Chesapeake Legal Alliance (CLA) is the only regional organization solely focused on providing free legal services to protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed. We are a trusted source for innovative legal strategies to tackle the Bay’s most complex environmental challenges. Our clients include individuals, community groups, and environmental advocates working to safeguard the Bay’s lands, waters, and communities. CLA also partners with local, state, and federal regulators to develop unique solutions for Bay protection and restoration.
CLA staff attorneys, in collaboration with our network of volunteer attorneys, provide the following services through our three centers:
We provide direct client counseling, case development, and representation in local, state, and federal matters, along with strategic policy guidance and innovative legal analyses.
We provide legal education and training to communities, partners, and advocates empowering them to use the law to protect the Chesapeake Bay, restore its health, and improve local water quality.
We cultivate a network of volunteer attorneys with expertise in land and water pollution, environmental permits, enforcement and compliance, hazardous site cleanup, contracts, public health, and corporate and nonprofit management, connecting them with individuals and organizations in need of assistance.
Enduring protection for the Chesapeake Bay watershed with healthy ecosystems, sustainable land use, and clean water for all.
To apply the power of the law to protect and restore clean water and promote healthy, resilient ecosystems for communities across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Our commitment to a clean, healthy environment for all lies at the heart of our organization, driving and inspiring our work every day.
We stay true to our mission and hold ourselves accountable—to our team, our partners, and the communities we serve. We strive for the highest standards of learning and performance, grounding our decisions in experience and the best available science, evidence, and information.
We bring creativity and innovation to our work, focusing on achieving tangible, lasting results in service of our mission.
We believe in the equal value of every person. To address the Bay’s most complex challenges, we embrace differences and actively include diverse voices, respecting all communities, cultures, religions, and perspectives in our work.
We emphasize kindness, empathy, and respect—toward each other at CLA, the people and partners we serve, and the donors who support our efforts. This includes supporting one another during difficult times, providing fair compensation and benefits, respecting work-life balance, and maintaining professionalism, even in contentious situations.
At Chesapeake Legal Alliance, our team of attorneys, strategists, and advocates combines deep legal expertise with a shared commitment to protecting the Chesapeake Bay. Together, we collaborate across disciplines and state lines to enforce environmental laws, empower communities, and pursue justice for our watershed. Meet the people driving our mission.
CLA welcomes the chance to strengthen our work with new staff and volunteers. Explore our current job openings below, or visit our Legal Representation page to learn more about joining our volunteer attorney network.
We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented individual to handle day-to-day development, fundraising, and administrative needs, and to provide critical support to the CLA Board and staff.
