Legal Director for Environmental Public Interest Organization

Do you want to make a more meaningful impact as a lawyer? Do you deeply care about the mission of an organization?

Our client, a non-profit that serves as a proactive steward of our fresh- and saltwater ecosystems, has exclusively retained Solutus Legal Search to assist the organization with its search for its Legal Director.  The Legal Director will report to the Founder & Executive Director and will be responsible for directing all legal advocacy initiatives and litigation.

The legal team works to protect water resources for present and future generations through advocacy and environmental litigation. Our client seeks an experienced attorney to lead the organization’s litigation and legal advocacy program and its associated programs and supervise two staff attorneys.

Responsibilities:

• Direct all litigation and environmental enforcement.
• Coordinate litigation with outside counsel, expert consultants, and pro bono attorneys.
• Litigate Clean Water Act citizen suit matters through all stages of litigation, including investigation, discovery, trial, appeal, settlement, and compliance.
• Supervise staff attorneys, legal internship and externship programs, and all pro bono legal work.
• Develop and manage departmental budget.
• Draft comment letters on permits, policies, and regulations related to water quality and water supply issues.
• Represent Coastkeeper organizations at administrative agency hearings.
• Research and write grants to fund environmental advocacy.
• Provide general in-house counsel, including drafting and reviewing contracts, reviewing grant contract compliance, assisting in environmental permitting for in-house restoration projects, and other corporate matters.

Required Qualifications

• California Bar admission.
• Willing to work in Costa Mesa, CA office in person (hybrid schedule).
• Minimum 6-7+ years of relevant legal experience, including 4 years of litigation experience.
• Experience supervising attorneys.
• Substantial experience as lead counsel on litigation matters.
• A commitment to public interest work and a passion for the organization’s mission.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Demonstrated experience in environmental litigation, permitting, and compliance (Clean Water Act experience preferred).
• Working knowledge of California regulatory agencies.

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a full-time, exempt position.
• Compensation is commensurate with experience and ranges between $115,000 – $135,000 annually. Actual individual pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
• Health and dental insurance are provided at no cost to the employee.
• 11 paid federal holidays, 6 days of paid sick leave annually, and paid time off.
• 403(b) retirement plans with employer match available.

The organization is an equal opportunity employer, highly values diversity, and provides advancement opportunities to everyone. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and ability.

Solutus has been selected as the exclusive representative on this desirable search.  Interested candidates, please submit resumes to search@solutuslegal.com for consideration. Resumes submitted directly to our client will be forwarded to Solutus for review and evaluation.

Ref. #828-SLS