Clean Energy Staff Attorney

Environmental Law & Policy Center; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 127,500 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

The Environmental Law & Policy Center seeks a Clean Energy Staff Attorney for hybrid work in Chicago, IL. This role involves litigation related to electric and gas industry planning, and clean energy policy advocacy.

The ideal candidate will possess a Juris Doctor degree and 7-10 years of experience, particularly in administrative litigation. Responsibilities also include community engagement and mentoring junior attorneys. Salary ranges from $127,500 - $145,000, with a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of relevant legal experience with a focus on clean energy policy.
• Experience with administrative litigation before state utility commissions.
• Strong interest in equity-centered advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Litigate cases on electric and gas industry planning.
• Represent ELPC before regulatory bodies.
• Engage with communities on clean energy priorities.
• Mentor junior attorneys and legal interns.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Strategic analysis

Project management

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Clean Energy Staff Attorney will handle critical litigation of utility regulatory cases in support of ELPC’s clean energy program in Midwest states. This role focuses on fighting climate change by equitably decarbonizing the energy sector through distribution of demand side resources, distributed solar, battery storage, electric vehicles and other distributed energy resources. The attorney will engage in state utility commissions, state and federal courts, legislative bodies, regional transmission organizations and FERC, requiring litigation skills and strategic leadership working with coalitions to advance equitable clean energy solutions.

POSITION TITLE

Clean Energy Staff Attorney (full time)

REPORTS TO

Managing Attorney, Clean Energy Program

LOCATION

Chicago, IL – hybrid work environment with required days in the office each week.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Litigate a range of cases focused on electric and gas industry planning, distributed energy resource deployment, and equitable access to clean energy. Responsibilities include: identifying key cases, developing and managing clients and client coalitions, working with experts for testimony, managing and coordinating discovery, cross‑examining witnesses, drafting briefs, making oral arguments, and managing associate attorney(s).
• Represent ELPC before state public utility commissions, FERC, administrative agencies and appellate courts.
• Engage with impacted community and partner organizations to reflect equity and environmental justice priorities.
• Monitor emerging legal, regulatory and market developments affecting clean energy and utility regulation.
• Work to execute multi‑faceted clean energy policy campaigns with assistance from other attorneys, communications experts, policy advocates, legislative advocates, and in coordination with colleagues from other regional and national advocacy organizations and industry representatives.
• Develop and refine strategic direction for ELPC’s clean energy program, including assisting in fundraising to grow the program.
• Mentor junior attorneys, fellows and legal interns as applicable.
• Other duties, as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (YEARS)

• Juris Doctor degree.
• Minimum of 7‑10 years of relevant legal experience, with a strong background and demonstrated interest in clean energy policy and electric/gas utility regulation.
• At least two years of administrative litigation experience before state utility commissions or similar regulatory bodies preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent legal research, writing, oral advocacy, and strategic analysis skills.
• Ability to manage complex legal matters independently as well as work collaboratively.
• Commitment to environmental protection, decarbonization and equity‑centered advocacy.
• Familiarity with utility planning processes, including IRPs and distribution planning.

ESTIMATED TRAVEL

• 10‑20% domestic travel.

SALARY

For candidates who fully meet the requirements, salary range is $127,500 - $145,000. ELPC offers an attractive benefits package competitive with leading national environmental non‑profits.