Deputy General Counsel

Min 15 yrs required

Full-time

No

Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity.

Earthjustice is seeking a highly experienced and passionate Deputy General Counsel to join their team. This person will serve as the lead legal advisor to all environmental program Vice Presidents, Managing Attorneys, Senior Attorneys, and other program staff. They will also partner with the General Counsel and other attorneys on business issues and data security.

The Deputy General Counsel will be responsible for providing legal advice on a variety of subjects, conducting legal research, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. They will also manage the Senior Counsel for Conflicts and Lobbying Compliance and provide guidance on contracts and risk management. This role will have a significant impact on the organization, as the Deputy General Counsel's work will enhance the professionalism and compliance of the organization over time.

The ideal candidate will have a . and be a member of the California State Bar or the state bar of their residence in good standing. They should have at least 15 years of successful experience practicing law, with a focus on litigation. Experience with cost-effective management of outside legal resources and drafting contracts is also required. The Deputy General Counsel should have a solid understanding of law firm best practices and legal technology, particularly in litigation discovery. They should also have experience analyzing and addressing legal ethics matters.

This role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, as well as a congenial work environment and casual dress code. The annual salary ranges from $197,000 to $231,000, depending on the location. Earthjustice values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other factor not related to the position.

Responsibilities:

Program Legal Advice (75%)

- Partner with other leaders to ensure compliance with lobbying registration and reporting requirements in each state and local jurisdiction
- Provide instruction and advice on lobbying compliance to regional offices
- Serve as the primary legal advisor on ethics compliance issues
- Conduct legal research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for Earthjustice
- Lead projects to improve the onboarding of new program lawyers
- Identify topics for legal compliance training for all lawyers in areas such as ethics, lobbying, and c3 and c4 compliance

Supervisory Responsibilities (15%):

- Directly supervise the Senior Counsel, Conflicts and Lobbying Compliance Deputy
- Contribute to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce

Contracts and Risk Management (10%):

- Review or draft contracts as needed
- Update contract templates
- Consult with external and internal experts
- Select and supervise outside counsel as needed
- Assist the General Counsel with identifying and assessing organizational risk exposure

Qualifications:

Essential Skills and Abilities:

- Demonstrated legal expertise, particularly in litigation
- Ability to quickly grasp and assess complex problems and provide effective solutions
- Strong attention to detail and care in executing written work
- Outstanding communication skills, both verbally and in writing
- Ability to build collaborative relationships and work well in teams
- Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
- Support for Earthjustice's mission and advocacy-based approach to solving environmental problems
- Awareness and sensitivity to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations

Education and/or Experience:

Requirements:

- . and California State Bar admission in good standing, or admission to the state bar of the state of residence in good standing
- Minimum of 15 years of successful experience practicing law
- Experience with cost-effective management of outside legal resources
- Experience drafting and revising contracts
- Experience leading projects in a law firm or legal department context
- Solid knowledge of law firm best practices
- Solid understanding of legal technology
- Expert level knowledge of best litigation discovery practices
- Experience in analyzing and addressing legal ethics matters

Preferred:

- Litigation-based practice experience
- Experience with technology used in law firms, including timekeeping and document management systems
- Knowledge of non-profit corporate law in California
- Experience contributing to training and organizational learning
- Experience overseeing organizational risk assessment and management
- Working knowledge of federal tax law as it applies to §501(c)(3) and (c)(4) organizations
- Non-profit experience
- International legal experience

Salary & Benefits:

- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Congenial work environment and casual dress code
- Annual salary ranges from $197,000 to $231,000, depending on location

How to Apply:

Interested, qualified attorneys should submit an electronic copy of their letter of interest and resume to the following search consultants:
- Steve John, Partner at John and Snyder, LLC, ,
- Jason Snyder, Partner at John and Snyder, LLC, ,

All inquiries and application materials sent directly to Earthjustice will be redirected to John and Snyder, LLC for review, which may cause significant delay in evaluation and response.

Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment 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 not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Not specified

Comprehensive benefits package, congenial work environment, casual dress code

Not specified

Legal expertise, litigation, legal research, ethics compliance, contract drafting, project management, team management, risk assessment, legal technology, advocacy

J.D.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to the search consultants listed. Inquiries and applications sent directly to Earthjustice will be redirected to the search consultants.

Qualification and Experience J.D., admission to state bar in good standing

Legal