The California Attorney General’s Bureau of Environmental Justice is seeking a qualified attorney with an interest in high impact, cutting edge, and creative legal work that reduces pollution and improves public health in the most vulnerable communities across California. Our team is committed to public service, and we offer a supportive and collegial work environment. The Bureau of Environmental Justice is located within the Environmental Justice and Protection Section.
The Bureau of Environmental Justice handles a broad range of significant environmental matters on behalf of the Attorney General and the State of California that raise equity and environmental justice concerns. Attorneys in the Bureau represent the Attorney General in his independent capacity pursuant to his statutory and common law authority by initiating and conducting environmental investigations, commenting on proposed projects, regulations, and other matters, litigating all phases of cases in state and federal courts, and using all available legal tools to pursue environmental justice and prevent rollbacks of important environmental equity initiatives. Duties include, but are not limited to: conducting complex environmental investigations on behalf of the Attorney General; coordinating and jointly pursuing actions with District Attorney Offices, other Attorney General Offices, additional state and local agencies, and tribes; and providing legal advice on an ongoing basis to the Attorney General and his staff on matters related to environmental justice. For a selection of actions taken by the Bureau of Environmental Justice, please see https://oag.ca.gov/environment/justice.
Members of the Bureau enforce a broad variety of state and federal environmental laws, such as the California Environmental Quality Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Unfair Competition Law, Proposition 65 (the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act), the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and laws to protect tribal cultural resources. They also initiate and pursue investigations under the Government Code, including issuing and enforcing investigative subpoenas, and litigate common law claims, such as public nuisance.
Working Conditions:
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on DOJ’s current telework policy. While DOJ supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises.
Classifications considered:
Deputy Attorney General (0-5 years of experience)
Deputy Attorney General III (5+ years of experience)
Deputy Attorney General IV (6+ years of experience)
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Membership in the California State Bar
Desirable Qualifications:
Complex civil litigation experience; an understanding of and experience working on environmental justice issues and with environmental justice communities, advocates, other stakeholders, and tribal governments; the ability to work under tight deadlines and pressure; a demonstrated ability to and experience in developing litigation plans, managing caseloads, prioritizing competing deadlines, and using independent judgment are desirable. Strong candidates will possess excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, as well as skill in oral advocacy and negotiations. Strong candidates will be well-organized and detail oriented, have a positive attitude, be a team player, have an excellent work ethic, and will be highly motivated to work in the area of environmental law on behalf of the Attorney General and the State. Environmental law background is desirable.
Application Process
Please submit an application via CalCareers by 3/17/2025:
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=464662
In your application package, please include:
- Standard State Application (completed online)
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample – dispositive motion, pretrial motion, or appellate brief
