Legal Fellow, US Clean Energy

Program/Department Overview

The US Clean Energy Legal Fellow will be part of the Legal and Regulatory team within the U.S. Region and will support the Build to Zero initiative. The Build to Zero initiative is designed to intensify the speed and scale of clean energy and clean transportation project deployment and achieve the greatest clean energy, climate, public health, equity and economic benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) by addressing the barriers that stall individual clean energy projects and delay construction of clean infrastructure.

Overall Function

The Legal Fellow, US Clean Energy, in collaboration with other EDF attorneys, will be responsible for providing legal and policy research, writing, and general assistance to EDF’s Legal and Regulatory team. This position will be part of a team focused on driving the buildout of electric transmission infrastructure needed to decarbonize the power system through advocacy for federal, regional, and state regulations and policies that will support transmission buildout and remove barriers, particularly with regard to matters involving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy.

The Legal Fellow will report to the Director and Lead Counsel, U.S. Clean Energy.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Research on legal and factual issues related to the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the operation of Department of Energy programs, and federal and state siting and permitting laws and regulations.
• Draft filings, including comments and pleadings for submission to federal agencies and pleadings and affidavits for submission to federal courts.
• Participate in meetings with internal and external partners, as well as other stakeholders with interests related to transmission development and interconnection.
• Contribute to whitepapers, blogs, and other EDF publications advancing the discussion on transmission and interconnection issues.
• Participate in advancing EDF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

• A recent Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law or actively seeking admission to the Bar of any state or DC.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in administrative law, federal regulatory processes, and electric system law and regulation.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in clean energy, climate policy, decarbonization, and federal clean air law.
• Familiarity in the landscape of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy is a plus.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, public speaking, and advocacy skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion to determine or recommend the best course of action.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with internal and external allies.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of teams in a dynamic and creative environment with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience across multiple time zones.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Proactive and organized with the ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Location

Washington D.C. or U.S. Remote.

Term

2 years, with an opportunity for promotion by second year as attorney pending Bar admission and strong performance review, with anticipated start date of February 2025.

Compensation

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. The annual salary for this role is $84,000.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application, together with a writing sample.