Ecojustice Canada

At Ecojustice, we build a case for a better earth every day! We fight, and win, for our planet in court. Our Mission is why people join Ecojustice. People who choose to join us recognize that this planet is our most treasured inheritance, and it is our imperative to be good stewards for the generations who follow us. We use the power of the courts to defend what we value most. We believe in protecting the environment while having enough time off to enjoy it. If you are courageous, collaborative, and dedicated to the fight for a healthier environment, you will find your people here. About The Role If you are a law student who wants to work for a public interest environmental law firm next summer, followed by your 2026-27 Articles, then here is an outstanding opportunity for you to join Canada's legal champion for a healthy environment. We are currently seeking one student to work in the Halifax office for both the 2025 summer term and 2026-27 articling term. Please note that the successful candidate will be expected to be available for the full duration of both these placements. It will be a learning experience that you will never forget! You will have the opportunity to work along with people deeply passionate about the environment and social justice and contribute to the challenge and complexity of Ecojustice’s work. As an Ecojustice summer student, you will assist our professional staff by providing legal assistance on environmental law and policy issues by: Conducting legal, policy and general research Preparing legal memoranda, primarily in the areas of environmental and administrative law Responding to inquiries from members of the public about environmental law questions and issues Providing general litigation support (assisting in drafting pleadings and submissions, preparing briefs of authorities, etc.) Assisting in researching and writing Ecojustice Canada reports Assisting with requests for information and reviews under the Freedom of Information Act and Access to Information Act Interacting with clients and non-governmental environmental organizations Role Success We are currently working to embed our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation into all aspects of our organization. We value candidates who enjoy building meaningful, collaborative partnerships with equity-seeking groups and operationalizing JEDI-R values in day-to-day practices and operations. Typically, we find that people who succeed in this role: Have a demonstrated interest in environmental law and a desire to work in the public interest area Are familiar with environmental and administrative law Possess excellent research and writing skills Application Process Applications must be received on or before January 13, 2025 at 5:00pm AT. To apply, please submit the following materials through our Career page : Cover letter and Resume, may be addressed to "Ecojustice Hiring Committee" Law school transcripts A writing sample, preferably a legal research memo from law school or your previous experience, 7-10 pages maximum Three letters of recommendation. These letters can be submitted with your application or, if your reference prefers, sent directly to the hiring team via email at careers@ecojustice.ca (please request them to input your name into the subject line of the email). For your reference, for this position we will be following the recruitment timeline as laid out below: Application Deadline: January 13, 2025 at 5pm AT Scheduling of Interviews: January 28, 2025 Interview week: February 3-6, 2025 Offers start: February 7, 2025 at 9am AT Acceptance of offer: February 7, 2025 at 9:30am AT Our Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Ecojustice is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and is responding to the calls for action to further reconciliation. We encourage applications from people with relevant job-related skills and who come from communities that have been structurally marginalized based on race, religion, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. Members belonging to communities that experience marginalization can self-identify during the application process if they choose to do so. Great Reasons to Join Us Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 charities by Charity Intelligence. Annual winter break 13 public holidays (including National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) 4 hours per month of paid personal life organization time Additional flexible leave policies that accommodate physical and mental health leave, caregiving responsibilities, volunteering, and other life events. 100% employer-paid extended health benefits package, including up to $1500 per year of mental health coverage and employee and family assistance program (during the articling term) $500 per year wellness spending account (pro-rated for the articling term) Colleagues dedicated to environmental impact through their work at Ecojustice (99% mission alignment rating from internal surveys). A culture of collaboration where employees are fostered by their managers (97% manager relationship rating from internal surveys). Learning opportunities to further our strategic commitment towards justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation. Our Commitment to Transparency and Workplace Accessibility As a charity, our value proposition is that of a mission-based organization, offering high-value benefits and perks. We are consistently benchmarking base pay to the non-profit industry and relevant areas of expertise to ensure we are both competitive and fair.  Transparency, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to us. We post predetermined salaries to ensure that the hiring process and compensation are equitable for all. Ecojustice strives to ensure that our online application system and recruitment process are accessible to individuals with different abilities and encourages candidates to contact careers@ecojustice.ca for any accommodation requests.

