Senior Staff Attorney

THE ORGANIZATION 

MISSION 

As You Sowseeks 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 includingclimate 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 thisgoal through direct engagement with corporate management, formal shareholder resolutions, original research andreports,andinnovativelegal action, among others.We also work to fosterandaligninvestors andinvestments with a sustainable economy, ahealthyenvironment, and thriving communities.

COMMITMENT TO DEI (Diversity and Inclusion)

As You Sowactivelyseeks to recruit &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 Sowseeksan experienced Sr. Staff Attorneytolead inthedevelopment of high-profile impaction litigation & legalstrategiesthatadvance& defendshareholder rights;challengestate & federalactions to prevent investor consideration of environmental,social, & governancerisk; andtoadvanceconsumer protection,environmental,derivative, & related actionsthatdrive accountability & change. 

The Attorney's responsibilities include respondingquickly andeffectively toemerginglegal, legislative, & regulatory challenges;writingamicus briefsfor submissionin key federal & state cases; drafting regulatory petitions;communicating & workingproductivelywith a range of colleagues and organizations;advancing & defending regulatory law across the range of issues on whichAs You Sow works; &participatingintheformulationandadvancement oforganizational strategies, includingassistingstaffin drafting resolutions& defending company challenges to resolutions filed with the SEC.The ideal candidate willbe akeypart ofan inventive & dedicated staffincreating change that benefits shareholders, companies, communities, & the environment.

The Sr. Attorney's primary focus is to develop and executehigh-profileimpact litigation based on innovative legal theories, including responding to evolving threats to shareholder rights.The Attorney works closely withAs You Sow’sPresident & Chief Counselin strategic litigation development.

The ideal candidatehaslitigation experience withan ability to think strategically & creatively. The candidatewill haveexperience inat least one of the following areas:environmental, corporateand securities, and/or administrative law, & have interest or experience in consumer protection, state & federal constitutional law, &/or federal courts issues such as standing &jurisdiction. Experience in securities or corporate governance is astrong plus.The ideal candidate will also have excellent research, writing, & public speaking skills.

This position joins an inventive and dedicated staff in creatingchange that benefits shareholders, companies, communities, & the environment.As You Sow staff are based remotely, & the ideal candidate will have a proventrack record ofself-motivation anddriving tasks to completion.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Produce consistentlyhigh-quality work & undertake activities including:

• Work withAs You Sow’sPresident &Chief Counsel todevelop and execute,innovative legal strategiesthatpromote environmental & social justice, advance corporate responsibility, defend shareholder rights & progress on environmental & social justice issues, & challenge state and federal laws & regulations impeding those interests;

• Recruit & coordinate with outside pro bono counsel;

• Develop& carry out innovative legal cases that advanceshareholder rights, protect existing laws & regulations in pertinent forums including the SEC,& support & defenddemocratic principles;

• Assist staff inadvancingor defendingAs You Sow’s core program areas & assist with the legal aspects ofAs You Sow’s shareholder advocacy work;

• Work collaboratively withAs YouSowprogram staff, allies, & the legal community to respond to new legal, economic, or political challenges;

• Build &maintain relationships with partner organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. degree (or foreign equivalent);

• Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S.jurisdiction;

• 3 or more years of post-graduate legal experience (including clerkships or fellowships)withlitigation experience;

• You can:
  • work independently in a remote working environment whilemeeting deadlines;

• • juggle multipletasks& respond quickly tonew challenges;

• • producework product in a rapidly evolving landscape;

• Flexibility, creativity, & sense of humor;
• Demonstrated commitment to progressive social & environmental change

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US

• Salary:$85,000to $120,000, depending on experience  

• Benefits:Health, dental, vision,long term disability,and life insurance;employeeassistanceprogram; 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 daysthe second year, and 20 vacation days the third year and beyond  

• A teamthat ispassionate and fun  

• A low-ego, high-performance culture and flexible work environment