Senior Attorney, Environmental Enforcement

Overview

A legal organization is seeking a collaborative and experienced Senior Attorney to join a newly established enforcement group focused on holding polluters accountable for violations of federal environmental laws protecting land, air, and water. This role involves developing and pursuing enforcement cases across the United States on behalf of communities impacted by environmental harm.

The Senior Attorney will report to the Director of Enforcement and collaborate closely to shape strategic plans, develop enforcement advocacy efforts, and build infrastructure supporting enforcement work throughout the organization. The position requires leading the identification, development, and litigation of federal enforcement cases.

This is a hybrid role requiring two days per week in an office.

Responsibilities

Case Development and Litigation (60%)

• Investigate, develop, and pursue enforcement cases in collaboration with clients, attorneys, experts, and partners.
• Lead complex litigation including fact and expert discovery, motions practice, oral argument, and trial.
• Collaborate on litigation strategy, project management, and trial work.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with external partners such as Tribal entities, community groups, organizations, and coalitions.

Building Enforcement Infrastructure (35%)

• Participate in strategic planning, prioritization, and establishment of metrics to advance enforcement efforts.
• Develop cross-cutting resources to support enforcement litigation.
• Train staff in enforcement strategies and litigation skills.
• Provide hands-on training and mentoring to attorneys, paralegals, and litigation assistants across programs and offices.

External Engagement and Communications (5%)

• Collaborate with colleagues, clients, and partners to develop and execute media and legislative strategies.
• Engage journalists and thought leaders with support from the communications team to advance enforcement and broader mission goals.

Qualifications

Education and Bar Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission or willingness to apply for admission to the bar in the office location.

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 8 years litigating complex matters, including e-discovery and trial experience; federal environmental enforcement litigation experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to develop cases, manage litigation dockets, and lead litigation teams.
• Experience working effectively with technical experts.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain coalitions and partnerships, influence stakeholders, and motivate coworkers.
• Experience mentoring and training others.
• Established professional network relevant to enforcement goals.

Personal Traits and Attributes

• Commitment to public interest work and environmental mission.
• High emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and cultural humility.
• Sensitivity to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Willingness to travel as needed for case work, court appearances, and presentations.
• Creativity, initiative, good judgment, and strong work ethic.
• Positive attitude, sense of humor, and willingness to engage collaboratively.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and location.

Salary ranges by location:

• San Francisco, CA or New York, NY: $182,100 - $217,100

• Seattle, WA; Washington, D.C.; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Honolulu, HI: $173,000 - $206,200

• Juneau, AK; Denver, CO; Philadelphia, PA; Anchorage, AK: $163,900 - $195,400

• Texas; Miami & Tallahassee, FL; Bozeman, MT; New Orleans, LA: $154,800 - $184,500

• Mission- and employee-focused work environment with excellent benefits.

• Qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Location

Hybrid position requiring two days per week in an office located in one of the above cities.

Application Process

Candidates should submit the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter addressing:
  1. Motivation for joining the organization’s mission
  2. Experience leading litigation teams
  3. Ability to build and maintain coalitions
• Writing sample (preferably a legal brief or memorandum reflecting own work)
• List of representative matters litigated

Preference will be given to candidates who apply by December 7, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter until the position is filled.

No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, disability, medical condition, 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, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records or criminal histories will be considered in accordance with local fair chance hiring ordinances.