Peter B. Cooper Legal Fellow

Save the Sound, a regional environmental organization, seeks an energetic and creative law school graduate to be our new Peter B. Cooper Legal Fellow. Join us in a role that was created to honor Peter B. Cooper, a trailblazing Connecticut environmental lawyer who has been central to the creation and work of Save the Sound and the environmental movement in Connecticut.

WHO WE ARE:

Save the Sound leads environmental action in the Long Island Sound region. From our offices in New Haven, Connecticut and Larchmont, New York and out on the Sound itself, 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 50 years we have ensured people can enjoy the healthy, clean, and thriving environment they deserve—today and for generations to come.

The Legal Team advocates before courts, agencies, and the legislature 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, and (4) promote environmental justice.

Learn more about our legal work at Legal Docket - Save the Sound.

THE POSITION:

The Peter B. Cooper Legal Fellow will be a member of Save the Sound’s legal team and report to the Senior Legal Director. The Fellow will support Save the Sound’s legal needs, by developing and bringing legal actions, conducting investigations, and providing legal advice and support for Save the Sound projects and programs In doing so, the Fellow will work closely and collaboratively with the legal team, other program staff, outside counsel, and partner organizations and may work on projects throughout the entire Connecticut and New York Long Island Sound region.

Based in New Haven, Connecticut, this is a full-time, two-year attorney position ideal for a recent law school graduate or judicial clerk beginning in September 2025 but other arrangements may be possible depending on the circumstances.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

We seek a hard-working, energetic, and creative attorney with outstanding writing skills and demonstrated commitment to protecting and improving our environment. The Fellow will:

1. Help to develop and execute Save the Sound’s litigation and advocacy strategies;
2. Conduct legal research and writing on environmental issues at the local, state, and federal level;
3. Work with the legislative team on legal and land use issues;
4. Represent Save the Sound in state and federal courts and administrative agencies;
5. Advise community members and groups on environmental law and policy matters;
6. Prepare and promote educational materials for community members and groups;
7. Support general counsel work and communications;
8. Represent Save the Sound and provide legal support in coalitions and with partner organizations;
9. Provide counsel to Save the Sound programs on legal and related policy issues; and
10. Supervise interns and law students.

 

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 documents.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

1. Law degree;
2. Knowledge of, and demonstrated commitment to, public interest environmental law;
3. Outstanding legal writing ability;
4. Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
5. Ability to travel to off-site hearings and meetings, including some evenings as needed;
6. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as necessary;
7. Good organization skills;
8. Commitment to learning and improving; and
9. Commitment to interacting positively with diverse staff and partners.

TERMS & COMPENSATION:

This is an at-will, full-time, salaried, exempt position with a salary range of $60, 000 - $63,000 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.

 

Hybrid Work Arrangements

Save the Sound currently has a hybrid in-office/remote work arrangement. Staff are expected to be in either of our offices, at least 2 days per week (unless their position requires otherwise). Details of this arrangement are determined upon hire and employees must notify their manager of any necessary changes. It is at the manager’s discretion to amend the agreed upon work arrangement depending upon business needs, work performance or other factors.

 

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample and list of references. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 

We are a thoughtful and thorough organization. We will acknowledge receipt of your application and schedule selected applicants for an interview. Our hiring process can take from 7 to 10 weeks. You will be informed when the hiring process is complete. Please be patient.

Salary

• $60,000 - $63,000