Staff Attorney/Program Advisor, Environment Program

About the role

The Staff Attorney/Program Advisor will play a key role in the Vance Center’s Environment Program. Under the supervision of the Associate Executive Director, the main responsibilities include assisting in developing, leading, and managing pro bono projects, conducting research and written analysis, monitoring legal and social developments, identifying and cultivating new clients, preparing grant applications and reports, and planning and participating in events.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing, leading, and managing pro bono projects in the Environment Program, including collaborating with Vance Center colleagues in the four programmatic areas.
• Conduct research and written analysis, including preparation of legal briefs, on international environmental law, human rights law, and domestic environmental law, including regional tribunals and constitutional developments related to the environment.
• Maintain strong communication with existing partners and pro bono law firms.
• Collaborate with the fundraising and communications teams to prepare grant applications and reports, and communications messaging.
• Draft reports to grant makers and materials for publication on the program’s activities, cases, or current events.
• Plan, organize, and participate in virtual and in-person events in the United States, Latin America, and other engagements.
• Undertake specific administrative duties related to achieving the program's mission and objectives.

Requirements

• J.D. or LLM from a U.S. law school. Specialization in International Environmental or Environmental Law or Public International Law is a plus.
• Admission to practice law in a U.S. state or in another jurisdiction.
• At least 2 years’ relevant experience, including legal work in, or related to, international environmental law or environmental law.
• Written and oral fluency in English. Written and oral fluency in Spanish is required; knowledge of French is a plus.
• Knowledge of international and regional legal systems, international and regional human rights mechanisms, and civil society ecosystems.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, public interest law, or related fields.
• Excellent legal research, writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work quickly and well under pressure, manage multiple tasks and stakeholders, and meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel to Latin America and Africa to implement program activities; travel will be limited to a few times a year.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Qualifications, Skills and Requirements

• J.D. or LLM from a U.S. law school. Specialization in International Environmental or Environmental Law or Public International Law is a plus.
• Admission to practice law in a U.S. state or in another jurisdiction.
• At least 2 years’ relevant experience, including legal work in, or related to, international environmental law or environmental law.
• Written and oral fluency in English. Written and oral fluency in Spanish is required; knowledge of French is a plus.
• Knowledge of international and regional legal systems, international and regional human rights mechanisms, and civil society ecosystems.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, public interest law, or related fields.
• Excellent legal research, writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work quickly and well under pressure, manage multiple tasks and stakeholders, and meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel to Latin America and Africa to implement program activities; travel will be limited to a few times a year.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Pay

The starting salary will be $75,000 to $90,000 based on experience. We provide a competitive benefits package including generous paid time off, choice of medical plans, dental, vision, eligible for 401K when employment begins (with discretionary employer match up to 3%), life insurance, commuter benefits program, Employee Assistance Program, short-term/long-term disability insurance, free New York City Bar Association membership and CLE programs, employee discounts, and more!

Schedule

The schedule currently requires at least 3 days of scheduled in-office work per week, with the balance of time being work-from-home. The hybrid schedule is subject to review and revision based on program and departmental needs.