About Us As Canada’s largest environmental law charity our mission is using the law to defend nature, combat the climate crisis, and fight for a healthy environment for all. To achieve this, Ecojustice does three things:   We go to court- Our lawyers represent citizens, environmental organizations, First Nations, sustainable businesses, labour organizations, and any other groups that share our mission. We push for better laws- Our experts testify in front of committees and make recommendations to strengthen environmental legislation. We engage the public- Our work highlights environmental issues and changes the conversation, forcing our leaders to sit up and listen.   Our Mission is why people join Ecojustice. People who choose to join us recognize that this planet is our most treasured inheritance, and it is our imperative to be good stewards for the generations who follow us. We believe in protecting the environment while having enough time off to enjoy it. If you are courageous, collaborative, and dedicated to the fight for a healthier environment, you will find your people here.   About The Role As a Staff Lawyer you will be at the cutting edge of environmental law: working with Ecojustice lawyers from across Canada in bringing strategic, game-changing public interest lawsuits and reforming Canada’s laws to deliver lasting solutions to our most urgent environmental problems: the climate emergency, species extinction and the pollution of the air, water and soil on which all life depends. A Staff Lawyer works as part of the Ecojustice program team to develop and conduct litigation and law reform files, on behalf of a broad range of clients. Staff lawyer duties also include a range of related tasks that contribute to our organizational effectiveness and are essential to ensuring our legal work has the maximum impact.   Responsibilities As a Staff Lawyer, your responsibilities include:     Developing and carrying litigation files, and supporting law reform and other work identified as priorities for Ecojustice. Contributing as a Program (Climate, Nature, Healthy Communities) team member by Researching and developing files contributing to development of Program team work-plans; helping to evaluate projects proposed to the team Keeping up-to-date on new developments in relevant areas of law, undertaking reasonable training to maximize expertise Assisting program peers in training and maintaining the highest practice standards Professional case management and file management Share administrative tasks, including interviewing new staff, supervising, and mentoring students, and helping with responses to new case inquiries. Guide and collaborate with supporting communications staff to develop communication opportunities Attend and participate at fundraising or other profile-raising events (external/internal)     Role Success We are currently working to embed our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation into all aspects of our organization. We value candidates who enjoy building meaningful, collaborative partnerships with equity-seeking groups and operationalizing JEDI-R values in day-to-day practices and operations.   Typically, we find that people who succeed in this role bring:     Bachelor’s degree in law and a member in good standing with the relevant Law Society. 5-7 Years called to the bar Litigation experience, ideally in one or more practice areas such as environmental law, administrative law, or Aboriginal law. Ability to explain legal and scientific information and concepts to general public. Understanding of pollution or toxics regulation is an asset Experience and training in administrative, environmental, or Aboriginal law is an asset Commitment to work in a team environment, across disciplines, with individuals across Canada     Our Commitment To Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ecojustice is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and is responding to the calls for action to further reconciliation.   We encourage applications from people with relevant job-related skills and who come from communities that have been structurally marginalized based on race, religion, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. Members belonging to communities that experience marginalization can self-identify during the application process if they choose to do so.   Ecojustice strives to ensure that our online application system and recruitment process are accessible to individuals with different abilities and encourages candidates to contact careers@ecojustice.ca for any accommodation requests.   Great Reasons To Join Us Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 charities by Charity Intelligence. Hybrid, remote, or full office setup including a $125 stipend for green transportation if you select hybrid. 3 weeks of vacation increasing every two years of service up to 6 weeks Annual winter break 5% salary RRSP contribution after 1 year 13 public holidays (including National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) 2 additional “floater” days off 4 hours per month of paid personal life organization time Additional flexible leave policies that accommodate physical and mental health leave, caregiving responsibilities, volunteering, and other life events. 100% employer-paid extended health benefits package, including up to $1500 per year of mental health coverage and employee and family assistance program $500 per year wellness spending account Parental leave top-up for birthing and non-birthing parents. Colleagues dedicated to environmental impact through their work at Ecojustice (99% mission alignment rating from internal surveys). A culture of collaboration where employees are fostered by their managers (97% manager relationship rating from internal surveys). Learning opportunities to further our strategic commitment towards justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.     Our Commitment to Transparency As a charity, our value proposition is that of a mission-based organization, offering high-value benefits and perks. We are consistently benchmarking base pay to the non-profit industry and relevant areas of expertise to ensure we are both competitive and fair. Transparency, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to us. Our litigation practice salaries are predetermined based on our benchmarking practices and increase annually based on Year of Call.

