Senior Staff Attorney

The Environmental & Energy Law Program (EELP) is seeking a Senior Staff Attorney to conduct legal and policy research on how the federal government can continue to address complex public health and climate challenges in a manner that is consistent with the Supreme Court’s recent administrative law decisions. The Senior Staff Attorney will engage with scholars, regulators, NGOs, and private sector actors to consider, develop, and propose new doctrinal approaches, principles and strategies that will help agencies respond effectively to the major questions doctrine and Loper Bright. The Senior Staff Attorney will collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Staff Attorneys, Fellows, and student Research Assistants within EELP, along with the Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic staff at HLS, including supporting the recently launched moot court for environmental cases before lower courts.  

JD degree, admission to state bar, and a minimum of 5 years of relevant post-graduate professional experience.

We are looking for people who have: 

• Outstanding research, writing, editing and proofreading skills. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and exercise judgement and discretion. 
• Extensive familiarity with a wide range of environmental statutes and case law and appellate litigation experience.
• Strong ability to self-motivate and be entrepreneurial, but also to work well with others and thrive in dynamic environment.  
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach, willingness to step up and do what is necessary to make the enterprise successful. 

This is a one-year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.  

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions. 
 
All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources. 

Schedule
Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.

As a Senior Staff Attorney, you will be:

• Generating and sustaining a portfolio of ongoing legal and policy research, writing, and public engagement activities to support EELP’s work related to the major questions doctrine, Loper Bright and bolstering agency expertise in federal rulemakings. 
• In conjunction with the Executive Director, Faculty, and Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic support Emmett Environmental Law Center projects, including the recently launched moot court.  
• Supervising, advising and coordinating research activities with Staff Attorneys, Fellows, student Research Assistants and outside partners.   
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, developing partnerships with other related Harvard initiatives.  
• Delivering presentations and attending events on behalf of EELP.   

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Travel opportunities may arise. The right candidate can operate independently in a work environment of multiple priorities, but also must work well as a member of the team.  

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format Details
While the position is based in Cambridge, MA, the role has opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement, subject to business need and manager review and approval.  

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School is a place where you can thrive.