ohio staff attorney
The Organization:
Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services is a 501(c)(3) environmental law firm and community empowerment nonprofit that believes that all people and communities should have access to the tools of change and that everyone has the right to make decisions about their air, water, and places where they live, work and play. We work toward this vision by providing client-centered legal representation regardless of income; through education and coaching in environmental justice communities to support community-driven decisions about their air, water, and places; and by providing mentorship of law students and training to new attorneys in public interest environmental law practice.
Position Summary:
At Fair Shake, staff attorneys handle a full docket of cases that advance Fair Shake’s mission in the areas of public interest litigation, pro bono representation for the underserved, and sliding scale legal services to individual and organizational clients. Our staff attorneys research legal questions, counsel clients, conduct factual investigations, litigate civil and administrative matters, negotiate settlements, draft and file permit and rule comments, and generally help to resolve environmental legal conflicts as part of a full-service environmental law practice. Anticipated case matters can address, among other issues, oil and gas related problems, water quality, land use and zoning, air quality, mining related issues, nonprofit formation and counseling, and common law nuisance and trespass claims.
Desired Skills and Qualities:
Training and experience in environmental and administrative legal issues.
Training and experience in client interviewing and counseling, administrative and civil procedure, trial advocacy, and settlement negotiation.
Experience and training in legal drafting, research, and effective communication.
Demonstrated effectiveness in both collaborative and independent work product and performance.
A commitment to Fair Shake’s environmental justice mission, client-centered counseling approach, and community lawyering.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Juris Doctor degree or the equivalent.
A minimum of 3-5 years of environmental or related legal practice experience (experience in a clinical program or working as a clerk or intern in a law office during law school may count as 1 year of experience in a legal practice).
Current Ohio Bar admittance (additional bar membership in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, or Kentucky would be ideal).
Location:
Fair Shake is an organization whose staff works remotely from their homes with shared office spaces in Beechwood, Ohio, Pittsburgh, PA, and Charleston, WV, and other locations as needed. Organizational meetings are primarily conducted by video conference. However, the Ohio Staff Attorney must be willing to travel across Ohio and to other Fair Shake offices as necessary to address client needs and the organization’s mission. Travel costs will be reimbursed. Also, an initial and annual home office stipend will be provided to enable remote work, and a computer and external monitor will be supplied.
Compensation & Benefits:
Fair Shake is offering an annual salary range of $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate with skills and experience, as well as a comprehensive benefits package that includes 20 days paid vacation; 10 days sick time; 12 weeks paid parental leave; work-related travel cost reimbursement; professional membership and conference allowance; medical, dental, and vision insurance; long- and short-term disability insurance; life insurance; and, after the vesting period, a retirement savings plan.
To Apply:
By September 30, 2024, please submit via email a letter of interest, your CV or résumé, and a writing sample to:
Michael A. Parker, Esq.
Executive Director & Managing Attorney
Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services
6425 Living Place, Suite 200
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
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Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity in our workforce. People who live in environmental justice communities; people of color; indigenous people; women; and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities are encouraged to apply.
