Wilderness Watch, a national organization dedicated to protecting the lands and waters in the National Wilderness Preservation System and preserving the integrity of the Wilderness Act, is seeking applications for the position of full-time Staff Attorney. The Staff Attorney will be primarily responsible for developing and executing Wilderness Watch’s overall litigation strategy, representing Wilderness Watch and allies in administrative proceedings and federal court, and coordinating with other attorneys and legal interns. Candidates must have a demonstrated passion for and commitment to Wilderness protection.
Wilderness Watch is headquartered in Missoula, Montana. Preference will be given to applicants willing to reside and work in Missoula; however, we will consider other locations depending on the situation.
Primary Responsibilities:
Work closely with Wilderness Watch staff to develop and execute our legal strategy
Represent Wilderness Watch and allies in administrative advocacy and complex litigation, including factual investigation, legal research, memo writing, briefing, and oral advocacy
Submit and, if necessary, litigate Freedom of Information Act requests
Occasionally assist with communications such as press releases, newsletter articles, op-eds, fact sheets, and respond to inquiries and interview requests from journalists
Occasionally represent Wilderness Watch in outreach and conference events
Occasionally supervise legal interns
Compensation and Benefits:
Base salary range of $55,000 to $75,000 depending on experience and qualifications
Generous leave, health, and retirement benefits
Professional dues and Public Interest Environmental Law Conference continuing legal education reimbursement
Flexible work hours and an excellent work environment. Confronting the issues and threats to our nation’s most precious wildlands creates enough stress—we strive to not add more around the office.
Qualifications:
We are seeking candidates who have a demonstrated passion for and commitment to Wilderness preservation. Candidates should be self-motivated, able to work independently and in cooperation with other staff, and have a strong work ethic including a willingness to work occasional weekend or evening hours as cases and deadlines dictate. A healthy sense of outrage and a good sense of humor will serve a candidate well.
Other essential qualifications include:
Law degree and admission to any state bar
At least 5 years environmental protection / public lands litigation experience preferred, but strong applicants with less experience will be considered
Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills
Ability to think strategically and creatively
Strong understanding of and commitment to Wilderness Watch’s mission
To Apply:
Please submit the following to [email protected]:
Cover letter explaining your interest in Wilderness Watch’s work and qualifications for the position
Resume
Two writing samples, at least one providing legal analysis that is unedited or only lightly edited by someone else, not to exceed 10 pages each
Three references
No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
We are looking to hire a candidate who is available to begin as soon as possible, but strong candidates with start-date restrictions will be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Open until filled.
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