Sr. Attorney, Beyond Gas

Overview

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 850 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Responsibilities

EDF’s Beyond Gas and Equitable Regulatory Solutions team leverages high-impact public utility commission opportunities and decisions by regional grid operators to accelerate the transition away from natural gas use for power generation and heating. Building on our existing relationships and expertise, we are driving an innovative advocacy approach that addresses the systemic inequities faced by communities that are hurt first and worst by fossil infrastructure and the climate impacts of the energy system. Our advocacy will rapidly reduce reliance on fossil gas, block unnecessary system buildout, and accelerate progress on climate and equity goals in Illinois and across the country.

Overall Function

The Senior Attorney will develop and implement strategies on complex legal and policy matters to reduce climate and health harming emissions and to address systemic inequities of energy systems. Working within our team of attorneys, scientists, economists, and policy specialists, the Senior Attorney will practice before state and regional energy and utility regulators, in partnership with community-based organizations and representatives, to eliminate emissions from existing energy systems and re-align the energy system to meet climate and equity goals. The Senior Attorney will develop and manage strategic relationships with community groups, other NGO stakeholders, regulators, and other external allies.  The Senior Counsel will also draft fundraising materials and donor reports and engage with the media to build support for an equitable energy transition from fossil gas. The Senior Attorney will work in a high-intensity, fast-paced, multi-disciplinary setting. The Senior Attorney will report to the Senior Director and Lead Counsel, Equitable Regulatory Solutions.

Location- Remote-US

Responsibilities

• Leading the development of briefs, motions and other litigation documents and developing litigation strategy in complex cases.
• Preparing detailed legal and policy comments in response to proposals.
• Preparing administrative petitions and other formal administrative requests.
• Analyzing key legal authorities and development of legal memoranda in support of strategic decision making.
• Supporting organizational litigation priorities and providing counseling concerning organizational legal issues.
• Interpreting key court decisions.
• Developing reports and whitepapers to influence decision-makers and engage in public education and outreach.
• Effective advocacy before federal and state policymakers.
• Maintaining strong relationships with public health and environmental allies.
• Advising and mentor summer legal interns and junior staff.
• Assisting development staff in fundraising efforts including drafting funding proposals for benefactors and foundations.
• Professionally representing EDF at various important internal and external events.
• Respond to emerging organizational priorities.
• Participates in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
• Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Professional law degree from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Current member in good standing of the bar of Illinois, or another state with ability and willingness to get licensed within 6 months.
• More than 5 years working experience in energy and utility regulation and a history of achieving policy reforms through litigation, administrative advocacy, and legislative efforts.
• Demonstrated expertise utility and energy regulation.
• Applies specific professional level functional knowledge to solve problems requiring the identification and analysis of moderately complex variables.
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills and ability to convey complex ideas in written and oral communication.
• Ability to represent EDF in litigation, before senior government officials, and in external partnerships.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Please include a Cover Letter with your submission and any other writing samples.

Pay Ranges

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

The pay range for this role is shown below.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

Minimum Salary

USD $115,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $126,000.00/Yr.

EEO Information

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.