Staff Attorney

About Roger Williams University:

Roger Williams University School of Law is a leader in legal education, a go-to source for state and regional legal expertise, and an integral part of legal culture and conversation. As the state’s only law school, RWU Law offers a rigorous yet supportive academic environment, a diverse community, the undivided attention of our state bench and bar, exceptional clinical and externship programs, a top faculty, and a broad, accomplished, and growing alumni base.

Job Description:

Under the direction of the Director of the Marine Affairs Institute and Rhode Island’s Sea Grant Legal Program, the Staff Attorney conducts advanced research in marine affairs and oversees student research in marine affairs. The Staff Attorney supports outreach, education, and administrative functions of the Institute. As part of one of the Law School’s centers of excellence and a national leader in marine law and policy, the Staff Attorney will function as part of a small, efficient, and interdisciplinary team to educate the next generation of marine law professionals and serve as a regional and national clearinghouse for marine law and policy.

Research

• Conduct advanced law and policy research on marine affairs topics, including, but not limited to, healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities, and maritime law.
• Collaborate with Rhode Island’s Sea Grant Communications, Extension, and Research teams to identify opportunities for law and policy research that aligns with and supports Rhode Island’s Sea Grant’s strategic plan.
• Work with outside organizations and community partners to identify needs and conduct ocean and coastal law and policy research.
• Work with the Director, Staff Attorneys, Research Attorneys, students, and University partners on larger research projects related to marine affairs.

Program Management

• In conjunction with the Director and other Staff Attorneys, oversee the Rhode Island’s Sea Grant Law Fellow Program, which provides legal assistance to marine and coastal users such as government agencies, fishermen, and port authorities.
• Identify appropriate and applicable legal research projects that support the objectives of the program through various methods including interaction with outside organizations, legal and policy professionals.
• Clarify project requirements, assess student capabilities, negotiate fees and recommend projects for approval.
• Prepare contract terms for client and management approval.
• Recruit and match students to approved projects, informing students of project requirements and guide students through the project to achieve objectives and deliverables.
• Ensure that high-quality legal work is produced through interacting with project assigned students and clients.
• Conduct advanced research on ocean, coastal, and related legal issues to supplement student Law Fellow projects as required.
• Ensure administrative and financial details associated with these projects are met.
• Coordinate the preparation of documents and reports applicable to program management including, but not limited to, submission of contracts, time records, and status reports.
• Work with the Director and other Staff Attorneys on annual reporting for the Rhode Island’s Sea Grant, including reporting results of Law Fellow work.
• Work with Workforce Development at Rhode Island’s Sea Grant to incorporate Law Fellow work into broader Rhode Island’s Sea Grant education work.

Outreach 

• Support the mission, objectives and goals of the Marine Affairs Institute and Rhode Island’s Sea Grant Legal Program’s through proactive outreach activities.
• Develop written, oral, and electronic communication material regarding marine and coastal law and policy for the professional law and policy community, academia, students, and the general public.
• Plan, prepare, and present information in a variety of formal and informal settings to promote the Institute and the Rhode Island’s Sea Grant Law Fellow Program.
• Participate and contribute to the planning and execution of the Institute’s events such as conferences, symposia, workshops, and student-oriented meetings to increase awareness and develop opportunities for its programs and students.

Education

• Counsel students about marine law studies and employment opportunities.
• Interact with faculty at the Law School and Marine Affairs Department at the University of Rhode Island.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Assist in the identification and development of funding opportunities as directed.
• Support relationships with our partner institutions, University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island’s Sea Grant as directed.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor Degree from an American Bar Association approved law school.
• Membership in a state bar in the U.S.
• Two to four years of professional experience in marine law and policy.
• Strong law school academic record with relevant course work and/or experience.

At the University’s discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be accepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information:

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law. For information on our Non-discrimination policy, visit here.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. TITLE IX COORDINATOR: Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone Number: (401) 254-3123 /Email Address: jstanley@rwu.edu

Salaries for new hires at Roger Williams University usually fall between the minimum and midpoint salary ranges. 
$66,514 – $68,000