Toxic Enforcement Staff Attorney (Remote)

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 than promotes corporate environmental and social responsibility through shareholder advocacy, coalition building, and innovative legal strategies. We believe that the path to a safe, just, and sustainable world for all, can be achieved by compelling corporations to take greater responsibility for the impacts of their environmental, social, and  governance policies and practices. We achieve this goal through direct engagement, shareholder advocacy, research, publishing scorecards, and other innovative and legal actions.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND JUSTICE

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

TOXIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
As You Sow is a leading enforcer of California's “Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act,” known as Proposition 65, a toxic right-to-know law. Since 1992, As You Sow’s Toxic Enforcement Program has been working to bring hundreds of manufacturers and industries into compliance with the Act. We encourage innovative settlements that achieve reductions in hazardous chemicals, eliminate consumer exposures to toxics, and provide funds to groups working to educate the public and reduce exposures to toxic chemicals.

THE POSITION

TOXIC ENFORCEMENT STAFF ATTORNEY
As You Sow is seeking an experienced lawyer with proven litigation skills in environmental, consumer rights, or health advocacy to develop strategy and lead the organization's Toxic Enforcement Program. The Toxic Enforcement Staff Attorney will lead a multi-disciplinary team to develop strategy, research products, evaluate lab results, file notices, initiate corporate actions, and litigate Proposition 65 actions. The Attorney will also work to pursue and develop other innovative legal theories to ensure consumer

protection. This position offers an opportunity for a dynamic leader to direct a long-standing legal practice that benefits public health and consumer protection in California and nationwide.

Position Type: 1.0 FTE. Exempt

Start date: Position will be open until filled

Reports to: President and Chief Counsel

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The Toxic Enforcement Staff Attorney will lead all active and potential litigation cases, guide litigation and negotiation strategy, and manage Program staff. Duties include:

• Managing case progress from initial investigation through final resolution.
• Negotiating with companies and their counsel to attain the best possible outcomes for public health and consumer protection.
• Drafting and evaluating settlement agreements and related documents.
• Overseeing development of factual support for legal cases, including interviewing fact and expert witnesses and developing expert testimony.
• Drafting regulatory comments as necessary in support of retaining strong regulations for environmental and consumer protection, particularly regarding Proposition 65.
• Serving as the public face of the organization’s Toxic Enforcement Program, including developing and maintaining effective working relationships with outside counsel, law clinics, experts, the media, donors, and strategic partners.
• Managing and overseeing Program budget and case-related expenses and awards, including administering the Toxic Enforcement grant-making program.
• Collaborating with Chief Counsel and Toxic Enforcement staff to set clear direction and vision for the Program that is aligned with As You Sow’s mission.
• Clearly and transparently reporting on cases and projects to the Chief Counsel, CEO, and As You Sow
• Identifying and pursuing new opportunities for Proposition 65 litigation or other legal strategies.
• Effectively communicating expectations and providing training for Toxic Enforcement staff.
• Providing performance feedback, both positive and constructive, to Toxic Enforcement staff.
• Celebrating successes and helping team members understand, manage, and learn from setbacks.
• Fostering a collaborative work environment and nurturing team members’ enthusiasm for their work.
• Participating in organization-wide initiatives and trainings that contribute to professional and organizational development and the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture.
• Providing in-house legal expertise as needed, especially contract review.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

The Staff Attorney must be a strategic leader with sound judgment and the ability to manage the Toxic Enforcement practice. Candidates should possess:  

• Experience leading program strategy and implementation
• Desire to have a direct impact on public health
• Superior negotiation skills and a proven record of achieving favorable settlements for clients
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills, including contract drafting and evaluation
• Experience in litigation including motion drafting, discovery, and depositions
• Good working knowledge of California's Toxic Enforcement Act (Proposition 65) and/or substantive knowledge of the state and federal laws affecting environmental health and consumer protection, including administrative law 
• Knowledge and experience in California state court rules and proceedings.
• Ability to read and understand scientific literature and technical information; background in environmental or health-related sciences an advantage
• Good business sense and an entrepreneurial approach to Program development

QUALIFICATIONS

• D. degree with 3+ years legal experience
• Active membership in the California State Bar or willingness to take (and pass) the California Bar
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required
• Strong interpersonal engagement and communication skills
• Experience in managing teams of people
• Organizational and time management skills, with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to act independently, communicate frequently, and ask questions when needed
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated commitment to progressive social and environmental change
• Strong work ethic, self-motivation, and tenacity
• Openness to learning from others and developing new professional and personal skills
• Sense of humor appreciated

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US

• Salary: Negotiable depending upon experience
• Benefits: Healthcare, dental, vision, voluntary life insurance; 401 contribution; LTD; and more
• A team with passion and fun
• A low-ego, high-performance culture and flexible work environment

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