Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) seeks a full-time attorney to join its advocates working to protect New England’s environment for all people. The attorney will work in CLF’s Clean Energy and Climate Change and Clean Air and Water programs and will be based in Connecticut, with some opportunity for remote work within the state.

Under the Clean Energy and Climate Change Program, the attorney will be part of a dynamic group of CLF advocates working to cut fossil fuel use and decarbonize the economies of all six New England states. The attorney will advocate before state regulatory agencies, the public utility commission, and the state legislature, and may litigate in state or federal court. Under the Clean Air and Water Program, the attorney’s work will focus on protecting air and water quality in Connecticut communities through administrative advocacy and litigation, including federal Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act enforcement cases.

What you’ll do

The attorney will work independently and as part of state-based and regional teams advocating for clean air and water, clean energy, and climate justice. Advocacy will include collaborating with partner organizations and coalition building, with a focus on developing CLF’s relationships with environmental justice groups and communities. The attorney will lead and support high-impact, cutting-edge advocacy efforts as part of an over-arching strategy to tackle the climate crisis, protect public health, and improve air and water quality in Connecticut and regionally.

The attorney will:

• Develop relationships, build coalitions, and work collaboratively with community and advocacy groups, public officials, and business interests.
• Devise and execute legal strategies for achieving CLF’s advocacy goals.
• Represent CLF in litigation and administrative proceedings.
• Negotiate civil penalties, injunctive relief, and fee and cost recovery.
• Advocate before the state public utility commission and engage with the regional independent electric system operator, ISO New England.
• Draft public comment letters on projects, policies, and plans.
• Prepare research reports, memos, and presentations.
• Assist development team with fundraising efforts.
• Assist communications team in creating and delivering advocacy news and key messages to the press, our members, and the public.

What you’ll need

We are looking for a motivated and mature self-starter who can work independently and as a productive member of a talented and diverse group of advocates dedicated to CLF’s mission and distributed across New England. We are excited about building upon our presence in Connecticut, where we will shortly be opening a new office in New Haven.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need: 

• At least three to five years of experience practicing law, preferably in the areas of environmental and/or energy law and preferably in Connecticut.
• An active license and good standing in Connecticut, or an active license and good standing in another state and willingness to become licensed in Connecticut.
• Demonstrated experience working with state and federal environmental, energy, and climate laws and a strong grasp of political systems and regulatory proceedings.
• Litigation experience in state and federal courts, before regulatory agencies, or comparable experience.
• Strong analytic abilities, oral and written communication skills, and a commitment to environmental justice advocacy.
• Coalition and network building skills, including cultural competence and ability to communicate and collaborate within diverse and multicultural communities.
• A capacity to develop and/or enhance expertise in relevant technical or policy areas.

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 state houses, court houses and board rooms, regulatory hearings and community gatherings—to forge innovative paths to environmental progress and economic prosperity for all in our region. To that end, CLF works with communities of color, and those that are economically or otherwise disadvantaged, which often suffer disproportionately the impacts of environmental degradation.

CLF is committed to representing New England’s diversity in our staff, volunteers, boards, and membership and creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture where all can thrive. People of color are encouraged to apply.

Salary & Benefits

CLF offers a competitive salary, an extensive benefits plan, and an open, inclusive, and accepting work environment where differences are highly respected. The base salary for the position is $70,000; actual salary will reflect experience and qualifications. We recognize the value of work-life balance and also strive to create opportunities for growth for all employees through professional development.

To Apply  

To apply for this exciting position, click on the link below to be directed to an online application where you may upload your application materials.

https://secure6.saashr.com/ta/6181430.careers?ShowJob=436618788

CLF considers the health and safety of its staff members and their families, our guests, our visitors, and the community at large to be a top priority. All offers to work, intern, or volunteer with CLF are conditioned on the candidate complying with CLF’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.