Attorney

NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, and ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC addresses the world’s most urgent environmental challenges and advances innovative, science-based, enforceable solutions. Since 1970, NRDC has helped craft foundational environmental laws including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Safe Drinking Water Act. The team works across the United States and around the world from offices in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Beijing, London, and New Delhi.

About the role

The Attorney will play a key role in NRDC’s oceans-related federal litigation and regulatory advocacy as a member of the Oceans Division, joining a team of experienced ocean conservation advocates and litigators to uphold bedrock conservation laws and protect ocean wildlife. The position also supports development of an ocean policy reform agenda in collaboration with NRDC staff and partner organizations. This is a limited-term 2.5-year position based in one of NRDC’s U.S. offices and is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Washington Baltimore News Guild (WBNG / The Newsguild-CWA Local 32035).

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with NRDC attorneys and experts, help represent NRDC on litigation matters
• Conduct legal research, analysis, and briefing
• Engage in regulatory proceedings relating to ocean conservation
• Help develop an ocean conservation policy reform agenda and strategy for its implementation
• Collaborate with Oceans Division staff on advocacy initiatives
• Effectively work in coalitions and partnerships with other organizations and aligned stakeholders
• Effectively collaborate with attorneys at other organizations on common litigation matters and on ocean policy reform
• Support NRDC’s advocacy in Congress and with administrative agencies

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and admission to the Bar of the jurisdiction in which they intend to practice, or willingness to complete the requirements for admission to that Bar
• 4+ years of legal advocacy experience, including direct litigation experience

Skills

• Knowledge of administrative law and federal court practice
• Excellent writing, research, and public speaking skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines with strong attention to detail
• Good strategic judgment, integrity, professional discretion, and ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters
• Ability to travel to NRDC U.S. based offices, approximately 10% annually
• Commitment to NRDC’s values and mission

Pay

Salary range: $117,000 to $130,000 (nonprofit scale, commensurate with skills and experience; internal equity reviewed to determine final offer).

Schedule

Hybrid work model: