Clean Energy Staff Attorney

Environmental Law & Policy Center • Full-time • Chicago, IL • 2d ago

About ELPC:
The Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy organization. We drive transformational policy changes with national impacts.

We show that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together by putting sustainability principles into practice. We advance climate solutions effectively by accelerating clean renewable energy alternatives to conventional power plants and advancing clean transportation solutions. We protect the Great Lakes and defend the Midwest’s wild and natural places, and we fight for safe, clean water and healthy clean air for all. We combine effective public interest litigation with strategic policy advocacy, sound science, and economic analysis. ELPC produces strong results for the environment in the courtrooms, boardrooms, and legislative hearing rooms across the pivotal Midwest states and in Washington D.C.
This is a great opportunity for an attorney with deep interest in utility regulation, administrative litigation and clean energy policy, who is motivated by helping to protect the planet, equitable access to clean energy sources and systemic energy transformation.
Come join our winning team of talented, mission-driven professionals, who passionately work together to protect the environment and natural resources in the Midwest region.

JOB SUMMARY:
The Clean Energy Staff Attorney will handle critical litigation of utility regulatory cases in support of ELPC’s clean energy program in Midwest states. This is an excellent opportunity in an area of growing strategic importance at the local, regional and national level: fighting climate change by equitably decarbonizing the energy sector through rapid deployment of demand side resources, distributed solar, battery storage, electric vehicles and other distributed energy resources.
The Clean Energy Staff Attorney will engage in a range of venues in our region, including state utility commissions, state and federal courts, legislative bodies, Midwest regional transmission organizations (Midcontinent Independent Systems Operator-MISO, and PJM), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission-FERC. The role will require both litigation skills and strategic leadership working with coalitions to advance clean energy solutions in an equitable manner, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector, and accelerate the deployment of distributed energy resources.

POSITION TITLE: Clean Energy Staff Attorney (full time)
REPORTS TO: Managing Attorney, Clean Energy Program
LOCATION: Chicago, IL with a hybrid work environment that includes required days in the office each week
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Litigate a range of cases focused on electric and gas industry planning, distributed energy resource deployment, and equitable access to clean energy. Responsibilities will routinely include identifying key cases, developing and managing clients and client coalitions, working with experts to develop testimony, managing and coordinating discovery, cross-examining witnesses, drafting briefs and making oral arguments, and managing associate attorney(s), among other litigation responsibilities.
- Represent ELPC before state public utility commissions, FERC, administrative agencies and appellate courts
- Engage with impacted community and partner organizations to ensure advocacy reflects equity and environmental justice priorities
- Monitor emerging legal, regulatory and market developments affecting clean energy and utility regulation

Work to execute multi-faceted clean energy policy campaigns, with assistance from other ELPC attorneys, communications experts, policy advocates, legislative advocates, and in coordination with colleagues from other regional and national advocacy organizations and industry representatives.

Develop and refine strategic direction for ELPC’s clean energy program, including assisting in fundraising to help the program grow.

Mentor junior attorneys, fellows and/or legal interns as applicable

Other duties, as assigned.

Education & Experience (years):
Juris Doctor degree

Minimum of 7 - 10 years of relevant legal experience, with a strong background and demonstrated interest in clean energy policy and electric/gas utility regulation.
At least two years of administrative litigation experience before state utility commissions or similar regulatory bodies preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Excellent legal research writing, oral advocacy and strategic analysis skills
Ability to manage complex legal matters independently, as well as work collaboratively
Commitment to environmental protection, decarbonization and equity-centered advocacy
Familiarity with utility planning processes, including IRPs and distribution planning

Estimated Travel:

10 - 20% domestic travel

Salary:
For candidates who fully meet the requirements, the salary range is $127,500 - $145,000. ELPC also offers a very attractive benefits package competitive to leading national environmental non-profits.
Application Process:
Please apply via our Careers site and include a cover letter.