Job Tag: Law/Policy

At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature.

Scope: Sierra Club is seeking an associate or staff attorney to join its national legal team as a litigator for Sierra Club’s Environmental Law Program. Appointment will be made at the level commensurate with an individual’s level of experience. Under the supervision of a managing or senior attorney, the associate or staff attorney would serve as a legal resource for Sierra Club campaigns; litigate environmental and energy cases with a focus on administrative dockets to decarbonize the electric sector; help design and implement legal and advocacy strategies; and coordinate with campaign staff, coalition partners, and outside counsel.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

J.D. degree and license to practice law in the U.S.
1+ years of experience as a practicing attorney for Associate Attorney
5+ years of experience as a practicing attorney for Staff Attorney
Excellent writing, analytical and oral advocacy skills.
An interest in litigating cases before administrative agencies such as utility commissions.
Strong interpersonal and consensus-building skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with clients, colleagues and external partners from diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge of environmental or energy law.
Passion for the Sierra Club’s mission to enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment.
Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

The salary range for this position is $110,931 to $160,813 and will be determined based on years of legal experience and location.

Reporting to the Vice President, Audubon Vermont, the Manager, Conservation Policy will be responsible for assisting in the design and implementation of a tri-partisan policy agenda at the state and/or federal levels with a particular near-term focus on habitat conservation, land use, land conservation, community resiliency, and service-learning opportunities. This role will work in collaboration with Audubon Vermont staff and national conservation strategy and policy leadership.

The Manager, Conservation Policy will be a critical team member to help drive successful implementation of laws, policies and funding opportunities that are designed to enhance biodiversity protection, promote resilient communities that can adapt to the impacts of climate change, foster proactive land use and habitat conservation strategies, recover threatened and endangered species, equip landowners with proactive tools and programs to maintain healthy bird and wildlife populations, and promote service-learning opportunities for young adults interested in gaining environmental skills.

The Manager, Conservation Policy will build and maintain working relationships with external partners and stakeholders, including: state and federal legislators, state and federal agencies, and diverse partners to remain informed of policy and legislative developments related to Audubon’s agenda. They will help advance opportunities to leverage Audubon’s best assets – an engaged and growing grassroots membership, a desire to build broad coalitions, coordination with chapters, and an organization-wide commitment to pragmatic science-based solutions – in pursuit of sustainable policy accomplishments in Vermont and with the state’s federal delegation.

This hybrid position is based within the state of Vermont with travel to the Green Mountain Center, State House in Montpelier, VT and other locations around the state, as needed.

Compensation: $62,000 – $70,000 / year

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in public policy, political science, natural resource management, wildlife conservation, or related field required. Master’s Degree preferred, but not required.

5+ years of relevant experience working in the government, legislative, or non-profit arena.

Keen understanding of current policy trends in Vermont related to climate change, wildlife management, land management, and conservation. Experience applying this knowledge and scientific research to successful policy advocacy and implementation strongly preferred.

Personal desire to build durable, public-will for conservation issues, work with diverse stakeholders, and engage with Vermont Legislators on Audubon’s policy interests.

Experience working in partnerships and collaborative work environments.

Experience working directly people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color, in the consideration of impacts and outcome of the decision-making process.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability synthesize and interpret technical information for various audiences.

Commitment to Audubon’s mission of conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitat and the ability to communicate the mission, goals, and programs effectively to partners, decision makers, and the public.

Willingness and ability to travel across the state and elsewhere as needed, some weekends and evenings required.

Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

The Climate Jobs National Resource Center (CJNRC) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Legal Director committed to building a clean energy economy at the scale science demands, creating good union careers, and reversing racial and economic inequality. CJNRC is a labor-led organization at the forefront of the fight to combat the climate crisis and reverse racial and economic inequality.

Responsibilities:

The Legal Director oversees a team of staff attorneys and plays a key leadership role in supporting CJNRC’s work to develop legal and legislative strategies in collaboration with coalitions and stakeholders. This position works closely with and supervises the day-to-day work of CJNRC’s staff attorneys and reports to the General Counsel, and performs work for the CJNRC Action Fund. The Legal Director also coordinates with CJNRC’s Policy, Campaigns, and Communications teams.

Specific Responsibilities include:

Program support: CJNRC is dedicated to educating about and advocating for state and local initiatives. This role will lead and develop our program by working with a team of three staff attorneys to analyze applicable procurement laws, laws and regulations governing labor standards, and laws governing restrictions on local legislative initiatives, and the federal, interstate regulation of energy. The attorney hired for this position will help identify legal strategies and a wide variety of obstacles that need to be overcome to advance our vision and will oversee the work of staff attorneys to ensure the excellence of our legal work.

