Staff Attorney

Application Process

If you would like to become part of our dynamic team, please:

1. Read the job description carefully and apply only if you meet the required qualifications.
2. To apply, complete the form linked below.

If we think you are a good fit for the position, we will contact you to schedule a virtual interview.

Questions? david@chesapeakelegal.org

Job Description

Chesapeake Legal Alliance (CLA) is a nonprofit environmental law center located in Annapolis, MD. We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and detail-oriented Attorney to handle litigation and case management as well as provide critical support to the Litigation Director and Director of the Environmental Action Center for legal strategies. The position will serve as a key member of our team, reporting to the Litigation Director and the Executive Director. The ideal candidate would be licensed to practice in Pennsylvania or Virginia and have some Pennsylvania or Virginia litigation experience, or be eligible to waive into PA, VA or MD.

Position Vital Stats

• Salary Range: $95,000 to $130,000
• Benefits: Health reimbursement account (QSEHRA) & 401K
• Hours: Full Time
• Office Location: Annapolis, MD; hybrid/partial telework
• Deadline to apply: Rolling
• Start Date: Rolling

Your Responsibilities

Case Development & Litigation (80%)

You will co-lead litigation, client management, legal research and strategy. Duties include but are not necessary limited to:

Litigation and Strategy

1. Fulfill in-house litigation needs including: leading, co-leading and supporting CLA senior attorneys in litigation, clean water laws, administrative law and environmental justice issues.
2. Perform a range of litigation and legal tasks, including drafting comments, motions, briefs, and other documents to support administrative advocacy and litigation efforts.
3. Provide a range of legal assistance to clients and organizational partners including regulatory advocacy and advice.
4. Develop and present educational materials in conjunction with CLA’s Education Program.
5. Establish trust and build relationships with clients, press, lawmakers, and state, local, and federal agency staff.

Research and Policy

1. Co-develop unique, innovative strategies with partners and communities to address the worst sources of Chesapeake Bay pollution.
2. Assist the Executive Director and Director of the Environmental Action Center to support public policy and regulatory needs, and state and local legislation as appropriate.

Education, Outreach, and Other Support (20%)

Community Legal Education

1. Assist our Community Legal Education center, both creating and coordinating educational materials provided to our constituents;
2. Assist with and lead training sessions through CLA's Community Legal Education Center;
3. Assist with and lead outreach to partnering organizations to increase our center's reach.

Development and Other Support

1. Assist with fundraising needs including identifying new funding sources, contributing to grant proposals/reports, and meeting with prospective donors;
2. Assist with grant reports and proposals, as well as fundraising and outreach communications;
3. Work with Board members to co-develop legal strategies and innovation.

Required Qualifications

• Strongly prefer 3-7 years of litigation experience, preferably including environmental litigation, clean water and other environmental laws, including citizen suits and regulatory work.
• Bar member in good standing in - or eligible to waive into - either PA, VA, DC or MD bar.
• Experience with diverse clientele and communities.
• Experience with managing environmental experts and consultants preferred.
• Communications experience a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Extraordinarily motivated, self-directed, detail and deadline-oriented, and highly organized.
• Desire to become part of a dynamic, flexible, innovative team.
• Sincere commitment to CLA's core values.

Your Life

Location

Annapolis, MD. CLA staff maintain a flexible in-office schedule (1-2 days per week).

Benefits

Chesapeake Legal Alliance values work-life balance as well as a family-friendly atmosphere. Benefits include:

• Paid time off, paid sick leave, 5 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays.
• Nine weeks paid parental leave (after 1 year of employment).
• Health reimbursement account (QSEHRA).
• Retirement account with employer contribution.

Please use the text boxes on the form in LIEU of a cover letter; tell us more about yourself and why you are interested in this position. While resumes are important, they don't tell us the whole story. We want to get to know YOU.