Job Opening: Climate & Energy Program Attorney
Reports to: Climate & Energy Program Director
Location: Flexible; based in Santa Fe or Taos, NM, or potentially remote for the right candidate.
Timeline: Applications posted on October 4, 2024; review and interviews will commence on November 4, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.
About Our Organization
We are a distinguished nonprofit environmental law firm dedicated to public interest advocacy, with a deep commitment to the communities and ecosystems of the western U.S. Since our establishment in 1993, we have earned recognition as an exemplary workplace, including accolades from Outside Magazine as a Best Place to Work and honors from Oregon Business Magazine and Law360. Our vision encompasses a sustainable and thriving western U.S. where renewable energy powers our future, and communities are united in stewardship and care for the environment.
Position Overview
The Climate & Energy Program Attorney is a full-time, exempt position focused on strategic legal and policy advocacy at the intersection of the climate crisis and public lands management. The successful candidate will engage in litigation and legislative efforts aimed at transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This role will allow for the integration of personal skills and interests into the organizational strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct litigation and administrative advocacy concerning federal public lands fossil fuel planning, leasing, and approvals (60% of time).
- Engage in legislative and policy initiatives at the federal and state levels concerning climate, fossil fuels, and energy transition (40% of time).
- Collaborate with community partners to promote equity, inclusion, and justice in advocacy efforts.
- Stay updated on relevant legal and policy developments affecting climate and energy issues.
- Represent the organization in various public and private forums, and participate in organizational retreats and events.
Required Skills
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Admission to a U.S. state bar or a commitment to obtaining bar membership.
- Exceptional research, writing, and oral advocacy capabilities.
- In-depth knowledge of federal climate, fossil fuel, and public lands issues.
- Ability to lead and implement legal advocacy strategies, including litigation and policy initiatives.
- Strong interpersonal skills to cultivate relationships with community members, partners, and agency personnel.
- Highly organized, intellectually curious, and adaptable.
Qualifications
- A minimum of six years of relevant legal experience is preferred, though we welcome exceptional candidates with less experience.
- Proven commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice in legal advocacy.
- Experience working collaboratively within diverse teams and complex environments.
- An eagerness to mentor junior attorneys and engage in professional growth.
Career Growth Opportunities
This position provides the opportunity to shape organizational strategies that align with personal skills and interests. The candidate will benefit from mentorship opportunities and active involvement in organizational initiatives, allowing them to contribute to impactful change in environmental law.
Company Culture And Values
Our organization fosters a collaborative and respectful work environment that prioritizes trust, belonging, and dignity. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Compensation And Benefits
We offer competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package:
- Staff Attorney (6-12 years of experience): \(82,000 - \)104,000
- Senior Attorney (13+ years of experience): \(104,000 - \)140,000
- Comprehensive health, vision, dental, life, and disability coverage (100% employer-paid premiums).
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match.
- Generous leave policies including vacation, personal leave, holiday leave, and a long-term leave policy (3 months sabbatical for every 5 years of employment).
To Apply
Interested applicants should submit the following as PDF attachments through our application portal:
- 1-2 page cover letter addressed to Kyle Tisdel, Climate & Energy Program Director.
- Resume.
- Three professional references.
- 1-2 concise writing samples, including at least one legal memorandum or brief.
In your cover letter, articulate your commitment to our mission and your motivations for joining our team, emphasizing your personal journey and values.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Employment Type: Full-Time
