Earthrise Legal Fellow Contract

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Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Founder’s Legacy Legal Fellow at Earthrise Law Center reports directly to the Earthrise faculty members and staff attorneys. This role is primarily responsible for assisting in all aspects of litigation and advocacy matters, including case development, legal research and writing, motions practice, discovery, oral argument, settlement, and policy advocacy. The ideal candidate will possess excellent research, writing, and communication skills, as well as a demonstrated commitment to public interest environmental law. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at working collaboratively with attorneys and staff, conducting thorough legal research, and contributing to the development of legal strategies.

This is a temporary, two-year position with a start date in late August 2025. Please note, there is no option for extension beyond the two-year term.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Legal Research and Writing

• Conduct comprehensive legal research on complex environmental law issues

• Draft legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other court filings

• Prepare and edit written reports and policy documents for internal and external stakeholders

Case Development and Litigation Support

• Assist in case development, including gathering and organizing evidence

• Review administrative records and assist in negotiations and/or motions practice regarding the adequacy of agency records

• Prepare discovery documents, including requests for production and interrogatories

• Support attorneys in case preparation for hearings and trial, including preparing exhibits and witness lists

Client and Expert Communication

• Communicate directly with clients to gather information and provide case updates

• Coordinate with expert witnesses and consultants to gather and analyze information for cases or other advocacy efforts

Policy Advocacy and Environmental Initiatives

• Contribute to policy advocacy efforts, including drafting position papers and policy briefs

• Support initiatives related to forest protection, endangered species, energy infrastructure, and water quality and related issues

Professional Development and Collaboration

• Work closely with Earthrise faculty and staff attorneys to develop professional skills and contribute to legal strategies

• Participate in training and mentorship activities to grow expertise in environmental public interest law

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

• Proficient in environmental law with a strong understanding of public interest legal issues, including water quality, endangered species, and forest protection

• Excellent knowledge of legal research methods, case law, and statutes relevant to environmental issues

• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and concisely

• Superior proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis

• Extremely effective organizational and time-management skills, able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• Superior ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of attorneys, clients, and expert witnesses

• Excellent ability to analyze legal issues and develop clear, effective legal strategies

• Proficient in managing administrative record and discovery processes, including drafting and reviewing documents

• Commitment to promoting inclusion in the workplace, ensuring a collaborative and respectful environment for all colleagues

• Extremely proactive attitude, taking initiative to support team goals and case development

• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in legal documents and communications

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school, expected by December 2024 or Spring 2025

• Licensed to practice law in Oregon within one year of starting the fellowship

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Completion of environmental law courses, clinics, or externships during law school

• Experience working in public interest law or environmental advocacy, either through law school internships or volunteer opportunities

• Proficiency in legal research platforms such as Westlaw or LexisNexis

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full Time

• 37.5 hours/week

• Benefits Eligible: Yes

• Some hybrid days available.

PAY RATE

• FLSA Status: Exempt

• $59,000, with an increase to $63,000 annually in second year of fellowship, plus benefits

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• General office environment

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer

• Communicate effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

In the ‘My Experience’ section of the application, please upload your resume/CV and cover letter, along with the following additional materials:

• a transcript (official or unofficial)

• a list of three references

• and a writing sample

Applications missing any of these materials will be considered incomplete and may not be reviewed. The application deadline is January 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Directions for Cover Letter

Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.

Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies. Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators

(https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance).

Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Background Check

Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.

Eligibility to Work

In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.