Help our enforcement team protect clean water for all! See below for the full job description.
Job Title: Staff Attorney
Location: Costa Mesa, CA (In-Person/Hybrid)
Job Type: Full-time, Exempt
About Orange County Coastkeeper
Orange County Coastkeeper is dedicated to protecting swimmable, drinkable, and fishable water while promoting watershed resilience throughout the region. Our team engages in advocacy, education, restoration, research, and enforcement to safeguard our water resources.
Position Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic Staff Attorney who is passionate about water protection and environmental justice. Although this role is heavily litigation-focused, it also offers a unique opportunity to engage in policy, advocacy, and community outreach. Our Staff Attorneys also serve as in-house counsel for Coastkeeper, working closely with other program staff to assist with contracts, grants, and more. Our litigation team utilizes mapping tools to target industrial facilities for potential litigation, reaffirming our core mission to assist communities with high pollution and sensitivity to pollution.
Key Responsibilities
- 50%: Litigate Clean Water Act citizen enforcement suits and other environmental enforcement actions. Tasks include drafting notice letters and complaints, engaging in discovery, corresponding with opposing counsel and consultants, and negotiating settlements.
- 20%: Monitor facility compliance with terms of settlement agreements and hold facilities accountable when they are out of compliance.
- 15%: Engage in case investigation and development. Such tasks include identifying facilities for potential litigation, conducting site visits, and engaging with Coastkeeper’s water quality sampling team.
- 10%: Advocacy for new and existing environmental policies and regulations, including negotiating NPDES permits and ensuring coastal and riparian access.
- 5%: In-house counsel tasks, such as reviewing lease agreements and grant contracts.
Qualifications
- Admission to the California Bar or pending admission.
- 0-2 years of experience in legal practice for entry-level salary or 3-5 years for associate-level salary.
- Ability to work in-person or hybrid (minimum of 2 days a week in the office).
- Reside in or be willing to relocate to Orange County.
- Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Commitment to environmental protection and public interest work.
Salary & Benefits
- $80,000 – $100,000 (entry-level) $100,000 – $115,000 (associate-level) based on years of experience;
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
- Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation.
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to sarah@coastkeeper.org with the subject line “Your Last Name, Attorney.” This position is open until filled, with a first application review date of August 20, 2024.
Hiring Statement
Orange County Coastkeeper commits to providing pathways for active participation in water and watershed protection from people of all identities, including but not limited to race, color, religion/culture (dress and grooming practices), national origin, age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex (stereotypes and pregnancy, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, ancestry, gender (identity or expression), military and veteran status, or any other characteristic or activity protected by law.
We cannot achieve our mission of protecting our precious waters and watersheds without the diverse perspectives of our community and collective decision-making. We are committed to breaking historic and systemic barriers that have built systems of water inequity and injustice by building a team that represents the variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills found in our community.
Statistically, women and other underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. We encourage you to apply! In our hiring process, we strive to eliminate bias and create a fair and equitable environment for all candidates. If you meet some of the requirements and have a passion for the work, please apply. If hired, we will support your leadership, initiatives, and self-determination.
Join us at OC Coastkeeper as we continue to build a workplace that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, and unlocks the full potential of every individual. Together, we can achieve great things. Coastkeeper is an equal opportunity employer.
