Strategic Litigation Attorney

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking a full-time attorney to join our team working to protect New England’s environment for all people. The Attorney will work in CLF’s Strategic Litigation team and can be based in any of CLF’s six regional offices (Montpelier, VT; Concord, NH; Portland, ME; Providence, RI; New Haven, CT; or Boston, MA) with flexibility to work remotely from anywhere in New England. The position may be hired as a Staff Attorney Level I or II or Senior Attorney depending on years of experience.

The Attorney will work on CLF’s groundbreaking cases brought by the Strategic Litigation team. Such cases currently include 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 potential cases may address the negative consequences of plastics in the environment or hold parties responsible for release of emerging contaminants into the environment.

The Attorney will work on major cases that prompt region-wide, nationwide, and/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 resources, and/or environmental governance.

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 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;
• Advise and assist CLF’s development team with fundraising efforts;
• 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 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/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 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.