Environmental Litigation Strategy Director — Hybrid Leader

Astfe; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 188,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation reimbursement

Location premium

PSLF eligible

Job summary

The Southern Environmental Law Center is a national environmental nonprofit seeking a Litigation Strategy Director to lead strategy, standards, and professional development for high-impact litigation. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, this senior role sits among other directors and requires exceptional legal judgment across multiple offices.

The Director will guide litigation strategy, oversee key decisions, mentor litigators, and coordinate with partners while ensuring an equitable and

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of litigation experience, including first-chair responsibility.
• Active license to practice law in one of SELC’s states or Washington, D.C.
• Strong knowledge of administrative law, civil procedure, justiciability, remedies, and professional responsibility.
• Excellent judgment in high-stakes litigation decisions.
• Track record of developing litigators and coaching junior to senior attorneys.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel to SELC offices and other locations.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Program Officer and leaders to make litigation central to program plans and advocacy.
• Advise on litigation strategy, strengthen filings, and prepare for arguments.
• Approve significant litigation decisions and oversee board updates; guide test cases and precedent-setting actions.
• Anticipate legal developments and advise on ethics, conflicts, and professional standards.
• Supervise and mentor attorneys to build sound judgment and advocacy.
• Set priorities for litigation training and foster a culture of excellence.
• Coordinate strategy with national and regional partners and clients.
• Represent SELC’s litigation work to donors, press, and public.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal license

Administrative law

Civil procedure

Justiciability

Remedies

Professional responsibility

Judgment

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Equity & inclusion

Job description

The Southern Environmental Law Center is a national environmental nonprofit seeking a Litigation Strategy Director to lead strategy, standards, and professional development for high-impact litigation. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, this senior role sits among other directors and requires exceptional legal judgment across multiple offices.

The Director will guide litigation strategy, oversee key decisions, mentor litigators, and coordinate with partners while ensuring an equitable and