Attorney-Public Records Counsel

Location: Flexible within the U.S.

Term: Full-time employee

Experience: J.D. degree, license to practice as an attorney in any United States jurisdiction, and at least one year of work experience

The Energy and Policy Institute (“EPI”) seeks to hire a Public Records Counsel to provide legal analysis and legal representation, primarily on matters involving state and federal public records law, to EPI researchers and other reporters and advocates focused on issues including climate change, environmental justice, democracy, and corruption.

EPI is a watchdog group that exposes the anti-clean energy, anti-democracy behavior of fossil fuel companies, utilities, and their lobbying and public relations machines. Our team provides communities with the information they need to hold corporations and policy makers accountable when they advocate for cleaner and fairer energy systems.

Working under the supervision of EPI’s Counsel and General Counsel, the Public Records Counsel will advise and assist researchers at EPI and other influential national research and advocacy organizations on public records requests and litigation.

EPI’s legal portfolio also includes media law, environmental law, administrative law, and non-profit law, and the Public Records Counsel may from time to time assist on such matters as well.

Candidates must have at least one year of work experience as well as expertise in, or interest in developing expertise in, the Freedom of Information Act and state public records laws.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice and analysis regarding public records law matters
• Represent requesters in public records matters, including federal and state administrative appeals and lawsuits
• Coach and train researchers on public records request drafting and challenges
• Perform research on open records law, environmental law, and other subjects, and help prepare substantive memoranda and reports
• Engage and collaborate with local counsel where needed
• Assist EPI with other legal matters as needed

Qualifications:

• J.D. degree and a license to practice as an attorney in any United States jurisdiction
• At least one year of work experience
• Strong research and writing skills
• Commitment to corporate and government accountability, environmental protection, equity, and justice
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds
• Experience and skill in working directly with clients
• Knowledge of public records law, media law, administrative law, environmental law, or ethics law preferred
• Ability to work independently and efficiently
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice

If you have most of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply. Experience can include paid and unpaid work.

Salary range: $75,000-$100,000. This position offers competitive benefits: health, vision, and dental insurance; life and disability insurance; a generous vacation package; three months of paid parental leave.

More about EPI

We are a passionate, fun and supportive team on a mission to accelerate climate progress and to create more equitable and just energy systems. We value our relationships with each other, hard work and a high level of impact.

The Energy and Policy Institute is funded by charitable foundations. We do not receive funding from corporations or trade associations.

EPI values a diversity of backgrounds and experiences and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We encourage people from underrepresented groups, including women, people of color, gender non-conforming and LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities, to apply.

Application Process

Please submit your application through this Google Form on or before May 26, 2025. Please direct any questions to Zehava Robbins, Counsel, Energy and Policy Institute, at zehava@energyandpolicy.org.