Description:

Overview:
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, ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC is working to address the world's most urgent environmental challenges, and advance innovative, science-based, and enforceable solutions.

Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and deliver many of America's foundational environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Today, we continue to lead in advancing and defending strong environmental protections at the local, state, federal and international levels, as well as through the marketplace. Our team works across the United States and around the world, from offices in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Beijing, London, and New Delhi (a subsidiary of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd.).

Supported by our members and online activists, NRDC is driving impactful solutions that confront the climate crisis, defend nature and safeguard public health across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. At NRDC, we believe lasting change happens when people bring their talent, passion, and expertise together for a common purpose: to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world. Learn more at nrdc.org.

NRDC is seeking an Attorney to work with our Nature team in one of our U.S. based offices. This is a limited term 2.5 year position. 

Position Summary:
The Attorney will play a key role in NRDC's oceans-related federal litigation and regulatory advocacy as a member of the Oceans Division. The Attorney will join a team of experienced ocean conservation advocates and litigators and help support our ocean defense work, including to uphold bedrock conservation laws and protect ocean wildlife. This position will also support the development of an ocean policy reform agenda in collaboration with staff at NRDC and partner organizations.

This is a limited term 2.5 year position.

The position you are applying for is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Washington Baltimore News Guild (WBNG / The Newsguild-CWA Local 32035).

Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

In collaboration with NRDC attorneys and experts, help to 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
The above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position's responsibility. Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications:
Minimum Education & Experience

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 plus years of legal advocacy experience, including direct litigation experience.

Skills, Abilities, Competencies

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