Summary
Job Title: Staff Attorney
Location: Costa Mesa, CA (In-Person/Hybrid)
Organization: Orange County Coastkeeper
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $90,000 – $110,000 annually, depending on experience
About Orange County Coastkeeper
Orange County Coastkeeper is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting water quality and promoting watershed resilience through education, advocacy, research, restoration, and litigation. Since 1999, Coastkeeper has worked to achieve waters that are swimmable, drinkable, fishable, and sustainable for all.
Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic Staff Attorney who is passionate about water protection and environmental justice. This role is heavily litigation-focused, and it also offers a unique opportunity to engage in policy, advocacy, and community outreach. Our legal team also serves as in-house counsel for Coastkeeper, working closely with other program staff to assist with contracts, grants, and more. Our legal team engages in Clean Water Act litigation to protect our communities, hold polluters accountable, and safeguard California’s waterways.
Key Responsibilities
- 70%: 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.
- 10%: Monitor facility compliance with terms of settlement agreements and hold facilities accountable when they are out of compliance.
- 5%: 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
- 1 to 4 years of relevant legal experience, litigation experience preferred
- 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
- Experience and desire to do litigation
- Commitment to environmental protection and public interest work
- Flexible and able to adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines
- Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively across teams
Compensation & Benefits
- $90,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience
- Full-Time, Monday through Friday
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance 100% employer provided
- Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching after one (1) year of employment
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to sarah[at]coastkeeper.org with the subject line “Your Last Name, Staff Attorney.” This position is open until filled, with a first application review date of February 22, 2026.
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.
