Staff Attorney, Center for Science in the Public Interest

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a non-profit health-advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., that focuses on nutrition and food safety. CSPI publishes Nutrition Action Healthletter, the nation's largest circulation nutrition newsletter. CSPI provides valuable, objective information to the public, represents citizens' interests before legislative, regulatory, and judicial bodies, and ensures that advances in science are used for the public's good. CSPI is supported largely by the 850,000 U.S. and Canadian subscribers to its Nutrition Action Healthletter and by foundation grants.

The Litigation Project uses state and federal courts, as well as filings before federal agencies, to help correct corporate misbehavior. The project brings its own advocacy lawsuits, working with private lawyers across the country. CSPI’s legal filings have produced binding settlements resulting in more honest labeling of artificial ingredients and halting deceptive marketing. In addition, the Litigation Project files a variety of complaints and rulemaking requests before the FDA and other federal agencies. The Staff Attorney assists the Director in using the legislative and judicial system to further CSPI’s goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Undertake litigation on behalf of CSPI or on behalf of private plaintiffs.
• Identify and retain appropriate class plaintiffs.
• Draft complaints and other legal documents such as motions, briefs, and discovery requests and responses; conduct discovery.
• Meet litigation deadlines.
• Choose appropriate forums for suit.
• Research new topics for litigation possibilities.
• Identify matters suitable for regulatory action.
• Draft complaints and other documents for filing before federal agencies.
• Stay up-to-date on trends within the food industry.
• Read relevant trade journals and news stories, examine advertising and labeling for food products.
• Stay abreast of changes in relevant statutes and regulations.
• Attend conferences and earn CLE credits.
• Maintain law license in at least one state.
• Help supervise litigation interns.

Qualifications

• Law degree (J.D.), admitted to at least one state bar, and 1 to 7 years of litigation or regulatory experience.
• Member of D.C. Bar or ability to apply for admission immediately upon hire.
• Knowledge of consumer and regulatory law and litigation experience.
• Strong legal writing, research and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common legal and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Computer proficiency with MSOffice, and experience with Internet-based research tools such as Westlaw.
• Demonstrated commitment to public-interest advocacy and consumer protections.

Application  Send your application materials, which should include a cover letter indicating relevant experience and interest, résumé, and writing sample to:

Colleen O'Day
CSPI - Dept. IDSA
1220 L Street, NW #300
Washington, DC 20005
Or email (preferred): hr@cspinet.org

Applications due on or before 12/11/2012.