Clean Air & Water Attorney (Two-Year Position)

Conservation Law Foundation, Inc.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) seeks an Attorney to join our Clean Air & Water team in Boston, with some remote/flexible work within New England. The role may be staffed at Staff Attorney I, II, or Senior Attorney depending on experience, funded for two years with potential extension.

The Attorney will handle litigation under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, and may work on related state and federal claims to protect communities, especially those historically disadvantaged.

Qualifications

• Law degree and active bar membership in good standing (New England state preferred).
• Experience in environmental litigation, preferably related to air and water issues.
• Ability to develop and execute legal strategies and communicate complex topics clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute legal strategies to advance CLF advocacy goals.
• Represent CLF in litigation and negotiate penalties and relief when appropriate.
• Advise communities and advocacy groups on legal and policy matters.
• Build coalitions with diverse stakeholders and communicate advocacy outcomes.
• Prepare research memos, presentations, and public educational materials.

Skills

Litigation experience

Environmental law

Legal research

Policy analysis

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

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 a 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 fundingand/or placement in another funded position past this time.

The Attorney will work on litigation across program priorities, with a focus on Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act enforcement cases in federal court. Some cases will involve state claims and other federal claims to protect communities, especially historically disadvantaged ones, from air and water pollution.

What you’ll do

• Devise and execute legal strategies for achieving 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;
• 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:

• Relevant legal and litigation experience, preferably in environmental law, with the following minimum requirements:
  • Staff Attorney I: At least 2 years of relevant legal experience
  • Staff Attorney II: At least 5 years of relevant legal experience
  • Senior Attorney: At least 7 years of relevant legal experience
• 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, including technology-related;
• 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.

Salary and Benefits

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 are based on position level:

• Staff Attorney I (minimum 2 years of relevant legal experience): $94,000–$110,000 if based in Boston and $85,000–$99,000 if based outside of Massachusetts.
• Staff Attorney II (minimum 5 years of relevant legal experience): $104,000 - $123,000 if based in Boston and $94,000–$111,000 if based outside of Massachusetts.
• Senior Attorney (minimum 7 years of relevant legal experience): $118,000 - $141,000 if based in Boston and $106,000–$127,000 if based outside of Massachusetts

Placement within the salary range will be determined by relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with significant consideration given to internal pay equity. CLF is committed to ensuring compensation decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with the experience and contributions of current employees in similar roles.

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