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Environmental Defense Fund · 1 week ago

Senior Attorney, U.S. Clean Energy

Washington, DC

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$122K/yr - $129K/yr

5+ years exp

Environmental Defense Fund is dedicated to achieving clean and healthy air and driving clean energy progress. The Senior Attorney, U.S. Clean Energy will lead legal and regulatory advocacy to decarbonize the electric system, representing EDF in litigation and regulatory proceedings, and engaging with partners to support clean energy initiatives.

Clean EnergyCleanTechEnvironmental Engineering

Responsibilities

Partner with directors and attorneys across the EDF U.S. Region team, and others when applicable, to set and advance project goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics for our clean energy and utility regulatory advocacy

Lead the development of briefs, motions, draft litigation filings, and administrative comments advocating for relevant priorities

Conduct research and prepare legal analysis and formal and informal written materials, for internal and external audiences, on legal, legislative, and regulatory issues facing US Clean Energy and relevant teams

Assess the legal rigor of policy proposals and ensure that EDF priority policies have a robust legal underpinning

Participate in advancing EDF Organizational Effectiveness and Culture (OEC) goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values

Collaborate with internal EDF partners to develop and implement effective communication strategies to build public understanding about clean energy infrastructure

Influence decision makers through legal filings, official comments, and stakeholder engagement

Represent EDF at critical external venues, including conferences and hearings

Work with outside counsel and co-counsel in legal engagements

Oversee production of policy-relevant analyses and factual testimony, including by EDF internal experts as well as external consultants

Build, grow and maintain relationships with strategic partners, including environmental justice and community-based organizations

Work with various coalitions to achieve strategic objectives

Support fundraising, including contributing to proposals, growing relationships with donors and foundation officers, tracking and reporting progress, and other functions

Coordinate and collaborate across EDF and multidisciplinary teams to ensure success and alignment with strategies, goals, and objectives

Mentor junior legal employees, fellows, interns, etc. as applicable

Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned

Qualification

Federal litigation experienceRegulatory advocacyEnergy law knowledgeJuris DoctorateAnalytical skillsStakeholder engagementCommunication skillsCultural competencyInterpersonal skillsNegotiation skills

Required

5+ years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3 years of practice directly relevant to federal litigation and regulatory matters related to energy issues

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school and an active bar membership required

Proficiency with procedural rules and conventions of federal courts

Experience engaging with energy and infrastructure regulators, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, and the Council on Environmental Quality

Knowledge of statutes and regulations related to energy and infrastructure issues, including the Federal Power Act, the Natural Gas Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act

Familiarity with major energy and infrastructure development issues and ability to substantively engage therewith

Experience interfacing with a range of stakeholders, including community leaders, companies, industry trade associations, and policymakers with the ability to garner consensus between disparate groups

Demonstrated experience in regulatory advocacy, litigation, and/or policy development at the state or federal level

Excellent oral and written communication, with demonstrated ability to effectively communicate comprehensive subject matter expertise and technical and policy findings to colleagues, policymakers, other stakeholders and allies, journalists, and the general public

Ability to deploy and integrate science, law, economics, and advocacy tools to initiate and win positive environmental change

Ability to recognize and build on political opportunities for progress

Strong presentation, interpersonal, and negotiation skills

Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities; attentive to detail, proactive, and highly organized

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across multiple time zones

Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds

Commitment to EDF's mission and values, and to advancing clean air and climate solutions

Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time