Senior Attorney, Louisiana Clean Affordable Power

Senior Attorney, Louisiana Clean Affordable Power

Environmental Defense Fund

Duration
:
Two‑year fixed term with full benefits and the possibility of extension. Please include a cover letter in your application.

Location
:
Candidates in Louisiana strongly preferred.

EDF’s U.S. Legal & Regulatory team engages in strategic regulatory advocacy and litigation to achieve clean and healthy air, drive clean energy progress, and ensure a stable climate for all. The U.S. Legal & Regulatory team works primarily out of the Washington, D.C., Boulder, CO offices and remotely. The Clean Energy program focuses on accelerating clean energy deployment and electrification while maintaining reliability and affordability.

Our Clean Affordable Power program advances the mission by advocating before state public utility commissions and other state and regional bodies for clean, affordable energy solutions.

The Senior Attorney, Louisiana Clean Affordable Power leads EDF’s legal and regulatory advocacy in support of clean energy in Louisiana. The role includes representing EDF before the Louisiana Public Service Commission, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), with possible work at the New Orleans City Council and/or the Southwest Power Pool. The focus is on transmission system planning, integration of clean energy resources, and effective electric system management.

The position supports EDF’s legislative advocacy and civil litigation related to clean energy in Louisiana.

• Partner with directors and attorneys to set and advance project goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics for clean energy and utility regulatory advocacy.
• Lead the development of briefs, motions, and litigation filings and administrative comments advocating for relevant priorities.
• Conduct research and prepare legal analysis and written materials for internal and external audiences on legal, legislative, and regulatory issues.
• Assess the legal rigor of policy proposals and ensure EDP priority policies have a robust legal underpinning.
• Collaborate with internal EDF partners to develop and implement effective communication strategies to build public understanding about clean energy infrastructure.
• Influence decision makers through legal filings, official comments, and stakeholder engagement.
• Understand Louisiana legal policy making processes and account for them in advocacy campaigns.
• Represent EDF at external venues, including conferences and hearings.
• Retain and manage outside counsel in legal engagements.
• Oversee production of policy‑relevant analyses and factual testimony.
• Build, grow, and maintain relationships with strategic partners, including environmental justice and community‑based organizations.
• Work with coalitions to achieve strategic objectives.
• Support fundraising, including proposals and donor relationship management.
• Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment with strategies, goals, objectives.
• Supervise one attorney and/or mentor junior legal employees, fellows, interns as applicable.
• Perform additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3 years of practice directly relevant to Louisiana energy regulation before the Louisiana Public Service Commission, the New Orleans City Council, MISO, and/or SPP.
• Juris Doctorate from an ABA‑accredited law school and an active bar membership in Louisiana, in good standing, required.
• Proficiency with Louisiana Public Service Commission and MISO procedural rules and conventions.
• Familiarity with major Louisiana energy issues and ability to substantively engage therewith.
• Experience interfacing with stakeholders to garner consensus among disparate groups.
• Demonstrated experience in regulatory advocacy, litigation, and/or policy development at the state or federal level.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with ability to convey complex subject matter to diverse audiences.
• Ability to deploy science, law, economics, and advocacy tools to achieve environmental change.
• Strong presentation, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams across time zones.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and inclusivity.
• Commitment to EDF’s mission and values.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.

122,000 – 129,000 USD

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization.