Staff Attorney

Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

403(b) retirement plan with 6% match

Life and disability insurance

Commuter benefits

Flexible hybrid work environment

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Clean Wisconsin seeks one or more motivated attorneys to join our Legal Department in Madison, WI, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement. Compensations range from $80,000 to $110,000 and a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance and a 403(b) plan.

Applicants must hold a J.D. from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice in Wisconsin or be able to obtain licensure. Join a team protecting natural resources and advancing clean energy.

Qualifications

• J.D. required from an accredited law school and licensed to practice in Wisconsin, or able and willing to obtain Wisconsin licensure.
• Strong litigation and advocacy experience relevant to environmental law and policy.
• Experience with administrative law, permitting, and regulatory proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Develop cases and legal strategies with the Legal Department and leadership.
• Represent Clean Wisconsin in state and federal court.
• Conduct contested cases before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and other tribunals.
• Monitor agency rulemaking and proceedings; draft comments and filings.
• Advise policy staff on legislative proposals within attorney's responsibility.
• Help recruit, interview, hire, and supervise law students in clerkships.
• Collaborate with local, state, and national advocacy groups.

Skills

Litigation skills

Administrative law

Air/energy/water expertise

Strong writing & public speaking

Policy development & analysis

Organizational skills

Independent & collaborative work

Office software proficiency

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Wisconsin licensure eligible

Job description

Clean Wisconsin seeks one or more motivated attorneys to join our Legal Department and help protect Wisconsin's natural resources, advance clean energy, and build a healthier, more equitable future in Wisconsin.

Our attorneys use strategic litigation and legal advocacy to ensure that environmental laws are properly interpreted, effectively enforced, and strengthened. At a consequential time for environmental protection in Wisconsin, our new Staff Attorneys will join experienced litigators and work alongside scientists, policy experts, and communications professionals to expand the impact of our advocacy.

Depending on organizational needs and each attorney’s experience, the work will include some combination of:

• Supporting clean energy, opposing fossil fuel development, and advocating for sound utility regulation at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and in other forums;
• Protecting water quality and quantity and addressing air pollution through permitting, regulatory proceedings, and litigation;
• Providing legal advocacy and expertise to support organization-wide campaigns on data centers and environmental health.

These positions report directly to the Director of Legal Advocacy and are based in our Madison office, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement. The work includes periodic travel, occasional evening meetings, and court or administrative appearances.

Clean Wisconsin is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our work and in our hiring practices. We value a team with different perspectives, educational backgrounds, and life experiences, and we prioritize diversity within our team. If you have any doubt about whether you might be qualified for this position and you think you have something special to contribute, we encourage you to apply. Please also see our statement on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Develop cases and legal strategies that advance Clean Wisconsin's mission and priorities, in collaboration with the Legal Department, policy staff, and organizational leadership
• Represent Clean Wisconsin in state and federal court
• Conduct contested cases before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and other administrative tribunals
• Monitor agency rulemaking, permitting, and other proceedings; identify opportunities for action; and prepare comments, filings, and other legal responses
• Analyze legislative proposals and advise policy staff on issues within the attorney’s areas of responsibility
• Help recruit, interview, hire, and supervise law students through Clean Wisconsin's semester and summer legal clerkship program
• Coordinate and collaborate with local, state, and national advocacy organizations

Required Skills and Experience

• Litigation skills, including civil and administrative procedure, discovery, trial and hearing preparation, brief writing, oral advocacy, and settlement negotiations
• Knowledge of and experience with administrative law and procedure
• Subject matter expertise in air, energy, or water issues, with familiarity with relevant state and federal environmental laws
• Strong writing, analytical, research, and public speaking skills
• Experience with policy development and analysis
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining attention to long-term goals
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with standard office software and technology

Desired Traits

• Commitment to environmental protection
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Highly organized
• Discretion and sound judgment
• Commitment to accuracy
• Flexibility and creativity
• Sense of humor
• Commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace

Education and Licensure

Applicants must hold a J.D. from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, or be able and willing to obtain Wisconsin licensure.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range is $80,000-$110,000, commensurate with skills and experience. Benefits include health and dental insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% employer match; life and disability insurance; commuter benefits; a flexible hybrid work environment; and paid time off and holidays.