Earthjustice Seeks Associate Attorney, Toxic Exposure & Health | Apply by June 7, 2026
A Meaningful Legal Career Protecting Public Health and the Environment
Legal professionals passionate about environmental justice and public health have an exciting opportunity to join one of the nation’s leading environmental law organizations. Earthjustice is seeking an Associate Attorney for its Toxic Exposure & Health Program, offering early-career attorneys the chance to contribute to groundbreaking litigation and advocacy aimed at reducing harmful chemical exposures across the United States.
Based in either Washington, DC or New York, NY, this hybrid role combines legal research, litigation, policy advocacy, and community engagement to advance stronger protections against toxic chemicals that threaten human health and environmental well-being.
About the Toxic Exposure & Health Program
The Toxic Exposure & Health Program works to ensure that all people have access to safe workplaces, healthy communities, clean drinking water, and homes free from hazardous chemicals. The program focuses on reducing exposure to toxic substances linked to chronic diseases and health conditions affecting millions of people.
Through strategic litigation and legal advocacy, the team challenges weak chemical regulations, supports stronger public health protections, and promotes environmental justice for communities disproportionately impacted by toxic pollution.
Recent achievements include:
- Securing a major federal court victory requiring stronger regulation of a toxic flame retardant.
- Defending drinking water protections against harmful PFAS chemicals.
- Supporting the passage of legislation banning intentionally added toxic chemicals in menstrual products in New York State.
- Advancing policies that place science and environmental justice at the center of chemical regulation.
Key Responsibilities
The Associate Attorney will work closely with senior attorneys, scientists, policy experts, and communications professionals to develop and pursue impactful legal actions.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Conducting legal research and drafting memoranda.
- Investigating facts and reviewing administrative records.
- Preparing pleadings, motions, and legal briefs.
- Supporting litigation and administrative advocacy efforts.
- Engaging with clients, coalition partners, and technical experts.
- Drafting rulemaking petitions, agency comments, and legislative analyses.
- Participating in oral advocacy and appellate litigation.
- Representing Earthjustice in meetings with stakeholders and government agencies.
- Assisting with supervision and mentorship of student law clerks.
- Serving as a media spokesperson following appropriate training.
This position provides extensive exposure to complex environmental litigation and public interest advocacy.
Professional Development Opportunities
The Associate Attorney role is structured as a three-year position with opportunities for extension and advancement. The program is specifically designed to help attorneys in the early stages of their careers develop litigation expertise and become effective public interest advocates.
Many former associates have progressed into senior legal roles within Earthjustice or moved into leadership positions across the environmental and nonprofit sectors.
Attorneys will gain hands-on experience in every phase of litigation, from case development through appellate advocacy, while working on issues that directly affect public health and environmental protection.
Qualifications and Experience Required
Applicants should possess:
- A Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
- Admission to, or eligibility for admission to, the Washington, DC or New York Bar.
- One to three years of post-law school legal experience.
- Litigation experience, preferably in public interest or environmental law.
- Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and advocacy abilities.
- Sound judgment, creativity, and initiative.
- Ability to work effectively within a collaborative and diverse team environment.
- Commitment to public interest advocacy and environmental justice.
- Willingness to travel as needed for litigation, court appearances, and client engagement.
Earthjustice also values candidates who demonstrate cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.
Compensation and Benefits
Earthjustice offers competitive compensation along with a mission-driven work environment focused on professional growth and impact.
Salary ranges include:
- New York, NY: $114,800 – $123,300 annually
- Washington, DC: $109,100 – $117,100 annually
Employees also benefit from comprehensive benefits packages and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program through Earthjustice’s nonprofit status.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit:
- Resume
- One- to two-page cover letter
- Writing sample
- Law school transcript
The cover letter should specifically address:
- Why the applicant is motivated to work on reducing toxic chemical exposures.
- Why they are interested in partnering with and representing communities that may have backgrounds different from their own or that are disproportionately affected by environmental harms.
Applications from students graduating law school in 2026 will not be considered.
Important Deadline
Applications must be submitted by June 7, 2026.
Successful candidates should be available to begin work by September 2026.
Final Thoughts
This opportunity offers more than a traditional legal position. It provides the chance to help shape environmental and public health protections that impact communities nationwide. Attorneys who are passionate about environmental justice, scientific integrity, and public interest litigation will find a rewarding platform to build their careers while advancing meaningful change.
For legal professionals seeking to combine advocacy, litigation, and public service, the Associate Attorney position within Earthjustice’s Toxic Exposure & Health Program represents an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
