Position Opening for an Environmental Law Attorney

Midwest Environmental Advocates is a non-profit environmental law center that provides legal services to community groups that are working for clean air, clean water, and a clean government. Working in a “green-designed” office in Madison, Wisconsin, we are a small, dynamic office of three to five attorneys, up to six law student clerks, administrative staff, and 54 volunteer attorneys and experts.

We are committed to a community lawyering approach, which involves partnership with and the provision of technical and legal assistance to community-based organizations and coalitions. By combining community organizing, education and legal and technical assistance, Midwest Environmental Advocates and its clients successfully protect the environment. Attorneys are engaged in all phases of advocacy, litigation, client counseling, and community organizing.

Midwest Environmental Advocates seeks a smart self-starter to complement its successful environmental law practice. Applicants must have excellent legal research and writing skills with experience drafting pleadings, discovery and briefs. The Environmental Law Attorney will work in a team environment on all facets of environmental litigation, collaborating with other attorneys and supervising law students. Applicant should understand and enjoy public policy strategic advocacy that involves media, legislative, policy analysis and organizing conducted in conjunction with effective legal advocacy.  Successful applicants will show creativity and innovation in their demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy.

Applicant Requirements:

• Licensed to practice in WI, or ability to become licensed by September 2007;
• Experience with environmental law;
• Strong litigation skills a plus, including pre-trial preparation, brief writing, oral advocacy and trials, and settlement negotiations showing a track record of success;
• Excellent writing, analytic and public speaking skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment;
• Excellent academic credentials;
• Experience in community organizing and client counseling;
• Spanish or other second language is a strong plus.

This is a full time position that requires time flexibility due to erratic litigation schedules.

Compensation: Salary competitive with non-profit market, generous health, retirement, and vacation/holiday benefits, and a great work environment in a green-designed office.

Application Deadline: By February 19, 2007, send resume, cover letter, short writing sample, and three references to Florence Edwards via email (advocate@midwestadvocates.org) or regular mail at the following address: Midwest Environmental Advocates, Inc., 551 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53703.

MEA is an equal opportunity employer.
We strongly encourage women and people of color to apply.

Posted: Jan. 19, 2007