Associate Attorney- Sept 2025

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Environmental Law & Policy Center seeks to hire a public interest environmental attorney advocate with 0-3 years of experience following law school for an Associate Attorney position in any of our Chicago, Columbus, Minneapolis or Washington D.C. offices starting in September 2025.  This Associate Attorney will work on ELPC's cutting-edge public interest climate change and clean energy, natural resources protection and clean air and clean water litigation and innovative policy advocacy.  This is an extraordinary time in which ELPC’s effective legal and policy advocacy – backed by strong economic analysis, sound science and public engagement – are essential for protecting our core environmental values.

Engage with ELPC’s Executive Director and Managing and Senior Attorneys on “hot” litigation and innovative climate action policy initiatives for ELPC’s Clean Energy, Climate Solutions, Great Places & Great Lakes, and Clean Water Program multidisciplinary teams.  Assist on special projects.  ELPC’s current docket includes litigation and advocacy to: advance community solar energy development in ways that promote energy justice; protect the Great Lakes and environmental justice communities from toxic waste dumps and other new polluting facilities; protect the Midwest’s wild and natural places from development threats and damaging policies; accelerate innovative climate change solutions, including modernizing public transportation; and ensure safe drinking water for public health and clean waters for wildlife, outdoor recreation and enjoyment.   For a recent example, please watch this video about ELPC’s federal court lawsuit to protect Lake Michigan and the Southeast Side of Chicago EJ community from an expanded toxic dredge waste dump next to a lakeshore park.

ABOUT ELPC:

The Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy organization. We use the power of the law and strategic advocacy campaigns to create climate change solutions, advance clean energy, protect public health, and preserve the Midwest's wild and natural places. Our staff is made up of extraordinary individuals who work together across states and disciplines to solve the most pressing environmental challenges of our times.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES include:

• Working closely with ELPC attorneys, scientists, policy specialists, clients and partners to build cases and support policies to protect the environment, Midwest people and communities, and the planet. 
• Participating in the full range of tasks involved in federal and state court litigation and administrative agency advocacy including: preparing legal briefs and motions, legal research and analysis, administrative comments, memorandum writing, negotiation, discovery, and oral advocacy.
• Engaging in combining legislative advocacy and communications tactics with litigation and other legal strategies.
• Participating with ELPC attorneys in relationships with clients, allies and coalition partners, co-counsel, and experts.
• Developing media communications skills.
• Participating in hiring and supervision of student law clerks and externs. 

As Associate Attorneys gain experience, their dockets may include cases for which they have larger responsibilities under the supervision of a Senior Attorney in addition to matters on which they work in a supporting role with Senior Attorneys. 

Education & Experience:

• Law school graduate with 0-4 years of legal experience and admitted to, or willing and eligible to apply for admission to the Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio or DC bar. Preference to attorneys with 2 or more years of experience.
• Strong academic record, and excellent writing, analytical and communications skills. 
• Litigation experience and engagement on policy and political issues, ranging from legislative work to campaign experience, is a strong plus.
• An inspired and demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy, and a passion for ELPC’s role and mission.
• Strong and demonstrated work ethic, good judgment, initiative, and creativity.
• Interest in and substantive law and policy knowledge of at least one of the following fields: climate change, energy, environmental, land use and/or natural resources law, and clean water and clean air law.
• Understand and enjoy multifaceted public policy strategic advocacy that involves strong and effective legal advocacy coordinated with media, legislative, economic and policy analysis and organizing approaches.
• An ability to work productively as a member of a team of skilled professionals is required.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

For September 2025 starting date, salary ranges of $85,000 - $118,000 for ELPC’s Chicago or DC offices, based on number of years of active legal practice following law school graduation.  Appropriate geographical differentials apply for ELPC offices in other locations.  ELPC encourages applicants to seek funding that will help to support their salary in full or part from sources such as Equal Justice Works, law schools’ public interest grants, etc.

ELPC offers a nationally competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive. As a    501(c)(3) organization, ELPC is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. 

ELPC’s EEO Statement:

Environmental Law & Policy Center is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and provides consideration for an employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, genetic predisposition, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

If you are interested in any of our open positions but are unable to apply via email due to a disability, please email us as [email protected] with a reference to the specific job(s) you are interested in, and we will be happy to assist you.