations and similar plaintiffs in complex administrative processes, environmental and natural resource law litigation, and policy analysis and development.
- Participate in public comment opportunities and formulate litigation strategy.
- Interact with clients, opposing counsel and the media.
- Draft and file court documents.
- Appear in court and administrative forums.
Instruction and Student Supervision
- Instruct and supervise law students to facilitate their participation in all phases of administrative processes and/or litigation.
- Participate in weekly class instructional activities and discussion of ongoing cases and ethical responsibilities.
Administrative and Operational Support
- Contribute to the organization's fundraising efforts, including procuring and conducting low-bono fee work when available.
- Contribute to the organization's administrative tasks, including filing, copying, mailing and accounting for business expenses.
Other Duties as Assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS
- Proficient in legal research, writing, and litigation strategy development
- Excellent communication skills across written, verbal, and interpersonal formats
- Superior collaboration skills when working with students, colleagues, and external partners
- Extremely strong organizational and time management skills in managing multiple cases
- Proficient in legal research databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis
- Ability to appropriately employ AI tools and guard against such tools’ misuse
- Excellent judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information
- Superior ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory environments
- Effective at mentoring and guiding learners in professional settings
- Proficient in court filing systems and legal document management tools
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace environment
REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
- Three years or more litigation experience
- Active membership in Oregon Bar or willingness to waive in or take the next bar examination.
PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
- Litigation experience in pollution/regulatory areas or land use. Other areas of experience will be considered.
- Experience working in higher education settings or interest in doing so
- Preferred Tech: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis and appropriate use of AI tools in legal practice
- Experience with Google Drive, Zoom, and other collaboration tools.
WORK SCHEDULE
- Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
- Schedule: 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday
- Benefit Eligible: Yes
- Travel: Some may be required for court appearances or meetings
- In Person: This position is in person and on campus.
PAY RATE
- FLSA Status: Exempt
- Starting at $85,000 per year, with consideration for experience
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