Senior Staff Attorney

Senior Staff Attorney

Full-Time, Remote, Exempt Position

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 legal strategies to advance and defend shareholder rights and the unique legal landscape of shareholder-related environmental, social, and governance issues.

The 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 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. The ideal candidate will be a key part of an inventive and dedicated staff in creating change that benefits shareholders, companies, communities, and the environment.

A primary focus of the Senior Attorney will be developing high-profile impact litigation, especially: (1) challenges or responses to state and federal laws or regulations that seek to inhibit meaningful shareholder action; and (2) consumer protection, derivative, regulatory, and related actions to drive accountability and change. The Attorney will work closely with As You Sow’s President & Chief Counsel to develop and execute impactful legal strategies based on innovative theories.

The ideal candidate is an experienced litigator with an ability to think strategically and creatively. The candidate must have experience in environmental law and administrative law, and have interest 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 bonus. The ideal candidate will also have excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills.

This position joins an inventive and dedicated staff in creating change that benefits shareholders, companies, communities, and the environment. As You Sow staff are based remotely, and the ideal candidate will have a proven track record of self-motivation and driving tasks to completion. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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

• Work with As You Sow’s President & Chief Counsel and staff attorney in ideating and developing, and take the lead on executing, innovative legal strategies
  that promote environmental and social justice, advance corporate responsibility, defend shareholder rights and progress on
  environmental and social justice issues, and challenge state and federal laws and regulations impeding those interests
  
• Develop and carry out innovative 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 or defending
  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 attorneys, program staff, allies, and the legal community to respond to new legal, economic, or political challenges 
  
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. degree (or foreign equivalent)
  
• Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
  
• 5 or more years of post-graduate legal experience (including clerkships or fellowships) with significant 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 and sense of humor
  
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite required, with proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Sharepoint
  
• Demonstrated commitment to progressive social and environmental change

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US

• Salary:  $85,000 to $120,000, 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.

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