Staff Attorney, San Francisco

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Environmental and Food Safety Staff Attorney
Center for Food Safety
San Francisco, CA
www.centerforfoodsafety.org

The Center for Food Safety is a non-profit, membership organization established to address the impacts of our food production systems on human health, the environment and animal welfare. The organization is a leading advocate working to ensure consumer and environmental protection on a variety of issues including genetic engineering, irradiation, aquaculture and organic food standards.
   
Position Overview: The Center for Food Safety (CFS) has an immediate need for a highly qualified staff attorney in its San Francisco, CA office. The attorney will work with California staff and staff attorneys in CFSs substantive practice areas concerning the regulation of genetically engineered food, the implementation of national organic food standards, and other food safety issues. This work will include litigation and legal advocacy in state and federal courts and in front of state regulatory agencies, and policymaker education. 

Responsibilities Include:    

• Management of Legal Docket - Keep and maintain docket of legal cases to which staff attorney is designated as lead attorney.  This shall include maintaining relationships with all plaintiffs or clients, communicating with opposing counsel, filing pleadings as necessary, conducting legal research to complete pleadings as necessary, and undertaking all other actions necessary to professionally and ethically represent the CFS in ongoing legal matters.
• Actions before Regulatory Agencies and State Legislators - Attend and participate in agency meetings, hearings, and other events concerning agency actions relevant to CFS areas of practice. Other actions include: working with other legal staff and outreach staff to engage the public in all rulemaking procedures germane to CFS topic areas; petitioning state and federal agencies for regulatory changes as necessary; implementing CEQA as necessary; and meeting and educating policymakers on the policy positions of CFS. 
• Organizational Interactions - Maintain and promote cordial and mutually beneficial relationships with individuals and organizations that are allied, in coalition with, or may work in concert with CFS to achieve its policy goals.  This includes attending briefings, strategy meetings, conferences, speaking engagements, and working with local activist organizations working on legal initiatives.

Qualifications:  All candidates should possess an excellent academic background, a strong commitment to CFSs mission, and at least 3 years legal experience. Membership to the California Bar is a prerequisite. Experience in litigation and environmental and food safety advocacy are preferred. Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits and work environment.

To Apply:  Please send letter of interest, resume, short writing sample, and references to
Rebecca Spector, rspector@icta.org. No phone calls please.

CFS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.