Clean Air & Water Attorney (Two-Year Position)

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking an Attorney to join our Clean Air & Water team, working to protect New England’s environment for all people. It is preferred to have the position be based in Boston, but other CLF offices will be considered. There is opportunity for some remote and flexible work within New England. The position will be hired as an Associate Attorney, Staff Attorney Level I or II or Senior Attorney depending on years of experience.

This position is funded for two years with the potential for extended funding and/or placement in another funded position at the organization past this time.

The Attorney will work on litigation across program priorities, as well as promote solutions to the region’s biggest environmental challenges using policy tools and regulatory advocacy. Litigation will consist mainly of Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act enforcement cases in federal court, as well as state or other federal claims to protect historically disadvantaged communities.

What you’ll do

• Devise and execute legal strategies to achieve CLF’s advocacy goals;
• Represent CLF and other parties in litigation proceedings;
• Negotiate civil penalties, injunctive relief, and fee and cost recovery;
• Advise CLF and 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;
  • Write public educational materials, articles, opinion pieces and communicate about advocacy work through news and social media outlets;
  • Contribute to the health of our organizational community and its smooth operation;
• Advise and assist CLF’s communications team in delivering advocacy news and key messages to the press, our members, and the public;
• Prepare research reports, memos, and presentations;
  • Contribute to CLF’s strategic priorities and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and organizational excellence; and
• Other duties as specified.

What you’ll need

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:

• At least 0-2 years of experience practicing law for Associate Attorney level, 2 years of experience practicing law for Staff Attorney I, 5 years for Staff Attorney II and 7 years for Senior Attorney, specifically in litigation;
• A passion for and commitment to the environment, public health, and CLF’s mission;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to take initiative, solve problems, and manage several tasks in a fast-paced environment;
• Commitment to developing new skills in the technology realm, including the use of AI;
• Commitment to working collaboratively with a diverse group of colleagues and partners;
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
  • A law degree and active bar membership in good standing in any state (New England state is preferred).

Our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with various lived experiences. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or have a less traditional background.

About CLF

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 statehouses, courthouses, boardrooms, regulatory hearings, and community gatherings—to forge innovative paths to environmental progress and economic prosperity for all in our region. To that end, CLF frequently works with communities of color, and those that are economically or otherwise disadvantaged, which often suffer disproportionately from the impacts of environmental degradation.

CLF is committed to diversity among our staff, volunteers, boards, and membership and creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture where all can thrive.

CLF offers a competitive salary, an extensive benefits plan, and an open, inclusive, and accepting work environment where differences are highly respected. The starting salary ranges if based outside of Boston are: for Associate Attorney, $77,000 - $90,000, for Staff Attorney I, $85,000-$99,000, for Staff Attorney II $94,000-$111,000 and for Senior Attorney $106,000-$127,000. The starting salary ranges if based in Boston are: for Associate Attorney, $86,000 - $100,000, for Staff Attorney I, $94,000-$110,000, for Staff Attorney II, $104,000-$123,000 and for Senior Attorney, $118,000-$141,000. The actual salary will reflect experience, qualifications, and where the selected candidate is based.

We recognize the value of work-life balance and also strive to create opportunities for growth for all employees through professional development.

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