Ocean Staff Attorney (Term-Limited)

Conservation Law Foundation, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) seeks an attorney with 2–5 years of experience to join our Ocean Conservation team in protecting New England's environment for all people. The term‑limited role supports sustainable fisheries, marine mammal and biodiversity protection, and ocean planning with travel to regional offices, including Boston.

The position advances policy, litigation, and public engagement, with a focus on building cross‑organizational partnerships and contributing to CLF’s equity and

Qualifications

• A law degree and active bar membership in good standing in any state or the District of Columbia (New England state is preferred).
• At least 2 years of relevant experience practicing in ocean law and policy or other relevant area of law.
• A passion 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; and
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Devise and execute legal and policy strategies for achieving CLF’s advocacy goals related to sustainable fisheries, ocean habitat protection, marine mammal protection and ocean planning;
• Represent CLF in litigation and administrative proceedings;
• Comment on administrative rules, state and federal permits, and other state and federal agency actions;
• Advise community and advocacy groups on legal and policy matters;
• Coordinate with partner organizations to develop and advance a long-term ocean conservation initiative, including developing policy and legal strategies that protect marine biodiversity.
• Build alliances and coalitions among stakeholders that may include environmental organizations, ocean users, scientists, public officials, businesses, and others;
• Write public educational materials, articles, opinion pieces and communicate about advocacy work through news and social media outlets;
• Contribute to CLF’s strategic priorities and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and organizational excellence;
• Assist CLF’s Communications team in delivering advocacy news and key messages to the press, our members, and the public; and
• Prepare research reports, memos, and presentations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Initiative

Education

J.D. or law degree

Job description

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking an attorney with 2-5 years of experience to join our team working to protect New England’s environment for all people. The attorney will work with CLF’s Ocean Conservation team to advance priorities around sustainable fisheries, marine mammal and biodiversity protection, habitat protection and ocean planning. The position will be based in one of the following CLF regional offices: Portsmouth, NH; Portland, ME; or Boston, MA (preferred) and will entail some regional and national travel.

This term-limited position is funded for 2.5 years to grow attorney talent in the field of ocean policy and litigation. At the end of this term, we expect that the attorney will be prepared and well-positioned to contribute to the broader oceans conservation community, having gained experience, relationships, strategic orientation, and cross-organizational perspective.

What you’ll do

• Devise and execute legal and policy strategies for achieving CLF’s advocacy goals related to sustainable fisheries, ocean habitat protection, marine mammal protection and ocean planning;
• Represent CLF in litigation and administrative proceedings;
• Comment on administrative rules, state and federal permits, and other state and federal agency actions;
• Advise community and advocacy groups on legal and policy matters;
• Coordinate with partner organizations to develop and advance a long-term ocean conservation initiative, including developing policy and legal strategies that protect marine biodiversity.
• Build alliances and coalitions among stakeholders that may include environmental organizations, ocean users, scientists, public officials, businesses, and others;
• Write public educational materials, articles, opinion pieces and communicate about advocacy work through news and social media outlets;
• Contribute to CLF’s strategic priorities and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and organizational excellence;
• Assist CLF’s Communications team in delivering advocacy news and key messages to the press, our members, and the public; and
• Prepare research reports, memos, and presentations.

What you’ll need

• A law degree and active bar membership in good standing in any state or the District of Columbia (New England state is preferred).
• At least 2 years of relevant experience practicing in ocean law and policy or other relevant area of law, however regardless of number of years of experience, candidates with direct experience in ocean law and advocacy are encouraged to apply;
• A passion 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; and
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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

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.