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 litigation team. The position will serve as a key member of our team, reporting to the Director of Litigation.

Position Vital Stats

  • Salary Range: $93,000 to $127,000
  • Benefits: Health reimbursement account (QSEHRA) & 401K company contribution
  • Hours: Full Time
  • Office Location: Annapolis, MD; hybrid/virtual
  • Deadline to apply: Rolling
  • 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 necessarily limited to:

  • Litigation and Strategy:
    1. Fulfill in-house litigation needs including: leading, co-leading, and supporting CLA senior attorneys in litigation of clean water laws, administrative law actions, with a focus on resolving 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 advocacy strategies with partners and communities to address the worst sources of water pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; 
    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 (15%)

  • 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;
    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 VA or PA preferred, 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.