Community Resilience Attorney

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking an Attorney to join our Community Resilience team working to protect New England’s environment for all people. The Attorney will work with a team to develop new policy tools, legal strategies and advocacy approaches directed toward equitable public access to Massachusetts’ coast and climate-resilient waterfront development and infrastructure. This is cutting-edge work that will resonate strongly with any attorney interested in public interest advocacy. This position is based in CLF’s Boston office with some opportunity and flexibility for remote work. The position will be either a Staff Attorney II or Senior Attorney depending on the final candidate’s level of experience.

CLF is dedicated to ensuring that Massachusetts’ waterfronts thrive by being equitable, accessible, and safe from climate change risks. You will be a key player in helping us achieve our mission.

What you’ll do

• Devise and execute legal and policy strategies for achieving CLF’s advocacy goals;
  • Represent CLF in litigation and administrative proceedings;
  • Develop and present written and oral testimony to legislative bodies, municipalities and state and federal agencies;
• Advise community and advocacy groups on legal and policy matters;
• Build alliances and coalitions among stakeholders that may include environmental organizations, waterfront users, scientists, public officials, businesses, and others;
• Comment on administrative rules, state and federal permits, and other state and federal agency actions;
  • Write public educational materials, articles, opinion pieces and communicate about advocacy work through news and social media outlets;
  • Lead project teams and supervise and mentor junior advocates and interns;
  • Engage in effective and inclusive management practices that support team members and ensure a healthy and inclusive workplace culture;
  • Contribute to CLF’s strategic priorities and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and organizational excellence;
• Assist CLF’s Communications team in delivering advocacy news and key messages to the press, our members, and the public;
• Assist CLF’s Development team with fundraising efforts;
• Prepare research reports, memos, and presentations;and
• Attend occasional evening meetings in Boston.

What you’ll need

We are looking for a motivated attorney who can work both independently and as a productive team member. To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience for Staff Attorney II and 7 years for Senior Attorney;
• A passion and commitment to the environment, public health, and/or social justice;
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to put your analysis into writing that is easily understood and to communicate that analysis to a variety of audiences;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to take initiative, solve problems, assess priorities, and manage a variety of activities in a fast-paced environment;
• Commitment to developing new skills and responsibilities;
• Commitment to working collaboratively with a diverse group of colleagues and partners;
  • Passion for CLF’s mission;
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
  • A law degree and active bar membership in Massachusetts in good standing.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Experience with local and state permitting and environmental review processes including Boston Article 80, Chapter 91, Wetlands Regulations, and MEPA.
  • General knowledge of the geography of the greater Boston area.

Our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with various lived experiences. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or have a less traditional background.

About CLF

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) protects New England’s environment for the benefit of all people. A non-profit, member-supported organization, CLF uses the law, science, and the market to solve the region’s most challenging environmental problems, from climate change to ocean conservation to transportation. Every day, CLF advocates stand up for New Englanders—in statehouses, courthouses, boardrooms, regulatory hearings, and community gatherings—to forge innovative paths to environmental progress and economic prosperity for all in our region. To that end, CLF frequently works with communities of color, and those that are economically or otherwise disadvantaged, which often suffer disproportionately from the impacts of environmental degradation.

CLF is committed to diversity among our staff, volunteers, boards, and membership and creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture where all can thrive.