Save the Sound is seeking applications for a staff attorney to be part of our growing Legal Team that works throughout the Long Island Sound region, which includes Connecticut, Westchester County, New York City and Long Island. The position is based out of the New Haven, Connecticut Office.
WHO WE ARE:
Save the Sound has been leading environmental action in the Long Island Sound region for 50 years. We fight climate change and build resilient communities, save endangered lands, protect the Sound, and restore its rivers. We do this in many ways, from legislative advocacy and legal action to engineering, environmental monitoring, and hands-on volunteer efforts. For more than 40 years we’ve ensured people can enjoy the healthy, clean, and thriving environment they deserve—today and for generations to come.
With nine lawyers on staff in various roles, an Environmental Law Clinic at UConn Law, and a substantial legal intern program, Save the Sound’s commitment to law as a fundamental pathway to positive environmental change runs deep. The Legal Team consists of four attorneys who advocate before courts, agencies and the legislature throughout the region to (1) ensure Long Island Sound, rivers, and lakes are clean and support thriving ecosystems and communities, (2) mitigate climate change and promote clean air, (3) protect our last great endangered open spaces and habitats, (4) promote environmental justice, and (5) defend core environmental laws.
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Save the Sound is seeking applications for a Staff Attorney in the New Haven Office. It is a full-time, exempt position with full benefits and begins in February 2023 or as agreed. The Staff Attorney reports directly to the Senior Legal Counsel.
We seek a hard-working, energetic, and creative attorney with outstanding writing skills and a demonstrated commitment to protecting and improving our environment. The job will involve:
- Legal writing and advocacy to represent Save the Sound before state and federal courts, administrative agencies, and the legislature;
- Occasional attendance at evening and weekend meetings or hearings, which may require limited travel throughout the Long Island Sound region;
- Helping to define and execute Save the Sound’s litigation and advocacy strategies;
- Representing Save the Sound in coalitions and with partner organizations;
- Providing counsel to Save the Sound programs on legal and related policy issues; and
- Supervising interns and students in the Save the Sound UConn Law School Environmental Law
QUALIFICATIONS:
The candidate should have:
- A minimum of two years relevant experience in environmental or related litigation or advocacy;
- An outstanding academic record;
- Strong communications and interpersonal skills;
- Exceptional writing ability;
- D. degree; and
- A Connecticut and/or New York Bar admission is preferred, but not immediately required.
Additional Desired Qualifications:
- A strong knowledge of core federal environmental laws, such as Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, RCRA, and NEPA;
- Knowledge of New York and/or Connecticut environmental laws, such as SEQRA, CEPA, and NY and CT Climate laws;
- Ability to work with and lead coalitions of advocates, political leaders and community organizations;
- Ability to take initiative and address and solve problems as they develop;
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with Save the Sound staff and allies; and
- Motivation to develop new skills and capabilities.
TERMS & COMPENSATION:
This is an at-will, full-time, salaried, exempt position. The salary range for staff attorneys is $70,000-90,000 annually commensurate with skills and experience. Our comprehensive benefits package includes company sponsored health insurance, dental and vision insurance, 403(b) with company match after 1 year, life and long-term disability insurance, a generous time off package and opportunities for professional development.
Additional Details Common to All Positions
Save the Sound’s Commitment to Equity and Diversity
Save the Sound is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Our organizational leadership and staff are working to deepen Save the Sound’s diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek to attract a more diverse applicant pool, and to add and retain more outstanding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to all levels of our team. We work in diverse communities and landscapes and are actively working to increase our focus on driving environmental justice and equitable outcomes through our work.
- Shared Organizational Job Responsibilities
- Maintaining positive and productive working relationships with all Save the Sound staff members, including providing and receiving constructive feedback;
- Participating in building productive relationships with Save the Sound’s members, external partners, policy makers, and the general public; and
- Completing all administrative work on time, such as timesheets, purchase orders, project reports, and planning
COVID-19 Considerations
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Save the Sound is moving to a permanent hybrid in-office/remote arrangement. This position is expected to be in the New Haven office at least 2 days/week unless current organizational COVID-19 protocols indicate otherwise. Office opening/closing and health policies are regularly updated based on the current state of the pandemic. All office use and field work must follow Save the Sound’s most up-to-date safety protocols. Save the Sound requires that all new hires submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for the safety of all staff and the communities where we work.
