Managing Attorney

Harvard Law School; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard Law School's Environmental & Energy Law Program (EELP) seeks a Managing Attorney to lead legal research and policy efforts protecting public health and the environment. The role collaborates with the Executive Director and Fellows to track federal/state regulations and advance climate and energy frameworks, including convenings with diverse stakeholders.

The Managing Attorney will build partnerships, supervise staff, and contribute to publications and events, with potential for growth

Qualifications

• JD degree and admission to state bar; minimum 8 years of relevant post‑graduate experience.
• Strong research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and exercise judgment and discretion.
• Extensive familiarity with environmental statutes and case law; engagement with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Generate a portfolio of ongoing research, writing, and public engagement on climate and public health policy.
• Build and manage partnerships with external stakeholders for research and convenings.
• Develop partnerships with other Harvard initiatives to advance EELP’s impact.
• Supervise, advise, and coordinate research with Staff Attorneys, Fellows, and student assistants.
• Supervise attorneys on EELP’s tracker and publications.
• Deliver presentations and participate in events on behalf of EELP.
• Possibly supervise Fellows, student researchers, and interns.

Skills

Advanced research

Writing & editing

Effective communication

Team leadership

Education

JD degree

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Law School?

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

Job Description

The Environmental & Energy Law Program (EELP) is seeking a Managing Attorney to join EELP’s legal and policy research team. The Managing Attorney will produce new research on key legal questions related to federal and state laws, regulations, and policies to protect public health and the environment, advance a just clean energy transition, and mitigate the effects of climate change. The Managing Attorney will engage with private and public sector actors and help to lead EELP convenings that bring together state, federal, non-profit, and private stakeholders to advance legal and policy frameworks for robust environmental protection.

The Managing Attorney will work in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Fellows, and student Research Assistants on current and emerging energy and environmental issues, help manage ongoing projects to track and analyze federal environmental, energy, and climate regulation, and build partnerships across the university to enhance our program’s work and influence.

In addition to the areas of responsibility described below, the Managing Attorney will have the opportunity to work with the Executive Director to pursue other areas of interest in environmental and energy law.

• Generate a portfolio of ongoing research, writing, and public engagement activities to develop and disseminate analysis of legal issues related to climate and public health policy and legal frameworks.
• In conjunction with the Executive Director, building and managing partnerships directly with outside stakeholders in carrying out research and writing, and in conducting convenings and public events.
• Cultivate and support partnership with external stakeholders, scholars, and community leaders to support EELP’s work, and in collaboration with the Executive Director, develop partnerships with other related Harvard initiatives.
• Supervise, advise, and coordinate research activities with Staff Attorneys, Fellows, student Research Assistants.
• Supervise other attorneys on, and contribute to, EELP’s environmental justice tracker and other publications.
• Deliver presentations and attend events on behalf of EELP.
• May be responsible for the supervision of Fellows, student Research Assistants, and summer interns.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

JD degree, admission to state bar, and a minimum of 8 years of relevant post-graduate professional experience.

Additional Qualifications And Skills

• Superior research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and exercise judgment and discretion
• Extensive familiarity with a wide range of environmental statutes and case law as well as engagement with stakeholders
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach with experience of managing a team of attorneys and projects

A strong candidate can operate independently in a work environment of multiple priorities and must work well as a member of the team.

Appointment End Date

This is a one-year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to departmental funding and need.

Standard Hours/Schedule

Full-time. May be called upon to take on special projects and for other tasks at short notice. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required. Travel opportunities may arise.

Visa Sponsorship Information

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity, Education, Certification/License

Other Information

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.