Senior Attorney, Clean Energy

Overview

A leading environmental law organization is seeking a Senior Attorney to join their Clean Energy Program. This role focuses on accelerating the transition from coal- and gas-fired electricity generation to clean energy, with an emphasis on litigation, advocacy, and strategy before administrative bodies and courts. A key responsibility will be holding the coal industry accountable for toxic coal waste pollution that threatens human health and the environment.

The Clean Energy Program litigates and advocates in state and federal courts and before energy regulators nationwide to promote an equitable clean energy transition. This includes expanding access to clean energy, advocating for the closure of coal-fired power plants, opposing new gas-fired plants, and pushing for coal waste cleanup.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex climate and energy litigation before administrative agencies and state and federal courts, focusing on coal ash management enforcement actions.
• Conduct factual investigations, develop legal theories, secure expert testimony, and prepare comments, petitions, briefs, and oral arguments.
• Collaborate on litigation strategy, problem solving, and project management within the team.
• Prepare discovery, pleadings, testimony, cross-examination, briefs, and oral arguments in regulatory and court proceedings.
• Oversee and collaborate with technical experts.
• Work with media, policy, legislative teams, clients, and partners to leverage legal advocacy for positive outcomes.
• Supervise and mentor Associate Attorneys, interns, and litigation assistants.
• Manage relationships with co-counsel, clients, and coalition partners to develop and litigate cases.
• Participate in long-term planning, strategy development, goal setting, and work plan management.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse clients and partner organizations.
• Serve as a spokesperson and assist in developing and executing media strategies.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful, supportive, and inclusive work environment.

Requirements

• Law degree and admission or eligibility for admission to the applicable bar within 14 months of employment.
• Minimum of 6 years of litigation and legal advocacy experience, including independent and coalition work.
• Licensed to practice law in the U.S. jurisdiction where the attorney will be based.
• Experience with environmental and administrative law, including enforcement; familiarity with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act preferred.
• Ability to develop cases, manage litigation dockets, lead teams, and collaborate effectively.
• Strong creativity, initiative, judgment, and work ethic.
• Ability to work effectively with technical experts.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse clients and partners.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
• Passion for public interest work and environmental justice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with administrative and environmental law enforcement.
• Prior work in coalition settings.

Compensation & Benefits

Salaries are based on experience and location:

• New York, NY & San Francisco, CA: $169,900 - $217,100
• Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA & Washington, DC: $161,400 - $206,200
• Philadelphia, PA: $152,900 - $195,400
• Remote / Nationwide: $144,400 - $217,100

The position offers a competitive compensation package and excellent benefits. The employer is a 501(c)(3) organization and qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Location

Preferred work locations include program offices in New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. Hybrid work arrangements are preferred, but remote candidates will also be considered.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

• Resume
• One- to two-page cover letter addressing motivation for the role and relevant skills/experience
• Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum reflecting the applicant's own work

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to those submitted by January 14, 2026. The position is open until filled.

Equal Opportunity

The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other non-job-related factors.

For positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles, fair chance hiring practices are followed regarding applicants with criminal histories.