Job description

About Us

The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families harmed by pollution and vulnerable to climate change in the Gulf Coast Region through research, education, community and student engagement for policy change, as well as health and safety training for environmental careers.

Position Summary

DSCEJ is seeking a lawyer to join the Community Engagement Program. This is an opportunity to work collaboratively in multi-state projects to advance community-driven solutions that achieve environmental justice and climate equity. The individual in this role is responsible for legal research and analysis in the areas of environmental law, administrative law, civil rights, and human rights. The ideal candidate would have experience in community lawyering.

Location (On-site preferred. Remote/Hybrid considered.)
9801 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127

Duties & Responsibilities:

GENERAL

• Advance the strategic plan and priorities in the Community Engagement Program
• Conduct legal research and analysis in the areas of environmental law, administrative law, civil rights protection, and human rights law
• Provide legal assistance in litigation brought by or on behalf of DSCEJ
• Prepare and timely submit administrative comment letters
• Review and analyze issues of concern to DSCEJ partner community-based organizations
• Represent DSCEJ in public meetings and administrative hearings
• Assist in the preparation of case file documents
• Assist in planning and organizing DSCEJ symposia, educational workshops, and other convenings
• Assist in drafting DSCEJ reports
• Assist in conducting policy briefings

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience in advancing social justice
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Skills of persuasion and negotiation
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Detail-oriented
• Strong computer skills and competency
• Professional attitude and strong personal ethics
• Minimum of two years of experience in the practice of law or judicial clerkship
• Experience in community lawyering, preferred
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree required

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to access and navigate the office
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time
• Occasional travel required

Salary & Benefits

• Salary range: $80-90K (negotiable with commensurate qualifications and experience)
• Medical: Health, Dental, Vision
• Retirement: 401k with up to a 2% annual salary contribution on staff accounts
• Paid Life and AD&D

How to Apply

Please email the following to operations@dscej.org:

• A detailed cover letter highlighting your interest and applicable experience
• Your resume
• A sample of your legal writing
• Three professional references

Please include “Law and Public Policy Associate” in the subject line.

EEOC Statement

It is the policy of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

More about the DSCEJ

The DSCEJ was founded by Dr. Beverly Wright in 1992 in collaboration with community environmental groups and universities in the Southern region to advance environmental justice. Since this time, the DSCEJ has become a powerful resource for environmental justice research, education, advocacy, as well as health and safety training for environmental careers.

The DSCEJ provides opportunities for communities, scientific researchers, and decision makers to collaborate on projects that promote the rights of all people to be free from environmental harm as it impacts health, jobs, housing, education, and quality of life. A major goal of the Center continues to be the development of environmental justice leaders in Black and other communities of color along the Mississippi River Chemical Corridor and the broader Gulf Coast Region.

To learn more, please visit www.dscej.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New Orleans, LA 70127

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