Greenfire is looking to hire an Associate Attorney with a minimum of 4 years of litigation experience in California.
Job Description: Greenfire Law, PC is a public interest law firm handling litigation and policy work on behalf of citizen plaintiffs or non-profit groups specializing in environmental law, animal law, land use, open government, and telecommunications. Though located in Berkeley, California, we regularly litigate state and federal court cases and administrative proceedings in California and across the United States. We are seeking an associate attorney with a minimum of four years of litigation experience in California for immediate hire. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about the opportunity to work for a small firm, which provides a certain level of independence. Candidates should be mature enough to work independently but also ask for help when needed.
Responsibilities
- Develop new cases in close collaboration with citizen and non-profit clients, which include responsibility to conduct factual investigations; develop legal theories; draft pleadings and briefs; and otherwise manage new and existing cases in state or federal courts and administrative agencies.
- Assist in representation of clients in complex cases involving the full range of litigation tasks, including factual investigation, legal research, discovery, briefing, witness preparation, trials, and oral advocacy, and otherwise manage new and existing cases in state or federal courts and administrative tribunals from beginning to end.
- Collaborate in team problem solving, litigation strategy, project management and trial work.
- Supervise the work of fellows, interns, and litigation assistants
- Cultivate new allies and engage in partnerships with, and representation of, community groups, workers, organizations, coalitions, and others.
- Support and contribute to a positive, respectful, supportive, and collegial work environment.
- Participate in training and professional development opportunities appropriate to the role and the organization.
Qualifications
- Admitted to the Bar of the State of California with at least four years of experience litigating cases, one or more of which can include clerkship experience.
- Willing and able to work in Berkeley, though remote applicants will be considered.
- Attorneys with substantial litigation experience and the ability to litigate cases from beginning to end, independently if necessary are also welcome to apply. We expect that in most cases a candidate meeting this requirement would have at least six years litigation experience, but candidates with fewer years of experience are welcome to apply so long as they meet this functional requirement.
- Excellent litigation skills, including legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
- Ability to manage a litigation docket effectively, including ability to work independently and to prioritize tasks and deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well collegially both inside and outside the organization.
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with client partners and in leading a litigation team.
- Strong and demonstrated initiative, good judgment, creativity, flexibility, and work ethic.
- Ability and willingness to travel as needed, including for case work, court appearances, and meetings with clients and partners.
- Commitment to serving the public interest and a passion for the role of public interest litigation in the environmental movement.
- An ability and commitment to help create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
- Willingness and ability to effectively supervise and mentor early career staff in connection with litigation and advocacy projects, and to help foster an inclusive and nurturing work environment.
Compensation: Salary within the range of $90,000 to $150,000 and includes payment of bar dues and CLE allowance. The firm offers health insurance and a retirement plan.
Applications submitted through recruiters will not be considered.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to us at administrative@greenfirelaw.com and include “Associate Position Applicant” in the subject of the email. Please be prepared to provide a writing sample and references upon request.
Greenfire is looking to hire a current law student seeking experience in animal law and environmental law as 2025 Summer Law Clerk.
The Greenfire Law Summer Clerkship is a paid, full-time employment position designed for a current law student seeking experience in animal law and environmental law. The law clerk will work in-person at our law office in Berkeley, California.
Job Description: This clerkship is housed within Greenfire Law, PC, a public interest law firm committed to providing high quality legal representation to clients advancing matters of important public policy. Our attorneys handle litigation and policy work on behalf of citizen plaintiffs, non-profit organizations, and communities. We specialize in environmental law, animal law, land use law, and open government. Our office is in Berkeley, California, near the Ashby BART station. Law clerks will conduct legal research, prepare a variety of written work products, and assist attorneys in responding to client needs for representation in a variety of matters, including animal law, environmental, and land use matters. Certain assignments will respond to the needs of immediate and open cases, such as pending litigation in state or federal court, both in California and in other states. Other assignments may involve more long-term projects to examine and develop legal strategy to address emerging issues in environmental or animal law.
Objectives: The clerkship is an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in animal law and environmental law and develop practical legal skills by working on active cases alongside Greenfire Law’s associate attorneys and shareholders. Law clerks will receive ongoing training and feedback, including meeting 1:1 with supervising attorneys and/or associate attorneys. They will work with Greenfire Law attorneys on a variety projects, including at least one long-term project that will culminate in a work product such as a writing sample. As a member of our team, the law clerk will have the opportunity to attend networking events and participate in social events with Greenfire Law staff and attorneys throughout the summer.
Responsibilities: The law clerk will be expected to maintain high standards of professional responsibility. While specific responsibilities may vary by project, a successful candidate will be able to work independently or collaborate, as needed, and communicate effectively concerning work products and timelines. Law clerks will be encouraged to participate in scheduled networking and engagement activities. Additional responsibilities will be discussed during interviews.
Reports to: Supervising attorneys, including associate attorneys, shareholders.
Employment Status: Full-time, temporary (10 weeks, beginning in May or June).
Requirements
- Rising 3L or LLM student at an ABA accredited law school.
- Eligible to work in the United States.
- Can arrange their own housing in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Interest and desire to advocate on behalf of animals and the environment.
- Superior legal research and writing skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness and capability to collaborate with others in a small, team environment.
- Flexibility, commitment to organization and time-management.
- Ability to work independently, and to ask questions as needed.
- Supports high ethical standards and professional responsibility.
Compensation and Benefits
- $25/hour
- Paid holidays (i.e., Memorial Day, Fourth of July)
How to Apply: Please combine the following materials into one PDF and submit to administrative@greenfirelaw.com.
- Cover letter
- A current resume including 2-3 professional references
- Law school transcript (unofficial is okay)
- An original writing sample of no more than 10 pages
Interested candidates should apply by January 20, 2025. Interviews will begin the week of February 3, 2025.
Application packets should be submitted via email attachment to administrative@greenfirelaw.com; please include “Summer Law Clerkship Application” in the subject line.
Questions may be directed to Lily Rivo at lrivo@greenfirelaw.com.
