Senior Attorney/Litigator

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is now accepting applications for a Senior Attorney specializing in litigation.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation. SELC’s work focuses on the following program areas: climate change, environmental justice, clean energy, healthy air, transportation and land use, clean water, wetlands and coasts, and forest protection.  

The Senior Attorney will take the lead on major cases under federal and state environmental laws, foster strong relationships with clients and partners, and collaborate closely with SELC attorneys and staff across the region. The ideal candidate will have at least seven years of litigation experience. 

This is a full-time, exempt position with a flexible start date. The position may be located in any of the following SELC offices: Asheville, NC; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Chapel Hill, NC; Charleston, SC; Charlottesville, VA; Nashville, TN; or Washington, D.C. All employees must reside in a state where SELC has an office or in Maryland/Washington, D.C. Relocation reimbursement is available for those moving to join us.

Primary Responsibilities:  

The Senior Attorney will: 

• Lead complex litigation in federal and state courts.  
• Develop and champion creative litigation strategies that produce tangible results and opportunities for SELC to advance its strategic plan. 
• Integrate litigation with SELC’s communications and geospatial teams.  
• Collaborate with outside experts and consultants to maximize litigation successes.   
• Develop and maintain expertise in skills complementary to litigation including lobbying, administrative advocacy, and public communications. 
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys and staff. 
• Advocate in administrative proceedings by researching and drafting comments, coordinating coalition partners, and speaking at public meetings. 
• Cultivate strong relationships with SELC’s clients, partners, and external stakeholders. 
• Earn a positive reputation with decision makers and clients as a capable attorney, valued partner with significant expertise, and a leader in the attorney’s field. 
• Work collaboratively with state office and regional program teams. Carry internal responsibility as part of the office, program teams, administration, and development. 
• Communicate clearly and simply about litigation and program work with SELC’s communications, development, and marketing teams. 
• Support SELC’s development efforts and serve as an effective representative and spokesperson before donors and other constituencies. 
• Foster SELC’s collegial and collaborative approach. 

Required Qualifications:   

• Seven or more years of litigation experience, with a background in environmental law preferred but not required.  
• Active license to practice law or eligibility for admission by waiver in one of SELC’s six states or Washington, D.C. 
• Proven ability to handle complex litigation with a high degree of competence, independence, effectiveness, integrity, professionalism, and sound strategic judgment. 
• Experience managing and conducting discovery or developing complex administrative records.  
• Excellent advocacy skills with superior written work product and oral presentation. 
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with clients, stakeholders, and environmental partners to advance organizational goals. 
• A strong work ethic and sense of initiative, demonstrated by the ability to meet internal and external deadlines.  
• A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. You engage in ongoing learning and are eager to contribute to our organizational efforts in this area. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience managing teams of attorneys and administrative staff. 

About SELC:   

The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of over 200, including more than 130 legal and policy experts, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.  

At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and allows diverse perspectives to come to the forefront. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more.  

 Compensation & Benefits:   

SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The starting salary range for this position is $150,000 – $170,000, commensurate with experience. Learn more about our benefits package. 

 SELC is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.    

SELC offers relocation reimbursement for those moving at least 50 miles from their current primary address to accept a SELC position, up to a specified dollar amount. 

 To Apply:   

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to be directed to an online application where you may upload your application materials. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. 

SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. We are eager to welcome new team members who share this commitment. We still have much progress to make, but our goal is to create and maintain a staff that, at every level, reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of the communities where we work and the clients that we serve. Persons of all backgrounds—including people of color, women, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ candidates—are strongly encouraged to apply.