Job Summary:The Clean Water/Great Lakes Protection Associate Attorney will litigate and advocate to protect access to safe, clean water for people around the Midwest, and to protect the Great Lakes, which is a global ecological gem, provides safe clean drinking water supplies to 40 million people, and support enjoyable recreational opportunities and fisheries for the region. The Great Lakes is where we live, work and play.
The Associate Attorney (2-3 years of experience) or Senior Associate Attorney (4-6 years of experience) will engage in federal court strategic litigation, state court and administrative cases to tighten or enforce Clean Water Act permits, and federal and state policy initiatives to advance protection and restoration of the Great Lakes and safe, clean drinking water for all.
ELPC's recent and ongoing clean water and Great Lakes protection work includes, for example: (1) successful federal court litigation on behalf of community group clients to stop the Army Corps of Engineers' misguided proposed new toxic dredged wastes landfill along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Chicago's Southeast Side environmental justice community; (2) federal and state court litigation and policy advocacy to reduce industrial water pollution from large steel mills in Northwest Indiana; (2) federal court litigation to alleviate toxic algae blooms in western Lake Erie by agricultural pollution in Northwest Ohio and in Michigan; (4) successful litigation before the Michigan Supreme Court to reverse a permit for the proposed Line 5 oil pipeline tunnel running through the Straits of Mackinac; and (5) a multi-faceted campaign to reduce cancer-causing nitrates in Iowa's drinking water.
Title:Associate/Sr. Associate Attorney - Clean Water/Great Lakes Protection Program
Reports To: Senior Attorneys in ELPC's Clean Water-Clean Air and Great Places, Great Lakes Programs
Location: Chicago, IL with a hybrid work environment that includes two required days in the office each week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) to spur effective collaboration.
Essential Job Functions:- Litigate a range of cases to protect access to clean water and safeguard the Great Lakes
- Conduct factual and legal research to develop and prosecute claims
- Draft major briefs and a range of pleadings, declarations, motions and discovery requests
- Coordinate with expert witnesses
- Engage with clients, partner organizations, and impacted communities
- Draft comments on proposed rules from U.S. EPA and other agencies
- Collaborate with communications team to promote program work through engagement with the media and public education
- Contribute to policy initiatives to promote clean water and Great Lakes protection
- Assist in fundraising
- Other duties, as assigned.
Education & Experience:- Juris Doctor degree
- 2 - 6 years of relevant legal experience with an emphasis on litigation skills
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:- Strong legal writing, research and analysis, and oral presentation skills
- Ability to work independently and collaborate with colleagues
- Commitment to environmental protection
- Knowledge/experience with the Clean Water Act and NEPA is a plus
Estimated Travel: Up to 10 % -20% domestic travel
Salary: For candidates who fully meet the requirements, the salary range is $98,940 - $120,360 depending on years of experience and ELPC's internal salary equity considerations. ELPC provides a very robust benefits package competitive to leading national and regional environmental non-profits.