Institutional support: CJNRC operates in a highly regulated area. A number of federal, state and local labor, energy, and environmental laws will affect its work or impose burdens that it must meet. Analysis of these regulations and navigating the regulatory shoals they create is an important part of the legal work.

Management: CJNRC is committed to the support and development of our staff. In addition to supervising the day-to-day work of the staff attorneys, this position will work with each attorney to ensure their professional development and to identify areas for growth that serves our program and mission. The Legal Director will also work with the General Counsel on a variety of program and organizational matters.

Qualifications

A demonstrated commitment to progressive economic, social, environmental, gender, and racial justice, a familiarity with the issues that are central to CJNRC’s work and vision, and a commitment to community and labor organizing
8 to 15 years of relevant legal experience and demonstrated experience managing teams
A demonstrated interest in supporting strategic campaigns, policy or research for unions and other advocacy organizations
Familiarity with corporate research, financial analysis, and demonstrated experience in the areas of labor and/or energy law
Very strong technical research and legal writing skills, including for non-legal audiences, and demonstrated experience working with diverse, cross-disciplinary teams to produce outstanding legal work product
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in politically sensitive and high-pressure environments
Willingness to travel occasionally
Willingness to work in a fully remote context

Working conditions: This is a full-time exempt position that works remotely. Long hours will be required on occasion. The position requires occasional travel. CJNRC follows public health guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Compensation: The salary range for the position is $156,000 – 187,200 per year depending upon the candidate’s experience. CJNRC offers an excellent benefits package that includes employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for full-time staff and their qualified dependents, a voluntary dependent care assistance program, and generous time off.

For more than 30 years, Pew has been a major force in engaging the public and policy makers about the causes, consequences, and solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Our environment work spans all seven continents with more than 250 professionals working at the local, national, and international levels to reduce the scope and severity of global environmental problems, such as the erosion of large natural ecosystems that contain a great part of the world’s remaining biodiversity, and the destruction of the marine environment. Pew’s global environmental program focuses on science-based, nonpartisan, and sustainable solutions to help protect the planet and people. We work in partnership with governments, Indigenous rights holders, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, local stakeholders, scientists, and other researchers to advance public policy so that nature and communities can thrive.

The Blue Nature Alliance (Alliance) is a global partnership between Conservation International, The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Global Environment Facility, Minderoo Foundation, and the Rob Melani Walton Foundation.

Position Overview

The Associate provides cross-cutting support to the portfolio leadership to ensure effective execution of project targets for the Blue Nature Alliance. The Associate supports the management of technical systems and monitors processes. The Associate has experience developing and advancing projects in collaboration with peers and leadership. The Associate will be part of a collaborative, dynamic global team comprised of staff from both The Pew Charitable Trusts and Conservation International, that aims to make an outsized impact on the ocean.

The Associate reports to the Senior Officer, Blue Nature Alliance, and is located in Pew’s Washington, D.C. office. This position participates in Pew’s hybrid work program with core days in the office and the flexibility to telework the remaining days. Staff also enjoy four telework “flex weeks” per year.

Requirements

Experience in project coordination.

Skilled at developing and managing productive and collaborative relationships with colleagues and solving problems creatively.

Exceptional interpersonal skills, with seasoned judgment and analytical capacity, and must demonstrate a strong collaborative spirit and capacity to make decisions.

Excellent written and oral communications skills.

Demonstrates strong attention to detail; minimizes errors through careful review and follow through.

Effective time- and project management skills.

Highly flexible and reliable; comfortable juggling multiple priorities, capacity to adjust to changing circumstances, and identifies resources for projects.

Associate’s degree or equivalent experience.

Generally, a minimum of one year of applicable experience is required.

Salary Range: $53,300 USD – $59,600 USD

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks bi-lingual Counsel.

The Counsel position is an opportunity for a bilingual (Spanish/English) junior to mid-level attorney with a passion for conservation, strong project management skills, and a desire to learn about and support a diverse portfolio of projects.

The Counsel will work closely with Legal and other team members to provide legal services on a wide range of complex matters, with particular emphasis on employment matters and investigations, compliance, contract negotiation, and other issues affecting WWF’s offices in the United States and Latin America. Other areas may include non-profit tax matters, data privacy, litigation, technology, intellectual property, and other relevant areas. The Counsel will apply analytical and risk management skills to serve organizational needs efficiently and effectively and will identify and clearly articulate complex legal concepts and options to legal team members, project managers, and high-level business unit managers. The Counsel will be responsible for developing, directing, and managing multiple projects or transactions, supporting implementation of strategic program goals, and observing governance requirements. The Counsel will ensure that transactions and activities are legally sound and consistent with the organization’s mission, authority, policies, and procedures. The Counsel will work closely with outside local counsel in support of our offices outside of the United States.

Qualifications

Law Degree and D.C. bar membership (or membership in another bar with ability to become member of DC bar).
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken) required.

3-6 years of experience in the legal profession, including relevant practice area(s), are required.
Proven experience analyzing risks and providing legal advice, including drafting memoranda, agreements, or other legal instruments.
Strong skills with project management, systems and processes improvement, etc.
Interest in working with employment law, contracts, investigations, etc.

Strong and effective writing and communication skills.

Solid legal research and analysis skills.

Ability to coordinate and manage the support and advice from outside local counsel for organization’s operations worldwide.

Interest in and ability to quickly and effectively learn and apply the fundamentals of additional areas of law, as needed.

Ability to travel internationally as needed (no more than 10% of the time anticipated).

Salary Range: $100,000 – $147,700

San Diego’s leading clean water advocacy organization seeks a highly motivated and passionate individual to join our team. Work with us to protect and restore San Diego County’s coastal and inland waters and the communities that depend on them.

The Legal Program Manager is a newly created position that will provide critical support to Coastkeeper’s legal team and Executive Director to advance our litigation and policy priorities. Coastkeeper uses regulatory and legislative advocacy and litigation to advance our mission of holding polluters accountable and strengthening laws and regulations to reduce pollution and promote sustainable water policies for our region. This position will report to Coastkeeper’s Senior Attorney and will work closely with our Staff Attorney, Executive Director and other staff.

We employ a strategic blend of advocacy, legal action, education, coalition building and community science to tackle persistent and emerging water quality, water supply and climate resilience issues across our region.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Applicants must be college graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, political science or a related field. Master’s Degree is preferred but not required.
1-3 years of environmental policy, regulatory or legislative advocacy experience, preferably with experience in water, climate or land use issues.
Familiarity with state and federal administrative law and regulations is preferred but not required.
Demonstrated experience with project management, including ability to oversee timelines, task lists and multiple deadlines. Paralegal experience is desirable but not required.
Superb research, analysis, writing, and organizational skills and attention to detail
Proficiency with MS Office, particularly Excel, as well as Adobe, and an interest and willingness to use AI tools.
Demonstrated passion for and commitment to clean water, healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, and environmental health and justice, and a strong interest in San Diego regional water issues.
Experience working collaboratively on a small team

Compensation – $68,000 – 73,000 per year, commensurate with experience

Join the Vermont Land Trust as a Legal Project Manager.

We’re looking for an experienced legal professional who:

Is equipped with previous real estate experience including reviewing title documents
Possesses strong project management skills
Values teamwork and is highly collaborative

As part of VLT’s legal team, Legal Project Managers provide exceptional service to our communities, landowners, and donors. As members of the land protection team, their legal expertise, attention to detail, and project management skills are key to the success of real estate transactions and stewardship activities that advance our mission. Working with project teams, landowners, and their legal representatives, they bring conservation and stewardship transactions to successful completion. They perform a wide range of legal and technical support functions related to land transactions, including fee acquisition and sales, conservation easement purchase and donation projects, and stewardship.

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Consideration will be given to candidates demonstrating comparable qualifications acquired through a different combination of education and experience than what is outlined below.

Knowledge that is equivalent to completion of a master’s in legal studies or a related field, along with three to five years of relevant conservation and project management experience. Another combination of education and experience providing comparable knowledge and skills may be acceptable.
Broad, in-depth technical knowledge and skills in real estate law, including title searches, title insurance, deed preparation and execution, mortgages and other liens, and general real estate closing procedures.
Strong planning, administrative, organizational, data entry, record-keeping, filing, and general office skills.
Strong time management skills with ability to meet deadlines while working under pressure.
Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, quality, confidentiality, and a strong customer service focus.
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including excellent grammar, and spelling.
Good math and general analytical skills.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills with both internal and external parties.
Knowledge and competency with various software including Microsoft Office Suite products, Adobe and Sharepoint.
Valid driver’s license and/or access to reliable transportation.
Good general understanding of and interest in the land conservation work of Vermont
Ability to work independently and to engage in independent and group problem solving.
Ability to travel around the state. Valid driver’s license & reliable personal vehicle required.

The starting salary for this full-time position is $69,216.00.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the solar and storage industry and represents more than 1,200 member companies and 263,000 Americans working across the United States. SEIA is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy and is creating the framework for solar to reach 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030.

