Staff Attorney

About the role

Summary of Position: The staff attorney is an energetic leader driving litigation strategy and conservation campaigns across the organization. They work with a wide range of coalitions, elected officials, partner organizations, and communicate with the general public. The staff attorney works with the deputy director and other program directors to advance conservation outcomes on public lands through administrative advocacy, agency engagement, rulemaking, policy development, and legal and legislative strategy.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, recommend, and develop strategies for legal action for the board of directors.
• Provide programmatic legal strategy and analysis, including advising advocacy staff on statutory authorities.
• Conduct legal research and document review, analyze bills and administrative rules, draft legal filings, and submit FOIA requests.
• Support legislative priorities with policy and legal expertise at the state and federal levels, including drafting legislative language.
• Provide technical policy and legal support to the federal policy director on agency planning processes and projects, including drafting and reviewing organizational comments as needed.
• Identify emerging conservation policy opportunities and design solutions to support the organization’s goal of conserving Montana’s public lands.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key partner organizations, coalition members, and community leaders necessary for achieving campaign goals and objectives.
• Serve as a spokesperson for Wild Montana and the Action Fund when appropriate.
• Conduct research and analysis supporting political and electoral work.
• Work with the communication staff to ensure communication goals are being achieved.
• Support the board of directors, as needed.

Requirements

• Proven ability to perform the major duties and responsibilities above, including 3-5 years of applicable experience.
• Extensive experience in successful environmental advocacy and public policy.
• Comprehensive knowledge of state and national public land issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with conservation and community partners.
• Ability to effectively work with a diverse range of people and groups.
• Ability to draft written materials that advance the mission, including policy papers, technical comments, and legislation.
• Ability to develop and manage program budgets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of work time, as well as the willingness to work nights and weekends when needed.

Qualifications/Abilities

• Licensed and admitted to practice law in the State of Montana.