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Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

The Environmental & Energy Law Program (EELP) is seeking a Managing Attorney to lead EELP’s legal and policy research on climate change equitable disaster preparedness and response and durable legal frameworks that drive meaningful engagement and produce more just environmental and public health outcomes for impacted communities. The Managing Attorney will produce new research on key legal questions for communities at risk from sea level rise, wildfires, storms, floods, and drought, and identify legal hurdles and solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The Managing Attorney will engage with private and public sector actors, and lead EELP convenings of diverse stakeholders and experts to identify statutory and regulatory approaches that ensure environmental and public health protections for communities. The Managing Attorney will also conduct research and stakeholder outreach on other EELP projects and work in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Fellows, and student Research Assistants on current and emerging energy and environmental issues, help manage ongoing projects to track and analyze federal environmental, energy, and climate regulation and build partnerships across the university to enhance our program’s work and influence. 

In addition to the subject matter areas and areas of responsibility described below, the Managing Attorney may have the opportunity to work with the Executive Director to pursue other areas of interest in environmental and energy law. 

As a Managing Attorney, you will: 

• Implement EELP’s strategy focused on climate disaster and policies that support a more just environmental and public health outcomes for communities.
• Generate a portfolio of ongoing research, writing, and public engagement activities to develop and disseminate analysis of legal issues at the intersection of disaster, property, tort, energy, and environmental law as well as legal frameworks to address public health and environmental impacts for communities.
• In conjunction with the Executive Director, building and managing partnerships directly with outside stakeholders in carrying out research and writing, and in conducting convenings and public events.
• Cultivate and support partnership with external stakeholders, scholars, and community leaders to support EELP’s work, and in collaboration with the Executive Director, develop partnerships with other related Harvard initiatives. 
• Supervise, advise, and coordinate research activities with Staff Attorneys, Fellows, student Research Assistants.
• Supervise other attorneys on, and contribute to, EELP’s environmental justice tracker and other publications. 
• Deliver presentations and attend events on behalf of EELP.  

Basic Qualifications

JD degree, admission to state bar, and a minimum of 8 years of relevant post-graduate professional experience. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have: 

• Superior research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills 
• Ability to communicate effectively and exercise judgment and discretion 
• Extensive familiarity with a wide range of environmental statutes and case law as well as engagement with stakeholders 
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach with experience of managing a team of attorneys and projects

A strong candidate can operate independently in a work environment of multiple priorities and must work well as a member of the team. This position may be responsible for the supervision of Fellows, student Research Assistants, and summer interns. 

Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term appointment with possibility of renewal subject to departmental funding and need. 

Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-time. The Managing Attorney may be called upon to take on special projects and for other tasks at short notice. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Certification/License.

Other Information:

Travel opportunities may arise.

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

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Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

About Harvard University

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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