Job Description
ABOUT ELPC: The Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy and policy innovation organization. We use the power of the law and strategic advocacy campaigns to advance leading edge solutions for environmental challenges, promote clean energy and other climate solutions, and preserve and protect the Great Lakes and the Midwest's wild and natural places and protect public health in Midwest communities. Our staff is made up of extraordinary individuals who work together across states and disciplines to accelerate environmental progress and solutions.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY: The Environmental Law & Policy Center seeks to hire a public interest environmental litigation attorney with 4-6 years of experience for a Senior Associate Attorney position in our
Chicago or Washington D.C. office . This Senior Associate Attorney will principally work on ELPC's nationally significant federal and state court litigation and regulatory actions to protect the Midwest’s natural resources and the Great Lakes. ELPC’s effective legal and policy advocacy—backed by strong economic analysis, sound science, and public engagement is even more important at this extraordinary time to protect our environment. This is a great opportunity to make a difference as core environmental values are threatened.
The Senior Associate Attorney will engage with ELPC’s legal team on important litigation and innovative environmental policy initiatives and special projects for our Great Places, Great Lakes Program team. This Program Area includes litigation and advocacy to: protect the Great Lakes and environmental justice communities from toxic waste dumps and other new polluting facilities; protect the Midwest’s wild and natural places from development threats and damaging policies; and ensure safe drinking water for public health and clean waters for wildlife, outdoor recreation, and enjoyment.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES include:
- Working closely with other ELPC attorneys and the organization’s scientists, policy specialists, clients, and community partners to: build and litigate cases; undertake special projects within our Great Places, Great Lakes Program Area; and support the development of policies to protect the environment, Midwest people and communities, and the planet.
- Participating in the full range of tasks involved in federal and state litigation and regulatory advocacy including: appearing before federal and state courts and agencies; drafting legal briefs and motions; doing legal research and analysis; drafting administrative comments; and engaging in negotiation, discovery, and oral advocacy.
- Engaging in legislative advocacy and external communications that support litigation and other legal strategies.
- Helping to develop and maintain relationships with clients, allies and coalition partners, co-counsel, experts, and donors.
- Participating in hiring and supervising student law clerks and externs, and helping to develop the skills of more junior attorneys on the team.
As Senior Associate Attorneys gain experience, their dockets may include cases for which they have larger responsibilities under the supervision of a Senior Attorney in addition to matters on which they work in a supporting role with more senior attorneys.
Education & Experience: - Law school graduate with 4-6 years of legal experience.
- Admitted to, or willing and eligible to apply for admission to the Illinois or DC bar. Admission to another Midwest state bar is a plus.
- Strong academic record, and excellent writing, analytical, and communications skills.
- Litigation experience and engagement on policy issues, ranging from legislative work to campaign experience, is a plus.
- An inspired and demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy whether through full-time work or pro bono projects in private practice, and a passion for ELPC’s role and mission.
- Strong and demonstrated work ethic, judgment, initiative, and creativity.
- Interest in and substantive law and policy knowledge of natural resources laws, as well as other environmental laws.
- Understand and enjoy multifaceted strategic advocacy that involves strong and effective legal advocacy coordinated with media, legislative, economic, scientific and policy analysis and organizing approaches.
- An ability to work productively as a member of a team of skilled professionals.
SALARY & BENEFITS: Salary range of $113,000 - $136,000, based on number of years of active legal practice following law school graduation as well as location.
ELPC offers a nationally competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. As a 501(c)(3) organization, ELPC is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
ELPC’s EEO Statement: Environmental Law & Policy Center provides consideration for an employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, genetic predisposition, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Job Tags
Full time, Private practice, Local area, Outdoor,