Essential Information- Associate Counsel

Location: Flexible within the U.S.

Term: Full-time employee

Experience: J.D. degree, license to practice as an attorney in any United States jurisdiction, and at least one year of professional legal experience

Essential Information seeks to hire an Associate Counsel to provide legal analysis and legal representation, primarily on public records law matters, to researchers, reporters, and advocates focused on issues including climate change, environmental justice, democracy protection, and corruption. Essential Information is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing information to the public on important topics often neglected by the mass media and policy makers.

Working under the supervision of the Essential Information Counsel, the Associate Counsel will advise and assist a range of influential national research and advocacy organizations on public records requests and litigation.

Essential Information’s legal portfolio also includes media law, environmental law, administrative law, and non-profit law, and the Associate Counsel may from time to time assist on such matters as well.

Candidates must have at least one year of professional legal experience as well as expertise in, or interest in developing expertise in, the Freedom of Information Act and state public records laws.

Essential Information values a diversity of backgrounds and experiences and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage people who identify as women, people of color, gender non-conforming, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities to apply.

Responsibilities:

· Provide legal advice and analysis regarding public records law matters

· Represent requesters in public records matters including Freedom of Information Act administrative appeals and lawsuits; engage and collaborate with local counsel as appropriate

· Coach and train researchers on public records request drafting and challenges

· Perform research on open records law, environmental law, and other subjects, and help prepare substantive memoranda and reports

· Assist Essential Information Counsel on other legal matters as needed

Qualifications:

· J.D. degree and a license to practice as an attorney in any United States jurisdiction

· At least one year of professional legal experience after receipt of J.D.

· Strong research and writing skills

· Commitment to corporate and government accountability, environmental protection, equity, and justice

· Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds

· Experience and skill in working directly with clients

· Knowledge of public records law, media law, administrative law, environmental law, or ethics law

· Ability to work independently and efficiently

· Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in previous jobs or your daily life.

If you have most of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply. Experience can refer to paid and unpaid work.

Salary range: $65,000 or higher, commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits available.

Application Process

Please submit your application via Google Form on or before September 30, 2021. We will follow up with you no later than October 15 on the status of your application. Please direct any questions to Allison Kole, Counsel, Essential Information, at akole@essential.org.