STAFF ATTORNEY / ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY POSITION

The Northwest Environmental Defense Center (“NEDC”) is seeking either a senior
attorney, a staff attorney, or an associate attorney to help carry out the organization’s mission to
protect water, air, and other natural resources in the Pacific Northwest from pollution and
inadequate regulation. In each of our program areas, NEDC strives to prioritize environmental
justice and improve environmental outcomes in low-income, racially diverse, and other
traditionally disadvantaged communities. A central part of the attorney’s job will also be to
provide hands-on learning opportunities to Lewis & Clark Law School students. The attorney’s
duties will include developing and litigating federal and state cases, and representing NEDC in
agency meetings, public hearings, administrative proceedings, and in collaborations with allied
organizations. This work typically includes Clean Water Act enforcement actions against
polluters, and challenging unlawful regulatory permits. The attorney will also assist with air
quality research and advocacy, including working to reform air toxics regulations and reduce
harmful diesel emissions.

While NEDC is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, students and
professors at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, launched the organization in 1969
and are integral to the organization’s work and success. Student volunteers work on substantive
projects, and serve on the staff and board of directors. The attorney will supervise students,
including a law clerk, and help them develop projects, review files, draft public comments,
conduct legal research, and work on discrete litigation tasks. The attorney is expected to work at
least 1-2 days per week from NEDC’s office at the law school and be accessible to students.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is confident working independently and as part
of a team. The attorney will handle some pre-litigation and litigation tasks on their own, such as
developing notice letters, engaging in settlement negotiations, managing discovery, and filing
complaints. However, NEDC often relies on outside counsel to handle its cases, so the attorney
will frequently serve as an in-house liaison and may assist or co-counsel with other attorneys on
some cases. However, the attorney is also encouraged to act as lead counsel in representing
NEDC in coalition matters, and is encouraged to take an active role in handling litigation issues
where appropriate. NEDC fosters a healthy amount of autonomy and encourages its staff to think
creatively and craft innovative advocacy and legal strategies. The attorney will also work on
media, administrative, fundraising, and communication activities.

NEDC values diverse perspectives and experiences, and seeks candidates who will help
foster an equitable and inclusive organization. NEDC encourages attorneys to apply who will
contribute to an equitable and inclusive atmosphere regardless of differences based on race,
ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, marital or family situation and
socioeconomic background.

Further, studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for
jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job
description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate
may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we
encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

NEDC is seeking either an associate attorney, a staff attorney, or a senior staff attorney with a
law degree and a willingness to be licensed in Oregon within one year. The following desired
qualifications are applicable to all candidates submitting application materials:

  • Self-starter with excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills;
  • Demonstrated commitment to environmental advocacy;
  • Commitment to supervising law students on substantive projects;
  • Working knowledge of federal environmental statutes;
  • Proficiency communicating and engaging with a wide group of environmental and
    community stakeholders; and
  • Ability and desire to both respond to and contribute to creation of diverse, equitable, and
    inclusive work culture, both internally and externally.

In addition, candidates for each position should have the following qualifications and experience:

Associate Attorney:

  • 0-3 years of relevant litigation experience

Staff Attorney:

  • Admission to any state bar
  • 3-5 years of relevant litigation experience

Senior Attorney:

  • Admission to any state bar
  • 5 or more years of relevant litigation experience

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

NEDC offers the following salary, dependent on experience:

  • Associate Attorney: $60,000-$70,000
  • Staff Attorney: $70,000-$80,000
  • Senior Attorney: $80,000-$90,000

In addition, NEDC offers competitive health insurance benefits, retirement plan contributions,
four weeks of paid vacation, 2 weeks paid sick days, paid state bar association dues, a bike and
dog-friendly office space, and a flexible work environment.

Preferred start date for this position is Monday, August 25, 2026.

APPLICATION

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample (no more than five pages), and a
separate statement (max 1 page) about your potential to contribute to NEDC’s efforts related to
diversity, equity, and inclusion, to nedc@lclark.edu, no later than 5 pm Friday, July 17, 2026.
NEDC will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis beginning July 6.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to mary@nedc.org with any questions or if you are having
difficulties submitting your application.