Solar Energy Associate Attorney

~ The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is celebrating its 30th anniversary. With nine offices across the region (Charlottesville, VA; Chapel Hill, NC; Atlanta, GA; Charleston, SC; Washington, DC; Birmingham, AL; Nashville, TN; Asheville, NC; and Richmond, VA), SELC is widely recognized as the Southeast’s foremost environmental organization and regional leader. SELC works on a full range of environmental issues to protect the South’s natural resources and the health and well-being of its people. Although its regional focus is the Southeast, much of its work is national in scope and impact. ~

SELC works in Congress and state legislatures to inform environmental laws; in regulatory agencies to implement environmental laws and policies; and in the courts to enforce the law, stop the worst abuses, and set important precedents.

The organization works collaboratively with more than 100 national, state, and local groups to enhance their efficacy and achieve common conservation goals. It currently has a staff of over 130 individuals, with over 70 attorneys, including some of the nation’s leading experts in their respective fields. Additional information regarding our work and staff is available on our website.

Position Overview

The Southern Environmental Law Center is accepting applications for an associate attorney position working on solar energy law and policy. The position will be based in SELC’s Charlottesville office. Start date is as soon as possible. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of an organization that is successfully addressing some of the most important and challenging environmental issues in the Southeast and the nation.

The associate will gain valuable experience and knowledge working with more senior attorneys on litigation, legal and policy advocacy in state and federal courts and before regulatory agencies concerning solar energy. The term for this associate position is two years with the option for a third year.

More about the position:

Despite the South’s abundant sunshine, solar energy is a vastly underutilized resource across the region. SELC’s Solar Initiative was launched to help the Southeast reap the many benefits of solar power and reduce our dependence on outdated fossil fuels. Working with SELC’s Solar Initiative team, the solar energy associate will engage with solar energy advocates, business leaders, and policy makers to overcome barriers to solar energy development regionally and in Virginia. Work will include policy analysis and development in various settings at the state and federal levels and advocacy in state and federal administrative proceedings.

Qualifications

• This entry-level position is open to recent law graduates and practicing attorneys, though one to three years of experience are preferred.
• A strong academic background and commitment to SELC’s mission are required.
• Background in clean energy and solar law, policy, economics, or markets strongly preferred.

Compensation: Salary $66,000 – 74,000, depending on experience, and includes excellent benefits package. Interested persons should apply now.

To Apply

• If you have these qualifications and are seeking one of the most interesting, challenging, and rewarding environmental advocacy positions available, please click "Apply" below to email your letter of interest, resume, law school transcript (with date of birth and social security number redacted), and at least 3 references to Katie Storer.  
• Be sure to include "Solar Associate Attorney Application" in the subject line.

~ SELC prides itself on collegiality, teamwork, and mutual respect among its staff and board. We seek to bring these same values to our work in partnership with organizations, communities, and people of all backgrounds that share our mission to protect the environment of the South. The South has a rich natural diversity and an equally rich cultural diversity. To better fulfill its mission, SELC is committed to broadening the diversity of its staff. We believe this will strengthen our organization and our effectiveness in responding to the many environmental challenges affecting the South and its people. ~