Senior Attorney – Ocean Conservation

Senior Attorney – Ocean Conservation

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking a Senior Attorney to join our team working to protect New England’s environment for all people. The Senior Attorney will work with CLF’s Ocean Conservation team and will be based in one of the following CLF regional offices: Concord or Portsmouth, NH; Portland, ME; Providence, RI; or Boston, MA, with the opportunity for remote work within New England. The Senior Attorney will work to advance the Ocean Conservation Program’s priorities and to promote solutions to the region’s biggest environmental challenges using litigation, policy, and legislative advocacy. Under the Ocean Conservation Program, the work will focus on sustainable fisheries management, ocean habitat protection, marine mammal protection, and ocean planning.

What You’ll Do

• Devise and execute legal and policy strategies for achieving CLF’s advocacy goals.
• Represent CLF in litigation and administrative proceedings.
• Advise community and advocacy groups on legal and policy matters.
• Build alliances and coalitions among stakeholders that may include environmental organizations, ocean 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, and opinion pieces, and communicate about advocacy work through news and social media outlets.
• Lead project teams and supervise and mentor junior advocates and interns.
• Contribute to CLF’s strategic priorities and 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 the Development team with fundraising efforts.
• Prepare research reports, memos, and presentations.

What You’ll Need

We are looking for a motivated and mature self-starter who 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 and experience in ocean law and policy or other relevant areas of law; however, regardless of the number of years of experience, candidates with direct experience in ocean law and advocacy are encouraged to apply.
• 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.
• A law degree and active bar membership in good standing in any state or the District of Columbia (New England state is preferred).

Our Commitment to Diversity

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 to creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture where all can thrive.

Salary & Benefits

CLF offers a competitive salary, an extensive benefits plan, and an open, inclusive, and accepting work environment where differences are highly respected. The starting salary range for the position is $97,000 – $124,000 if based in Boston and $88,000-$112,000 if based in a CLF office outside of MA. Actual salary will reflect experience, qualification, and where the selected candidate is based. We recognize the value of work-life balance and also strive to create opportunities for growth for all employees through professional development.

Health & Safety

CLF considers the health and safety of its staff members and their families, our guests, our visitors, and the community at large to be a top priority. All offers to work, intern, or volunteer with CLF are conditioned on the candidate complying with CLF’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.

Learn more here