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Attorney

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

Read the job description carefully and apply only if you meet the required qualifications.
To apply, complete the form at the bottom of this job description.

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.

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 Executive 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 Director of the Environmental Action Center and the Executive Director.

Position Vital Stats

Salary Range: $93,000 to $120,000
Benefits: Health reimbursement account (QSEHRA) & 401K
Hours: Full Time
Office Location: Annapolis, MD; hybrid/virtual
Deadline to apply: November 8, 2024
Start Date: As soon as practicable

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Your Responsibilities

Case Development & Litigation (75%)

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 (25%)

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.

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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.

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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.

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How to Apply

Complete and submit the form below.

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About Chesapeake Legal Alliance

CLA Fast Facts: Established: 2009; Employees: 7; Annual budget: $1.15 million

The health of the Chesapeake Bay has a huge impact on residents’ quality of life, physical health, food supply and economy. Efforts to clean up the Bay began over 40 years ago. However, the largest estuary in the United States continues to suffer death-by-a-thousand-cuts from all directions: polluted stormwater from streets and farms, climate change, deforestation and wetland destruction. Legal action is a key tool in turning the tide.

CLA provides Bay advocates with FREE legal help in many forms: education, pro bono counsel, strategic legal counseling, and policy support. We apply the power of the law in order to achieve healthy communities, resilient ecosystems, and clean water across the Chesapeake Bay region. CLA is the only legal services organization solely dedicated to serving the Chesapeake region.

Over the past 4 years, CLA has secured a sizable multi-year grant, undergone a merger, increased our staff and budget by 50%, and significantly expanded our services. With our increased capacity and our dynamic committed team, we have achieved exponential results in a short time! Therefore, we are seeking a team member who will be integral to making our operations and programs run smoothly and efficiently, and bring impactful initiatives to improve the watershed.

CLA Values Diversity & Equal Opportunity

Chesapeake Legal Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for those of all ages and backgrounds. We recruit, employ, compensate, and promote regardless of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We believe diversity creates an awareness of, and respect for differences, and ultimately translates into increased understanding that makes us better. We further encourage members of communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the environmental movement to apply to join our team.

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106 Ridgley Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401
T: 410-216-9441 * F: 410-216-7077
www.chesapeakelegal.org

Applicant Information

Name *

First Name

Last Name

Email *

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Phone *

Resume upload (PDF) *

Only PDF files will be accepted.

What makes you a great candidate for this position?

Tell us why you'd make an ideal candidate. *

We are looking for a "go-getter" who has the ability to work as an active team member but can also succeed independently. The ideal candidate for Chesapeake Legal Alliance has the ability to work with our clients, partners and constituents, foster strong relationships with clients and staff, and manage litigation as the lead-attorney, while also supporting CLA colleagues and network attorneys on other litigation needs. Finally, our ideal candidate can help communicate our work to our board, constituents and funders. Please describe how your personality and previous work experience would set you up for success in this position.

Please tell us about your litigation experience. *

Please describe any specific experience related to state or federal environmental laws and regulations. *

Why do you want to work at Chesapeake Legal Alliance? *

Each member of the CLA team is committed to CLA's core values: (1) Passion, (2) Integrity, Accountability, and Excellence, (3) Innovation and Impact, (4) Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and (5) Kindness, Empathy and Respect. These values are described in detail here (https://www.chesapeakelegal.org/about-us/). Please explain how you embody these values.

Please tell us about yourself and what brings you to the environmental movement.

Chesapeake Legal Alliance is committed to constantly improving our organization, in part by better reflecting the communities we serve. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for those of all ages and backgrounds. We especially encourage members of communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the environmental movement to apply, including diverse ethnicities, LGBTQ people, and differently abled people.

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