Staff Attorney, Programs (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 that 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 JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) 

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. 

THE POSITION 

As You Sow seeks an experienced attorney to help advance the unique legal landscape of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues in the shareholder arena. Integral to As You Sow’s innovative approach, the Attorney will address issues ranging from climate change to plastic pollution, environmental health, and social justice among others. Developing ground-breaking strategies, this position helps to shape and drive innovative impact litigation, advance regulatory law,  

respond to novel finance-related questions, and assist in drafting resolutions while defending the shareholder resolution process. The ideal candidate will join an inventive and dedicated staff in creating change that benefits shareholders, companies, communities, and the environment. 

Position Type: 1.0 FTE. Exempt 

Start date: Position will be open until filled 

Reports to: President and Chief Counsel 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

• Overseeing the shareholder resolution process including assisting program staff in crafting effective and defensible shareholder proposals, defending proposals at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), drafting proxy solicitations, assisting in strategic decision making and implementation of responsive actions from derivative lawsuits to board-related initiatives;  
• Drafting comment letters in response to rulemaking proposals from the SEC and other federal and/or state agencies;  

• Assessing and identifying innovative legal strategies across a range of organizational issue areas, including drafting regulatory petitions; 
• Strategizing and working collaboratively with As You Sow’s CEO and Chief Counsel, program staff, shareholder coalitions, and the legal community to respond effectively and creatively to new legal, economic, or political challenges; 
• Conducting other organizational legal work as necessary. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Licensed to practice law in the U.S. (Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent) 
• 3+ years of relevant legal experience, including administrative law experience  
• Excellent litigation or legal advocacy skills, including strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy  
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines  
• Strong systems and strategic thinking skills 

• Demonstrated ability to oversee timely filings and responses in shareholder resolution process, including working effectively with staff; experience a plus, but not necessary   
• Demonstrated capacity to contribute to the development or enforcement of laws and regulations 
• Experience in working successfully with technical experts including scientists, academics, analysts, policymakers, economists, and media experts 
• Experience in program areas including clean energy, environmental health, plastic pollution, and/or social justice preferred 
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships, both internally and externally, including with staff, coalition partners, corporate staff, and governmental staff 

• Passionate personal commitment to progressive social and environmental change 
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite required, with proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook 
• Experience with Wrike or similar project management software a plus  
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail  
• Sense of humor preferred 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US 

• Salary: Negotiable depending upon experience.  
• Benefits: Healthcare, dental, vision insurance, Life, LTD, Voluntary Life, EAP, 401K, phone stipend, 18 holidays, 1 volunteer day, and 10 vacation days in first year of employment (15 vacation days each subsequent year).  
• 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 

https://asyousow.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=45&source=aWQ9Mjg%3D