Associate Attorney

SELC is accepting applications for Associate Attorney positions, including the Glynn D. Key Associate Attorney Fellowship, for start dates in 2027. These entry-level roles are open to recent law school graduates, attorneys completing clerkships, and practicing attorneys. Applications are due by September 18, 2026.

About the role

Associate Attorneys, including Glynn D. Key Associate Attorneys, play a critical role in advancing SELC’s program objectives through litigation and legal advocacy. Working closely with experienced attorneys, they gain valuable experience in state and federal courts and before regulatory agencies. Associates are entrusted with substantial responsibility, take ownership of their projects, and contribute to the success of their office and program. Associates work under the supervision of Staff and Senior Attorneys, embracing SELC’s collaborative work environment and supporting colleagues across positions and departments.

Glynn D. Key Associate Attorney Fellowship

The Glynn D. Key Associate Attorney Fellowship is a specialized Associate Attorney position designed for applicants with a strong interest in or demonstrated commitment to advancing environmental justice. SELC defines environmental justice as working alongside communities and partners to ensure access to clean water, clean air, a healthy environment, and a meaningful voice in decision-making. While Fellows will have the opportunity to work on at least one project with an environmental justice focus, they will engage in the full range of legal work that all Associate Attorneys undertake.

Logistics

Eligibility: Open to recent law school graduates, attorneys completing clerkships, and practicing attorneys.

Location: Applicants may indicate their preferred location(s). Relocation reimbursement may be available for those moving at least 50 miles.

• Associate Attorneys: One position is available in each of the following offices: Asheville, NC; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Charlottesville, VA; and Nashville, TN.
• Glynn D. Key Associate Attorney Fellowship: One position is available and may be based in any of the following offices: Atlanta, GA; Chapel Hill, NC; Charleston, SC; or Charlottesville, VA.

Start Date: Flexible, with opportunities available late spring through early fall 2027.

Work Model: Full-time, exempt position with a hybrid work model allowing remote work up to two days per week.

Duration: Three-year term with the possibility of a promotion for an additional three-year term.

Responsibilities

• Support litigation efforts by conducting legal research, drafting briefs and pleadings, preparing witnesses, developing factual records, managing discovery, and coordinating with clients and co-counsel.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Advocate in administrative proceedings by researching and drafting comments, coordinating with coalition partners, and speaking at public meetings.
• Contribute to policy development and analysis at both the state and federal levels.
• Deliver high-quality legal work by demonstrating diligence, professionalism, and the ability to work independently within program and office work plans.
• Manage deadlines effectively by meeting internal and external timelines while maintaining clear communication with supervisors and colleagues.
• Show initiative by contributing original insights and strategies beyond assigned tasks to support projects, offices, programs, and SELC’s mission.
• Take on progressively more substantial responsibilities and proactively seek opportunities for practice experience across SELC’s advocacy tools, including litigation, lobbying, administrative advocacy, press, coalition management, and public communications.

Qualifications

We value diverse paths and backgrounds and expect candidates to offer a variety of the following attributes and experiences:

• Recent J.D. graduate from an ABA-accredited law school, attorney completing a clerkship, or practicing attorney with less than three years of post-law school experience.
• Must be licensed or eligible to become licensed to practice law in the state where hired.
• Strong commitment to SELC’s mission.
• Interest in environmental law, civil rights, and/or litigation is strongly preferred. Experience or interest in working with communities of color and other vulnerable communities is especially valued.
• Strong academic record, demonstrated through law school coursework.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills and strong oral advocacy skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with clients, stakeholders, and environmental partners.
• Strong work ethic and sense of initiative, with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and support SELC’s collegial and collaborative approach.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, communicate effectively with colleagues, and incorporate feedback.
• Genuine interest in and commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the racial and cultural diversity of our region.

Glynn D. Key Fellowship Additional Requirements

Applicants for the Glynn D. Key Associate Attorney Fellowship must submit a one-page statement of interest describing:

• Experience or interest in working with historically marginalized communities to amplify their voices and/or address environmental injustices.
• How you engaged with these communities, meaningfully involved them, incorporated their input, and worked toward solutions (if applicable).
• Organizations or groups you collaborated with and the community you served (if applicable).
• Personal, academic, or volunteer experiences that have shaped your commitment to environmental justice and your desire to work at the intersection of environmental law and racial justice (if no direct experience).

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $82,400–$96,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)-eligible employer.
• Reimbursement for the cost of the bar exam, including a reasonable amount for related expenses such as a prep course and study materials.