Senior Attorney - Strategic Litigation

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking a Senior Attorney to join our team working to protect New England’s environment for all people. The Senior Attorney will work with CLF’s Strategic Litigation team on groundbreaking environmental law cases, currently including climate-change liability claims against the world’s largest oil and gas producers and cases that will reduce nutrient pollution that fuels toxic algae outbreaks. Other cases may address the negative consequences of plastics in the environment, climate change related greenwashing claims, or hold parties responsible for release of emerging contaminants into the environment.

The position is preferred to be based in Boston, MA but being based in one of CLF’s other locations (Montpelier, VT, Providence, RI, Concord, NH, Portland, ME, or New Haven, CT) will be considered. There is also some opportunity for remote and flexible work within New England.

What you’ll do

• Devise and execute legal strategies for achieving CLF’s advocacy goals;
• Represent CLF and other 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;
  • Write public educational materials, articles, opinion pieces and communicate about advocacy work through news and social media outlets;
  • Lead program teams, supervise and mentor junior advocates and interns, and contribute to the health of our community and the smooth operation of our organization;
• Assist CLF’s communications team in delivering advocacy news and key messages to the press, our members, and the public;
• Advise and assist CLF’s development team with fundraising efforts;
• Prepare research reports, memos, and presentations; and
  • Contribute to CLF’s strategic priorities and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and organizational excellence.

What you’ll need

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

• At least 7 years of relevant experience practicing law, particularly civil litigation;
• A passion and commitment to the environment, public health, and/or social justice;
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to put your analysis into writing that is easily understood;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• 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;
  • Passion for CLF’s mission;
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
  • A law degree and active bar membership in one of the New England states (Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, or Connecticut.)

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.

Salary & Benefits

CLF offers a competitive salary, extensive benefits plan, and an open, inclusive, and accepting work environment where differences are highly respected. The starting salary range for the position is $118,000 - $141,000 if based in Boston and $106,000-$127,000 if based in a CLF office outside of MA; actual salary will reflect experience, qualification, 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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