Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney

Location: Remote
Status: Exempt

About CJNRC

The Climate Jobs National Resource Center (CJNRC) is a labor-led organization at the forefront of the fight to combat the climate crisis and reverse racial and economic inequality. 

CJNRC is the hub of a growing network of union-led, state-based climate jobs coalitions, providing unions with the information, support, and expertise to lead on climate action. The coalitions we support are organizing to build a clean energy economy at the scale and pace that climate science demands, create and expand access to good union jobs in under-resourced communities, and advance equity. 

CJNRC and our network of coalitions are at the leading edge of both workers’ rights and climate action, two defining issues of our time. The coalitions have helped pass the nation’s most ambitious climate policies, won the strongest labor and equity standards for clean energy workers in the country, and built winning campaigns for worker-centered and equity-focused climate investments and good union jobs that will transform the future of the US economy.

To advance this crucial work, CJNRC is hiring a Staff Attorney. The successful candidate will have two to 10 years of legal experience to work in-house on all aspects of the organization’s mission. 

Position Description & Responsibilities:

The staff attorney works under the direction of CJNRC’s Legal Director and General Counsel. This job does not involve litigation, but the scope of the work includes a wide variety of legal work, including: 

• Program support: CJNRC is dedicated to advocating for state and local initiatives. This role will provide program support by analyzing applicable procurement laws, laws and regulations governing labor standards, environmental and energy law, and laws governing restrictions on local legislative initiatives. The attorney hired for this position will help identify law reform possibilities and legal obstacles that need to be overcome, including difficulties posed by federal and state preemption.
• Institutional support: CJNRC operates in a highly regulated area. A number of federal, state and local laws will affect its work or impose burdens that it must meet. Analysis of these regulations and navigating the regulatory shoals they create is an important part of the legal work.

Qualifications

CJNRC is seeking candidates who are passionate about our mission, are highly motivated and proactive, and have a problem-solving, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to work and accomplish tasks on time with minimal supervision. While no one candidate will embody all of the qualifications below, our ideal candidate will bring: 

• A Juris Doctor degree and membership in good standing in at least one state bar.
• A demonstrated commitment to progressive economic, social, environmental, gender, and racial justice, a familiarity with the issues that are central to CJNRC’s work and vision, and a commitment to community and labor organizing.
• 2-10 years of relevant legal practice and experience.
• A demonstrated interest in supporting strategic campaigns, policy and research for unions and other advocacy organizations.
• Strong legal research and writing skills including writing about complex legal frameworks for non-legal audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and inclusively in politically sensitive and high-pressure environments and with diverse teams.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.
• Willingness to work remotely.

To thrive in this role, we are looking for candidates who can communicate information and ideas clearly, professionally, and timely via written and spoken modes of communicating. Someone who has excellent interpersonal and relational skills, who is adaptable with the ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities, and reliable with strong attention to details.

Working conditions: This is a full-time remote position. The schedule can vary depending on program needs; long hours may be required on occasion. The position requires occasional travel. CJNRC follows public health guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This position is part of the staff bargaining unit represented by IBEW Local 89. 

Compensation: The salary range for the position is $93,000 to $137,000, depending upon the candidate’s experience. CJNRC offers an excellent benefits package that includes employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for full-time staff and their qualified dependents, a 401(k) plan with an employer contribution, a voluntary dependent care assistance program, and generous time off.

This position is open until filled; however, the posting/acceptance of applications may close at any time. Job announcements do not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of every activity or responsibility that is required.

CJNRC is committed to equal opportunity, and to a diverse and equitable workplace, and encourages applicants of all ages, races, sexual orientations, genders and gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, religions, and veteran status. We strongly encourage people from diverse backgrounds and experiences related to our core organizational values and objectives to apply.