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: $85,000 to $110,000
- Benefits: Health reimbursement account (QSEHRA) & 401K
- Hours: Full Time
- Office Location: Annapolis, MD; hybrid/virtual
- Deadline to apply: February 27, 2024
- Start Date: As soon as practicable
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Your Responsibilities
Case Development & Litigation (85%)
You will co-lead litigation, client management, legal research and strategy. Duties include but are not necessary limited to:
- Litigation and Strategy:
- 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.
- Perform a range of litigation and legal tasks, including drafting comments, motions, briefs, and other documents to support administrative advocacy and litigation efforts.
- Provide a range of legal assistance to clients and organizational partners including regulatory advocacy and advice.
- Develop and present educational materials in conjunction with CLA’s Education Program.
- Establish trust and build relationships with clients, press, lawmakers, and state, local, and federal agency staff.
- Research and Policy:
- Co-develop unique, innovative strategies with partners and communities to address the worst sources of Chesapeake Bay pollution.
- 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.
- Assist with and leads training sessions through CLA’s Community Legal Education Program.
Development and other Support (15%)
Support CLA’s Executive Director and Board Officers with development and other administrative needs. These duties include:
- Assist with fundraising needs including identifying new funding sources, contributing to grant proposals/reports, and meeting with prospective donors.
- Assist with grant reports and proposals, as well as fundraising and outreach communications.
- Work with Board members to co-develop legal strategies and innovation.
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Required Qualifications
- 3+ year 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.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Communications experience a plus.
- Strong goal-setting and planning skills.
- Desire to become part of a dynamic, flexible, innovative team.
- Sincere commitment to the values of CLA, including Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in our work and our workplace.
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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.
- Four weeks paid parental leave (after 6 months 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: $1.1 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.
Chesapeake Legal Alliance 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