Location: Ottawa Office Requirement: hybrid - 2 days/week in office Hours: 35 Weekly Salary: $63,672.25 Year Reports to: Managing Lawyer - Atlantic Region Timeline : application closes November 13th   About Us   As Canada's largest environmental law charity, our mission is using the law to defend nature, combat the climate crisis, and fight for a healthy environment for all. To achieve this, Ecojustice does three things:   We go to court- Our lawyers represent citizens, environmental organizations, Indigenous leaders, organizations, and communities, sustainable businesses, labour organizations, and any other groups that share our mission. We push for better laws- Our experts testify in front of committees and make recommendations to strengthen environmental legislation. We engage the public - Our work highlights environmental issues and changes the conversation, forcing our leaders to sit up and listen.   Our team recognizes that this planet is our most treasured inheritance, and it is our imperative to be good stewards for the generations who follow us. We believe in protecting the environment while having enough time off to enjoy it.   About the Role   Supporting the Managing Lawyer, the Legal Administrative Assistant and Clinic Administrator will support our litigators in Ottawa, collaborating across Canada when needed. This role will provide specific guidance and carry out a variety of day-to-day functions to assist staff lawyers and other team members with their everyday practice management.   Ecojustice also has a partnership with the University of Ottawa, jointly running the University of Ottawa-Ecojustice Environmental Law Clinic. This role will provide administrative support to the functions of the Environmental Law Clinic and the Ottawa Office.   Responsibilities   The Legal Administrative Assistant and Clinic Administrator will provide legal administrative support to the Managing Lawyer and our litigation team in Ottawa, collaborating across Canada when needed. They will provide specific guidance and carry out a variety of day-to-day functions to assist staff lawyers and other team members with their everyday practice management.     In addition, Ecojustice has a partnership with the University of Ottawa, jointly running the University of Ottawa-Ecojustice Environmental Law Clinic. This role will provide administrative support to the functions of the Environmental Law Clinic and the Ottawa Office.     Responsibilities     As a key member of our Ottawa team, you will be responsible for:     Litigation support including drafting legal documents, serving, filing, and submitting court and tribunal filings Record keeping including maintaining litigation records, library and filing systems. Coordinate people and projects including summer and articling students, program and office communications Administration for classes at the University of Ottawa – Ecojustice Environmental Law Clinic, including online course work administration, communication, coordination with students, booking guest speakers, etc. Ensuring smooth operations of the Ottawa office including management of facilities, mail, equipment, and office supplies     Role Success   Typically, we find that people who succeed in this role bring:     Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience. 5 years of direct experience in administration preferably as a Clerk or Legal Administrative Assistant, including experience in drafting court documents and assisting with court procedures (serving, filing). 1 year of litigation support experience Experience with Outlook email and calendar management Experience with Adobe and Microsoft Office Suite – Word and Excel Direct experience supporting an office, preferably in a legal/law office; general office administration experience. Professional written and verbal communication in English Bilingual in French and English is an asset but not a requirement     Our Commitment To Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JEDI-R)   We are committed to embedding our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation into all aspects of our organization. We value candidates who enjoy building meaningful, collaborative partnerships with equity-deserving groups and operationalizing JEDI-R values in day-to-day practices and operations.   We encourage applications from people with relevant job-related skills and who come from communities that have been structurally marginalized based on race, religion, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression.   Members belonging to equity deserving communities can self-identify during the application process if they choose to do so.   Great Reasons To Join Us     Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 charities by Charity Intelligence. Hybrid, remote, or full office setup including a $125 stipend for green transportation if you select hybrid. 3 weeks of vacation increasing every two years of service up to 6 weeks Annual winter break 5% salary RRSP contribution after 1 year 13 public holidays (including National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) and two additional floater days 4 hours per month of paid personal life organization time Additional flexible leave policies that accommodate physical and mental health leave, caregiving responsibilities, volunteering, and other life events. 100% employer-paid extended health benefits package, including up to $1500 per year of mental health coverage and employee and family assistance program $500 per year wellness spending account Parental leave top-up for birthing and non-birthing parents. Colleagues dedicated to environmental impact through their work at Ecojustice (99% mission alignment rating from internal surveys). A culture of collaboration where employees are fostered by their managers (97% manager relationship rating from internal surveys). Learning opportunities to further our strategic commitment towards justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.     Our Commitment to Transparency and Workplace Accessibility   As a charity, our value proposition is that of a mission-based organization, offering high-value benefits and perks. We are consistently benchmarking base pay to the non-profit industry and relevant areas of expertise to ensure we are both competitive and fair. Transparency, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to us. We post predetermined salaries to ensure that the hiring process and compensation are equitable for all.     Ecojustice strives to ensure that our online application system and recruitment process are accessible to individuals with different abilities and encourages candidates to contact careers@ecojustice.ca for any accommodation requests.