Supervising Attorney

~ Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm designed to incubate legal services start-ups in the area of environmental law for underserved, modest means clients. ~

The purposes of the organization include the education of attorneys in serving modest means clients, increasing equal access to justice, and community empowerment in the Appalachian Basin (New York to North Carolina). Fair Shake advances local, community decision-making about community health, environmental protection and cleanup, and development by providing access to justice for individuals and groups that are currently underserved.

At Fair Shake, Resident Attorneys train in advanced lawyering skills and sustainable business practices. We provide on-the-job training to Resident Attorneys for 2-years to provide a solid foundation to start practices for modest means clients. The residency program is designed to put Residents in the context of the practice that they will run themselves. The business development curriculum includes practical skills growth in client development, financing a practice, billing and pricing, law office management, alternative practice areas and practice diversification, and budgeting.

Position Overview

Fair Shake is looking for a bright, motivated, and entrepreneurial attorney who enjoys a busy docket in a collegial and supportive environment. We are hiring a supervising attorney for our Pittsburgh office who is interested in implementing our mission to increase access to justice in environmental matters for modest means clients.

Responsibilities 

Essential Functions of a Supervising Attorney: 

• A Supervising Attorney will lead the Pennsylvania office of Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services by building client relationships, supervising Resident Attorneys in the local office, building that office's docket, and developing educational materials and presentations for the local community.
• The Supervising Attorney will work closely with the Executive Director and Director of Litigation to integrate the organization's educational, environmental justice, and legal services objectives into everyday operations of the local office.
• The Supervising Attorney is also responsible for ensuring the administrative functions of the local office. 

Qualifications  

Desired Skills & Qualities: 

• Effective and efficient manager of diverse staff and legal matters, including the full spectrum of environmental legal issues in the contexts of client counseling, litigation, and legislative drafting;
• Experience mentoring attorneys in lawyering skills, case management, drafting, research, and effective communication;
• Proven effectiveness in fostering a culture of respect among staff and with clients through internal and external communication policies, collaborative case development processes, the use of client-centered counseling processes, active listening, and developing the decision-making ability of others;
• Maintain effective professional relationships with staff, experts, clients, and colleagues;
• Strong management, mentoring, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Demonstrated initiative and creative problem-solving experience in client interactions and case management;
• Knowledge of prominent environmental issues affecting individuals and communities in Pennsylvania; and
• Proven ability to manage budgets.

A commitment to: 

• Promoting fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies;
• Providing legal representation to allow equal access to the environmental decision-making process and to foster equal protection under the law for the health, preservation, and restoration of natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the environment;
• Educating young attorneys in legal services entrepreneurship and incubating start-up legal services organizations to serve the environmental legal needs of underserved low- and middle-income clients; and
• Empowering communities and stimulating economies in the Appalachian Basin region by providing environmental legal services and counseling to allow the underserved to make decisions about practical and innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges across the region. 

Minimum Requirements - Candidates should possess: 

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in civil or administrative litigation, preferably with a focus in environmental law;
• Current Pennsylvania Bar membership or the ability to be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar within 6 months of employment; and
• The Senior Attorney must be willing to travel across the Commonwealth and to other Fair Shake offices as needed. 

Compensation & Benefits 

Fair Shake offers a competitive non-profit salary commensurate with skills and experience as well as a comprehensive benefits package that includes 20 days paid vacation; medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; and a retirement savings plan. 

To Apply  

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a letter of interest, your CV or résumé, and a writing sample to: 

Emily A. Collins
Executive Director and Managing Attorney
159 S. Main Street, Suite 1030
Akron, OH 44308 

~ Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity in our workforce. ~