Staff Counsel

Overview

A national nonprofit organization focused on supporting public employees who uphold environmental laws and public health is seeking a Staff Counsel. This role involves providing legal counseling and representation to public employees in federal and state courts and administrative proceedings, initiating litigation, and helping coordinate campaigns for environmental, public lands, and public health reforms. The Staff Counsel will report to the General Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in administrative and federal court litigation, mediation, and settlement processes.
• Respond to employee requests for assistance and determine appropriate legal or other support.
• Develop and implement legal, communications, and strategic approaches to address employee-identified issues, including drafting FOIA requests and formal complaints.
• Research and draft legal filings, memoranda, agency comments, letters, and other advocacy materials.
• Conduct legal and policy research to support environmental, public lands, and public health campaigns.
• Monitor policy developments to identify opportunities for litigation or regulatory advocacy.
• Serve as a media spokesperson on relevant legal and policy matters.
• Build and leverage relationships within the legal community to support organizational goals and growth.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop strategic narratives and media to educate philanthropic, legal, and progressive communities.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the District of Columbia Bar or another state bar with the ability to gain admission in D.C.
• Excellent oral and written advocacy skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent assignments.
• Strong relationship-building skills with clients and partner organizations.
• Commitment to workplace inclusion and fostering a just and equitable workplace culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in civil or administrative litigation, including claim development, drafting pleadings, managing discovery, and participating in federal court or administrative hearings.
• Experience with investigations by federal agency Inspectors General, the Office of Special Counsel, or Merit Systems Protection Board cases.
• Familiarity with regulatory development and implementation, including rulemaking obligations and the federal Administrative Procedure Act (preferred but not required).
• Knowledge of the federal regulatory process through litigation, rulemaking, or administrative procedures.
• Prior federal employment is a plus.
• Deep engagement with federal regulatory agencies related to environment, public lands, or public health (e.g., EPA, DOI, NOAA).
• Experience in writing and advocacy on environmental, labor, or governance issues.
• Ability to quickly learn new issue areas and contribute creative, analytical approaches.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $95,000 to $115,000 annually.
• Generous leave package.
• Flextime and benefits.
• Full-time remote work is possible.

Location

Remote work is available.

Start Date

Immediate start preferred but negotiable based on individual circumstances.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (one 5 pages or less, another 10-20 pages). No phone calls, please.