Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation

~ Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) protects New England’s environment for the benefit of all people. A non-profit, member-supported organization, CLF uses the law, science and the market to solve the region’s most challenging environmental problems from climate change to ocean conservation to transportation. ~ 

Every day, CLF advocates stand up for New Englanders—in state houses, court houses and board rooms, regulatory hearings and community gatherings—to forge innovative paths to environmental progress and economic prosperity for all in our region. To that end, CLF works with communities of color, and those that are economically or otherwise disadvantaged, which often suffer disproportionately the impacts of environmental degradation.

Position Overview

CLF is seeking a staff attorney with 3 to 5 years of experience to join our team working to protect New England’s environment for all people. The staff attorney will work with CLF’s strategic litigation team to develop major cases that: advance two or more of CLF’s strategic objectives; prompt region-wide, nationwide, or international action; and break new ground in the use of legal requirements and enforcement to bring about transformative change in outcomes for public health, natural resource, or environmental governance. This position is based in CLF’s Boston office.

CLF is dedicated to implementing legal strategies to address major, cross-cutting environmental issues such as climate-change liability, addressing the negative consequences of plastics in the environment, reducing nutrient pollution that fuels toxic algae outbreaks, and holding responsible parties to account for release of emerging contaminants into the environment. You will be a key player in helping us achieve our mission.

Responsibilities

• Devise and execute legal strategies for achieving CLF’s advocacy goals;
• Represent parties in litigation and administrative proceedings;
• Negotiate civil penalties, injunctive relief, and fee and cost recovery;
• Advise community and advocacy groups on legal and policy matters;
• Build alliances and coalitions among parties that may include community groups, public officials, business interests, and other organizations;
• Draft public comment letters on projects, policies, and plans; and
• Prepare reports, memos, and presentations.

Qualifications

We are looking for a motivated and mature self-starter that is able to work both independently and as a productive team member. To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

• A passion and commitment to the environment, public health, and/or social justice;
• Litigation experience;
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to put your analysis into writing that is easily understood;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• High level of organization and attention to detail;
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to take initiative, solve problems, assess priorities, and manage a variety of activities in a fast-paced environment;
• Commitment to developing new skills and responsibilities;
• Commitment to working collaboratively with a diverse group of colleagues and partners; and
• Candidates must be admitted to practice in good standing in a state bar.

Compensation: CLF offers a competitive salary, an extensive benefits plan, and an open, inclusive, and accepting work environment where differences are highly respected.

To Apply

• If this exciting opportunity appeals to you, please click "Apply" below to upload your resume titled “your last name-first initial-resume” (e.g. “SMITH J RESUME”) and a thoughtful cover letter titled “your last name-first initial-cover” (e.g. “SMITH J COVER”).
• Please make “CLF Staff Attorney (Strategic Litigation), Massachusetts” the subject of your e-mail.
• No phone calls please.

~ CLF is committed to representing New England’s diversity in our staff, volunteers, boards and membership and creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture where all can thrive. People of color are encouraged to apply. ~