Overview
A leading environmental law organization is seeking a collaborative and experienced Senior Attorney to join its Clean Energy Program's team of practitioners focused on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Department of Energy (DOE). This role involves navigating complex appellate litigation issues affecting clients' rights, including justiciability, remedies, and interpretation of statutes, regulations, and tariffs.
The Clean Energy Program litigates and advocates nationwide to secure a clean and equitable electricity grid, reduce power sector emissions, hold polluters accountable, and promote electrification of buildings and transportation. The Senior Attorney will support these efforts through appellate litigation expertise and subject matter knowledge.
Responsibilities
Litigation Strategy, Support, and Leadership (75%)
- Serve as a partner and resource to DOE/FERC case teams on difficult or novel legal issues impacting future litigation.
- Review drafts, provide drafting assistance, act as moot court judge, or serve as lead counsel on cases or amicus briefs.
- Monitor federal and state court developments affecting FERC and DOE-jurisdictional claims and develop organizational responses and best practices.
- Develop a toolkit of appellate litigation best practices, including guidance on record development in administrative forums.
Subject Matter Expertise (25%)
- Develop and maintain expertise in a specific region and/or area of energy regulatory law relevant to the organization's mission.
- Track and inform attorneys of legal developments related to assigned region or subject area.
- Provide advocacy and litigation support to clients, coalition partners, and regional offices on related proceedings.
Ongoing Learning
- Pursue professional development and contribute to a culture of learning by building skills and sharing knowledge.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 7 years of legal experience preferred.
- Strong preference for candidates with a state or federal appellate clerkship.
- Substantial experience leading the drafting of appellate briefs.
- Experience arguing cases before appellate courts is strongly preferred.
- Experience coordinating large litigation teams, client groups, or coalitions is strongly preferred.
- Deep familiarity with administrative law and relevant constitutional law doctrines.
- Interest in environmental and energy law and litigation.
- Superior legal research, brief writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to build partnerships, influence stakeholders, and motivate peers.
- Commitment to values of justice, excellence, inclusion, and partnership.
- Skill in leading diverse teams with emotional intelligence and cultural competence; ability to mentor and develop team talents.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary determined by experience and location.
Salary ranges by location:
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San Francisco and New York City: $175,500 - $217,100
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Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles: $166,700 - $206,200
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Philadelphia: $158,000 - $195,400
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Excellent, comprehensive benefits.
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Casual and congenial work environment.
Location
This is a full-time (37.5 hours/week) position with hybrid work options available in one of the following locations:
- Washington, D.C.
- New York
- Philadelphia
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
Application Process
Candidates should submit the following materials:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Writing sample
Preference will be given to applications received by May 20, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter until the position is filled. The organization seeks a candidate available to start immediately.