Staff Attorney, Oil & Gas Program

~ The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog organization that advocates for effective enforcement of environmental laws. ~

Comprised of former EPA enforcement attorneys, public interest lawyers, analysts, investigators, and community organizers, EIP has three goals:

1. To illustrate through objective facts and figures how the failure to enforce or implement environmental laws increases pollution and harms public health;
2. To hold federal and state agencies, as well as individual corporations, accountable for failing to enforce or comply with environmental laws; and
3. To help local communities obtain the protections of environmental laws.

Position Overview 

The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) seeks a Staff Attorney to assist in our efforts to reduce pollution from the oil and gas industry, focusing on new proposals and existing infrastructure in Maryland and West Virginia. 

Responsibilities

• The staff attorney will advocate for strong state regulations that achieve real reductions in greenhouse gases (GHGs); analyze and potentially challenge environmental permits for large emitters of GHGs; assess and possibly litigate enforcement actions against facilities that violate environmental laws; and seek to ensure that the true climate impact of methane emissions are accurately captured in emissions inventories. 
• EIP frequently works in coalitions by providing legal and technical support to other organizations in order to achieve shared goals. The staff attorney will be expected to build and maintain strong and respectful relationships with other organizations working on oil and gas issues in Maryland and West Virginia, particularly with grassroots networks representing residents of communities that are directly affected by natural gas infrastructure.
• The position will also involve some work relating to oil and gas facilities outside of Maryland and West Virginia, and this work will be targeted to address sites that affect low-income communities and/or communities of color, thereby raising environmental justice concerns.  In addition, the position may involve some work to reduce methane emissions from municipal solid waste landfills in Maryland.

Skills and Qualifications

• Law school graduate.
• 3-5 years of post-law-school legal experience, preferably including litigation and experience with the federal Clean Air Act. 
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, and strong work ethic.
• Passion for protecting public health and the environment, and motivation to respond to the local and global threat posed by climate change.
• Prior experience or demonstrated commitment to working with members of front-line communities who are directly affected by pollution.
• Ability to work cooperatively and constructively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• The ideal applicant will have a scientific background and/or and aptitude for performing quantitative analyses and using science and data in support of legal advocacy. 
• Prior experience working on pollution issues associated with the oil and gas industry a plus.

Compensation

• We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits.

To Apply

• Interested candidates should click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, phone and email contacts for three references, and law school transcripts.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 
• Please address your cover letter to Leah Kelly, Senior Attorney, identify in the email subject line that the application is for the “Staff Attorney – Oil & Gas Program” position.