Staff or Senior Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney

Salary Range: Staff Attorney: $80,000 - $95,000; Senior Staff Attorney: $98,000 - $120,000

Location: Portland, Oregon

About Crag Law Center:

Crag is a client-focused non-profit law center that has been bringing cutting edge public interest litigation to protect the environment and communities in the Pacific Northwest for 24 years. Our core program areas include defending forests and wildlife, protecting native fish and waterways, fighting for climate action, supporting rural communities, and advancing environmental justice. Our clients include national, regional, and local environmental organizations, tribes, fishermen, family farmers, environmental justice groups and other organizations and individuals concerned about protecting people and the environment. We provide access to justice, helping our clients understand the legal landscape and chart a path to achieve their environmental protection goals.

  To learn more about our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, click here.

Position Summary:

The Staff or Senior Staff Attorney will work as part of a team helping transform our clients’ grassroots organizing into wins in the courtroom. The main duties of this role include impact litigation and administrative advocacy involving federal and/or state environmental laws, state land use laws, and environmental justice policy. Ideal candidates will have excellent research, writing, and communication skills, the ability to think strategically and creatively, and a demonstrated commitment to environmental protection and justice. The attorney will help support and mentor newer attorneys and law students. The attorney will also work closely with development and communications staff to support fundraising and outreach for the organization. 

Position Details:

• Compensation: Staff Attorney (4 years): $80,000 - $95,000; Senior Staff Attorney (10 years): $98,000 - $120,000, depending on experience, with annual increases.
• Benefits: 100% employer-paid premiums for employees’ platinum level medical, dental and vision coverage, 403(b) retirement program with 5% employer match, generous paid family leave, six weeks combined PTO plus 11 paid holidays, sabbatical program, professional development opportunities, discounts at leading outdoor retail companies, and an encouraging and flexible work environment.
• Location: Portland Oregon. All staff work a hybrid schedule with regular in person office hours combined with remote/work from home days. 
• Hours & Duration: 40 hours/week. Flexible start date, prefer Spring 2025.
• Status: Full-time, exempt.
• Who should apply: Experienced attorneys with a demonstrated interest in environmental protection.

Primary Responsibilities:

90% Client-focused Litigation and Advocacy

• Support clients in commenting on proposed projects, developing administrative records, and participating in local hearings;
• Scope new matters and develop litigation strategy;
• Represent clients in proceedings before local decision-makers, state and federal agencies and courts through the Wild, Communities, and Climate programs;
• Work with other attorneys to advance environmental justice principles across all areas of work;
• Present workshops and other educational materials to help community members engage in government decision-making processes; 
• Develop relationships with community members and organizational clients.
• Supervise interns and help mentor legal fellows.

10% Organizational Support

• Prepare communications, including website content, press releases and newsletter articles to communicate with the public about our work;
• Contribute to grant writing and reporting as relevant to program work;
• Participate in professional and organizational development activities;
• Assist development staff in planning and executing fundraising events for the organization.

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

• Law school graduate admitted to Oregon state bar (will consider admission to other state bars with ability to obtain admission to Oregon within six months of start);
• Staff Attorney: minimum four years of civil litigation experience, 
• Senior Staff Attorney: minimum 10 years litigation with significant and independent case management experience; preferred experience mentoring/managing others
• Preferred familiarity with National Environmental Policy Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, and/or Oregon land use laws;
• Excellent writing, communication, research, and oral advocacy skills; 
• Ability to develop cases and manage a full docket;
• Proactive approach to identify opportunities, solve problems, and take initiative to drive cases and projects forward;
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a healthy yet high-intensity work environment;
• Ability to work independently and as a part of an effective team with an emphasis on learning and group accountability;
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental protection;
• Attention to detail and time management; 
• Competence in and commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Crag is an equal opportunity employer and deeply values diversity in the workplace. We strongly encourage applications from people who will contribute to a staff diverse in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, and socioeconomic background. Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and other candidates from most-impacted communities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications listed. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s welcome. We encourage you to apply to this position, even if you don’t believe you meet all of the desired skills and qualifications.

How to Apply:

Please email a single PDF document that includes: a cover letter describing how your experience and skills match the needs of the organization, resume, three professional references, and a legal writing sample to jobs@crag.org with “Staff Attorney” or “Senior Staff Attorney” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning February 1, 2025, and we encourage early application. The position will remain open until filled.