Senior Attorney, Environmental Justice (MA/CT/RI)

Description

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) seeks a full-time attorney to join its Environmental Justice Program. The senior attorney will be responsible for the program's zero waste work, including challenging proposed and existing waste facilities, addressing plastic pollution, and advocating for zero waste solutions.

The senior attorney will also work on toxics-related litigation. The work will be focused on the southern part of the New England region, in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and will be based in one of the following CLF regional offices : Providence, RI;

New Haven, CT, or Boston, MA with some opportunity for remote work within New England. Frequent travel throughout the southern New England states is required.

CLF strongly embraces diversity, equity, inclusion and partnering with communities directly impacted by pollution and regulatory and siting decisions.

We are dedicated to maintaining a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

What you'll do

CLF's zero waste work is aligned with the global Zero Waste movement as defined by the Zero Waste International Alliance the reduction of disposal;

expansion and improvement of recycling, composting, and reuse of products and materials; and development of a circular economy.

Related to CLF's zero waste work, CLF strongly believes that every community should be free of dangerous toxins, both in the indoor and outdoor environment.

The core of both of these focuses is an understanding of the connection between disproportionate impacts of waste systems and toxic exposure on communities of color, limited English proficient households, and low-income communities.

As a member of CLF's zero waste and toxics team, you will :

• Develop relationships, lead or participate in coalitions, and work collaboratively with community and advocacy groups, public officials, and business interests;
• Devise and execute legal and policy strategies related to the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of statewide Zero Waste programs and regulations, and the development, expansion and operation of waste facilities, in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island;
• Complement the advocacy of CLF's zero waste and toxics work in other states (i.e., Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont);
• Represent CLF and potentially community-based organizations in litigation, administrative proceedings, state legislatures, and to the public;
• Advise and work with community and advocacy groups on legal and policy matters to influence zero waste strategies;
• Assist CLF's development team with fundraising efforts; and
• Assist CLF's communications team in creating and delivering advocacy news and key messages to the press, our members, and the public.

What you'll need

To be successful in this role, you will need :

• At least 7 years of relevant experience practicing law;
• A commitment to protecting and promoting environmental justice and public health;
• A passion for using and strengthening the law to protect people and natural resources;
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to put your analysis into writing that is easily understood by a variety of audiences, including residents without technical or legal knowledge;
• A commitment to working collaboratively with diverse colleagues and partners;
• A high level of organization and strong interpersonal skills, including cultural competence and ability to communicate and collaborate within diverse, multilingual, and multicultural communities;
• A willingness to travel throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut on a routine basis and a willingness to travel periodically to Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont;
• Litigation experience in state and federal courts, before regulatory agencies, or comparable experience;
• Experience evaluating legislation and commenting on proposed regulations changes; and
• Admission to practice law in good standing in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and / or Connecticut, or admission elsewhere with a willingness to be admitted to practice in one or more of the southern New England states.

Our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don't believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description.

Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with various lived experiences. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or have a less traditional background.

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 diversity among our staff, volunteers, boards, and membership and creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture where all can thrive.

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 starting salary range if based outside of Boston is $88,000-$104,000 and if based in Boston is $97,000-$115,000. The actual salary will reflect experience and qualifications as well as base office location.

We recognize the value of work-life balance and also strive to create opportunities for growth for all employees through professional development.

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.