Visiting Fellow (One-Year Position – President’s Office)

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking an experienced attorney to join our team as a Visiting Fellow, working to protect New England’s environment for all people. The Fellow will work closely with CLF’s President and Senior Vice President for Law & Policy to advance organizational priorities and to promote solutions to the region’s biggest environmental challenges using litigation, policy, and legislative advocacy. The Fellow’s work will be multi-varied, but a primary focus will be tracking, analyzing and advising on responses to significant administrative, legislative and litigation developments at the local and federal levels.

This position is funded for one year with the potential for extended funding and/or placement in another funded position at the organization past this time. The position can be based anywhere in New England.

What you’ll do

• Strategically advise on planning processes to prepare CLF and program staff for shifts in political power, and develop relationships that make CLF’s advocacy as resilient as possible in the face of changing political power dynamics;
• Work with CLF leadership and advocates to identify priorities for local and federal legislative sessions, rulemaking processes, and litigation opportunities;
• Devise and execute legal and policy strategies for achieving CLF’s advocacy goals;
• Conduct research on legal and policy questions and make recommendations to CLF’s leadership team;
• Prepare research reports, memos, and presentations;
  • Write public educational materials, articles, opinion pieces and communicate about advocacy work through news and social media outlets;
  • Contribute to CLF’s strategic priorities and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and organizational excellence;

What you’ll need

We are looking for a motivated and mature self-starter that is able to work both independently and as a productive team member. To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

• At least 7 years of relevant experience practicing law with a strong preference for recent government service experience;
• 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;
• 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 good standing in any state or the District of Columbia (New England state is preferred).

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.