Staff Attorney

~ At Sea Shepherd Legal, we are passionately committed to preserving the oceans.  We firmly believe that it is our duty to provide a voice for marine wildlife and habitats and uphold that duty by helping to combat the increasing myriad of threats that jeopardize their well-being. ~

Sea Shepherd Legal is a small but growing nonprofit environmental law firm committed to saving marine wildlife and habitats by enforcing, strengthening, and developing protective laws, treaties, policies, and practices worldwide.   

Our core team consists of attorneys who are supported by allies including scientific advisors, investigators, law school environmental programs, and government officials.  We share a general mission with our sister organization, Sea Shepherd.  However, rather than direct action, we utilize litigation, policy enhancement, and public outreach to accomplish our goals.   

Working extensively on both the international and domestic fronts, Sea Shepherd Legal’s docket of  matters is unique and multifaceted.  Several general examples include: 

• Actively participating in projects to help implement and strengthen international regimes such as CITES and CMS, by working directly with relevant Secretariats and Member States.   
• Providing training, briefing, and other support to government officials in multiple countries, as well as communicating with INTERPOL, to combat fisheries and marine wildlife crime. 
• Engaging in litigation and other productive dialogue with government agencies (both domestically and internationally) to encourage the enhancement of, and deter the erosion of, sound environmental policy. 

Position Overview

Sea Shepherd Legal is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney.  The Staff Attorney is required to be based in the United States, with other international locations considered on a case-by-case basis.  Given the global scope of our projects, the Staff Attorney may be required to make several international and/or domestic trips per year and occasionally be available to work during varied time zones.  When not traveling, the Staff Attorney will telecommute/work remotely. 

The Staff Attorney will work on litigation and policy development matters, as well as outreach materials, with the goal of enhancing protections for marine wildlife and habitats across the globe.   

Responsibilities

• Track, analyze, apply, bolster, and help develop domestic and foreign legislation and regulations. 
• Litigate cases under state and federal laws including the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and others.  
• Comment on proposed rulemaking and preparation of petitions for rulemaking before federal and state agencies domestically, and via comparable avenues in foreign jurisdictions.  
• Engage with agency officials, UN body representatives, partner NGOs, and the general public.  
• Speak publicly at hearings, conferences, and other events. 
• Prepare communications such as press releases, blogs, white papers, and other materials.  
• Travel domestically and internationally.  

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of litigation experience, ideally complemented by environmental policy development experience. 
• Admitted to practice law in one or more jurisdictions within the United States.  
• Familiarity with international and/or regional legal regimes, such as CITES, CMS, CBD, UNCLOS, and RFMOs. 
• Experience with domestic environmental statutes including, for example, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.  
• Scientific literacy and a keen understanding of natural processes. 
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.  
• Ability to manage a project docket and work well independently and with others as part of a team.  
• A demonstrated strong commitment to environmental protection.  
• Strong preference will be given to applicants with fluency in French, Spanish, and/or Portuguese. 

Compensation

• Salary is commensurate with experience and in-line with comparable nonprofit positions.  
• Sea Shepherd Legal offers the following benefits package: employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; state bar licensing and continuing education dues; generous time-off policies; unique travel and educational experiences; and a positive and congenial work atmosphere.  

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload a (1) cover letter; (2) CV or resume; (3) writing sample; and (4) three references to: Sea Shepherd Legal Executive Director, Catherine Pruett.
• The position will remain open until filled.  
• No telephone calls, please.  
• We will only contact candidates whom we have selected for interviews.  

~ Sea Shepherd Legal deeply values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.  We cultivate an engaging work-life balance structure to ensure that our staff can remain refreshed and committed to our critical cause – securing justice for the sea. ~