Senior Staff Attorney

THE ORGANIZATION

MISSION

As You Sow seeks to promote environmental and social corporate responsibility through shareholder advocacy, coalition building, and innovative legal strategies.

VISION

Our vision is a safe, just, and sustainable world in which protecting the environment and human rights is central to corporate decision-making.

OVERVIEW

As You Sow is a Berkeley-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1992. We work across a range of issue areas including climate and energy; biodiversity; circular economy; environmental health; and social justice.

We believe that a safe, just, and sustainable world for all can be achieved by moving corporations to take responsibility for the impacts of their policies and practices. We achieve this goal through direct engagement with corporate management, formal shareholder resolutions, original research and reports, and innovative legal action, among others. We also work to foster and align investors and investments with a sustainable economy, a healthy environment, and thriving communities.

COMMITMENT TO DEI (Diversity and Inclusion)

As You Sow actively seeks to recruit and retain a diverse staff in all areas of our work. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, or sexual orientation.

THE POSITION

As You Sow seeks an experienced Senior Staff Attorney to lead in the development of high-profile impaction litigation and legal strategies that advance and defend shareholder rights; challenge state and federal actions intended to prevent investor consideration of environmental, social, and governance risk; and to advance consumer protection, environmental, derivative, and related actions that drive accountability and change.

The Senior Staff Attorney will be responsible for a range of activities that include responding quickly and effectively to emerging legal, legislative, and regulatory challenges; writing amicus briefs for submission in key federal and state cases; drafting regulatory comment letters and petitions; communicating and working productively with a range of colleagues and organizations; advancing and defending regulatory law across the range of issues on which As You Sow works; and participating in the formulation and advancement of organizational strategies, including assisting staff in drafting resolutions and defending company challenges to resolutions filed with the SEC.

A primary focus of the Senior Attorney will be developing and executing high-profile impact litigation based on innovative legal theories, including responding to evolving threats to shareholder rights. The Attorney will work closely with As You Sow’s President & Chief Counsel in strategic litigation development.

The ideal candidate must have litigation experience and have practiced in one or more of the following areas: environmental law, corporate and securities law, and/or administrative law, and have an interest in or experience in consumer protection, state and federal constitutional law, and/or federal courts issues such as standing and jurisdiction. Experience in securities or corporate governance is a plus. The ideal candidate will also have excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills.

The attorney will join an inventive and dedicated staff focused on creating change that benefits shareholders, companies, communities, and the environment. As You Sow’s staff are based remotely; the ideal candidate will have a proven track record of self-motivation and moving tasks to completion and have flexibility in working hours due to time-zone differences.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Produce consistently high-quality work product and undertake activities including:

• Work with As You Sow’s President & Chief Counsel in developing and executing legal strategies that promote environmental and social justice, advance corporate responsibility, defend shareholder rights, and challenge state and federal laws and regulations that impede or attempt to reduce those interests;
• Develop and carry out, or work with outside counsel on, legal cases that advance shareholder rights, protect existing laws and regulations in pertinent forums including the SEC, and support and defend democratic principles;
• Assist staff in advancing As You Sow’s core program areas and assist with the legal aspects of As You Sow’s shareholder advocacy work;
• Work collaboratively with As You Sow program staff, allies, and the legal community to respond to new legal, economic, or political challenges;
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations and coordinate with outside pro bono counsel.

QUALIFICATIONS

• D. degree (or foreign equivalent);
• Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and willingness to become barred in at least one other jurisdiction, as necessary;
• 3 or more years of post-graduate legal experience (including clerkships or fellowships) with litigation experience;
• Ability to work independently in a remote working environment while meeting deadlines;
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and respond quickly to new challenges;
• Ability to produce work product in a rapidly evolving landscape;
• Flexibility, creativity, and sense of humor;
• Demonstrated commitment to progressive social and environmental change.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US

• Salary: $110,000 to $140,000, depending on experience
• Benefits: Health, dental, vision, long term disability, and life insurance; employee assistance program; 401(k) with 4% match; parental leave; phone/internet stipend; 18 holidays; two personal days; one volunteer day; nine sick days; and 10 vacation days in first year of employment, 15 vacation days the second year, and 20 vacation days the third year and beyond
• A team that is passionate and fun
• A low-ego, high-performance culture and flexible work environment

START DATE:   Position will be open until filled

REPORTS TO:  President & Chief Counsel

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS JOB

Please apply through our job site. Applications will be accepted until a great candidate is found. We thank all applicants for your interest.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

As You Sow is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization and is an equal opportunity employer. As You Sow makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. As You Sow does not unlawfully discriminate on the of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, family care status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or identification, or any other basis protected by law. Women, People of Color, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information about As You Sow, go to: www.asyousow.org

Compensation: $110,000 to $140,000