Position Summary

The Director of Regulatory Affairs and Counsel supports SEIA and its members on legal and policy issues, including tax and manufacturing policy. This position will draft comments and supporting materials related to federal rulemaking, analyze legislative proposals, and represent SEIA before the Department of Energy, Department of the Treasury, IRS, and other executive branch agencies. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney to work directly with key policymakers on issues of critical importance to the growing renewable energy and domestic manufacturing sectors.

The Director is based in Washington, DC, with occasional travel as requested. The Director will report to the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. The position will also offer public speaking and publishing opportunities on matters related to clean energy.

Qualifications

J.D. required; active and in good standing with at least one U.S. State bar.
2-6 years’ experience as an attorney in a law firm, government, trade association, in-house legal department, or similar experience. Experience with clean energy tax credits and/or working with Treasury or IRS is preferred.
Experience in manufacturing, general corporate and tax law, and administrative law is a plus.
Excellent research, writing, and presentation skills.
Exceptional interpersonal skills.

Compensation Range

$135,000 -$160,000 annually, based on experience and an excellent benefits package.

The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather.

Position Overview

The purpose of this position is to provide legal counsel and support on a variety of corporate, transactional, compliance, and governance matters for the organization. This position will have primary responsibility for certain legal matters and will support more senior attorneys on other matters, requiring both the ability to handle matters independently as well as the ability to contribute as part of a team. The position may supervise, on a project basis, outside counsel and paralegals. This position will be either an Assistant General Counsel or Associate General Counsel, depending on the candidate’s level of experience.

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including strong listening skills

• Outstanding attention to detail and commitment to excellence in work product

• Ability to think critically and problem-solve creatively

• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize numerous ongoing projects

• Ability to work collegially with diverse personnel and demonstrate emotional intelligence

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise strong judgment and discretion

• Self-starter with ability to take initiative, work independently, and be accountable

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of professional legal experience working on corporate and transactional matters including experience in one or more of the following areas:

o Laws and regulations applicable to non-profit entities and tax-exempt organizations

o Real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, and conservation easements

o Compliance, risk management, and development of policies and procedures

o Drafting and negotiating a wide variety of contracts

o Non-profit Board and Committee governance

• Prior experience working for an in-house legal department is preferred

• Commitment to land conservation and environmental protection

• Bachelor’s degree and JD from ABA-accredited law school required

• Must be member of the New York Bar or eligible for immediate membership

Those with at least 10 years of professional legal experience will be considered for the position of Associate General Counsel. All other candidates will be considered for the position of Assistant General Counsel.

Pay for this position is $135,000-185,000, commensurate with the candidate’s skill level and experience.

Overview
The purpose of this position is to identify, analyze, and provide recommendations on how emerging policy and regulatory issues will impact the District’s operations and economics associated with its energy products and services. This position will help ensure District policy makers understand how new energy markets and related issues will impact the energy and transmission markets and make recommendations on the best course of action and how to mitigate the risks. The position will provide western energy market expertise with emphasis on Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Markets+, California Independent System Operator (CAISO), and carbon markets.

Responsibilities

Monitor, track and influence development of energy market policies, with an emphasis on organized markets (e.g. CAISO and SPP Markets+) and renewable/carbon markets, and regulations through working with industry organizations, publications, in coordination with District external affairs activities and staff. Analyze how new and changing policies and regulations may impact the value received from energy related products and services. Participate in market tariff design, creation, and updates through involvement in or leading working groups for organized markets and regulation.

Develop energy and transmissions strategies to both mitigate risks such as those resulting from regulatory uncertainty and take advantage of opportunities to optimize revenue as the energy market evolves. Collaborate with finance, risk, traders, legal, and senior management to determine strategy feasibility and obtain agreement on tactics and implementation actions.

Develop legislative and legal strategies supporting the Districts energy trading, Long Term Marketing Strategy and and sales programs in coordination with the District’s legal and external affairs teams. Communicate these strategies with internal and external stakeholders, including, but not limited to state and federal legislative bodies and regulatory agencies.

Identify key external energy policies and regulatory proceedings the District should respond to in order to position the District favorably. Develop and submit these responses.

Incorporate recommended actions into new or existing power and transmission contracts and review contract contents.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance: Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
As a secondary function, drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (B.S. or B.A.) from a four-year college or university in Economics, Business Administration, or Public Administration is required.

Legal degree or other advanced degree in economics, energy policy, or a related field preferred.

Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.

Experience

7+ years of progressively responsible regulatory, policy, and/or legal experience, including at least two (2) years evaluating, designing, and/or implementing energy policies within regulated utility markets that support power trading and energy market operations required.

Experience in the Western electricity market, including CAISO and SPP Markets+, with experience in governmental or regulatory affairs or a legal background preferred.

The starting salary range will be $138,000 – $172,500, with a maximum opportunity of up to $207,000 with tenure and strong performance.