Staff Attorney

Position Start: October

Position Type: Full-time

Location: Columbia or Greenville office, with hybrid schedule available (2 days per week remote)

Salary range: $69,000-$95,000, based on experience

Benefits: 100% Medical, Dental & Vision; 5% Retirement Plan Match

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project (SCELP) is accepting applications for a staff attorney position in our Columbia or Greenville office. The attorney will work with SCELP’s team of 7 attorneys and 7 support staff on legal advocacy before state and federal administrative agencies and local governments and on litigation in state and federal courts. This position is open to practicing attorneys with three or more years of experience, and start date is as soon as possible.

SCELP was founded in 1987 to meet the critical need for specialized legal services for environmental protection and justice in South Carolina. SCELP is a non-profit public interest environmental law firm headquartered in Georgetown, and with satellite offices in Mt. Pleasant, Greenville, Columbia and Beaufort. The home location for this position can be either Columbia or Greenville.

We are seeking a committed and energetic person with strong analytical, research and interpersonal skills to work with the SCELP team as we use our legal expertise to protect SC’s land, water and communities. The attorney will perform a range of tasks including:

·      developing and implementing case and issue strategies;

·      performing legal research, analysis and writing;

·      participating in administrative proceedings before regulatory agencies, including drafting comments and speaking at public hearings and meetings;

·      interfacing with public officials and advancing various local policy initiatives;

·      preparing for and conducting trials and contested case hearings;

·      preparing cases on appeal, including briefing and oral arguments;

·      developing/maintaining relationships and coordinating with other groups and organizations; and

·      developing and maintaining expertise in law and policy developments in SCELP focus areas.  

The attorney will be responsible for working with SCELP staff on developing, managing and litigating cases in state, federal, and administrative law courts, as well as engaging in legal advocacy, interacting with local governments, state and federal agencies, other environmental organizations, community groups and the public.

Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years of litigation experience, with a strong preference for environmental litigation. Applicants must also have a strong academic background and outstanding writing, analytic, and communication skills. Applicants must have a solid work ethic, as well as the ability to work well independently and with others as part of an effective team.

A demonstrated personal commitment to environmental protection is required.  A personal connection to South Carolina and experience with non-profit organizations are preferred.

Competitive non-profit salary commensurate with experience, including full benefits and a positive and flexible working environment. This is a hybrid position with two remote days and three in office days.

If you have these qualifications and are seeking a challenging and rewarding environmental legal advocacy position, please send a letter of interest, resume, law school transcript, writing sample and three references to Leslie Lenhardt at leslie@scelp.org.    

SCELP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is continually seeking to diversify its staff.  We strongly encourage applications from persons of all backgrounds.