Staff Attorney | Job Description & Career Path

Protecting Our Coasts: Join the Surfrider Foundation Legal Team

Table of Contents

Protecting Our Coasts: Join the Surfrider Foundation Legal Team
Coastal Conservation Legal Counsel: championing Our Oceans
Join the Fight for Clean Water and Healthy Beaches: Staff Attorney Opportunity
Empowering Advocates: Join the Surfrider Foundation Team

Staff Attorney | job Description & Career Path – A Comprehensive Guide

The Surfrider Foundation fosters a vibrant community dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of our oceans,waves,and beaches. Joining our team means becoming part of a collaborative network of passionate individuals committed to impactful coastal stewardship. We champion diverse perspectives, empowering communities with the resources and leadership needed to safeguard their local beaches and coastal environments across the nation. At Surfrider, we cultivate leadership and prioritize innovative problem-solving – a culture that permeates every aspect of our work. We believe that protecting our coasts should be as rewarding as enjoying them.

A Unique Legal Chance

We are currently seeking a highly motivated attorney to join our dynamic Legal Department. This full-time position offers the flexibility of remote work or a hybrid arrangement with access to our San Clemente, california office.

Position Details

Location: Remote or Hybrid (San Clemente, CA office available)
Level: Staff Attorney – Requires a minimum of five years of relevant legal experience.
* Qualifications: A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school and active bar membership in a U.S. state where Surfrider actively pursues it’s mission are essential.The Role: Championing Coastal Protection Through Law

The Surfrider Foundation is looking for a talented attorney to work closely with our legal team, reporting directly to the Senior Legal Director. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical and interaction skills, coupled with a deep commitment to protecting our invaluable coastal resources.

This role is central to advancing our mission – the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people – through strategic legal campaigns nationwide. Surfrider is at the forefront of ocean and coastal law, actively engaged in litigation, legislative advocacy, and policy growth. The legal team also ensures the organization’s adherence to all applicable federal and state regulations governing 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Legal Counsel & campaign Support:

You will assist our Senior Attorney and Senior Legal Director in managing a diverse and demanding caseload of legal matters impacting the organization. This includes supporting our extensive network of 80 local Chapters and over 130 school clubs. The work encompasses a blend of non-profit in-house counsel duties and substantive environmental law. You’ll be instrumental in developing legal strategies to address critical coastal threats, such as restricted beach access, water contamination (currently, over 80% of US coastal waters face pollution from plastic and agricultural runoff – EPA, 2023), offshore energy development, oil spill preparedness, the pervasive issue of plastic pollution (estimated 8 million metric tons enter the ocean annually – Jambeck et al.,2015),and the escalating impacts of climate change and sea-level rise.2. Compliance & Governance:

A significant aspect of this position involves ensuring organizational compliance. This includes providing guidance to Chapters and headquarters on adhering to federal and state lobbying regulations, assisting with the readiness and filing of lobbying documentation, and reviewing communications to guarantee compliance with non-partisan requirements.3. Volunteer & intern Program Leadership:

You will spearhead our volunteer lawyer program, cultivating relationships with pro bono attorneys, maintaining regular communication, and identifying opportunities for their involvement. Similarly, you will lead our intern program, overseeing recruitment and sharing supervisory responsibilities.

4. Litigation & Advocacy:

This role will involve evaluating potential litigation and legal advocacy initiatives, collaborating with external counsel to formulate and execute litigation strategies, reviewing and drafting legislative language, providing testimony before administrative and legislative bodies, and working with our staff, Chapter network, and coalition partners to promote healthy and accessible beaches. For example, you might contribute to legal challenges against permits for offshore drilling projects or advocate for stronger regulations on plastic bag usage.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the preservation of our coastal heritage and to shape a more lasting future for our oceans and beaches. If you are a passionate advocate with a strong legal background, we encourage you to apply.

Coastal Conservation Legal Counsel: championing Our Oceans

Reports to: Senior Legal Director

Are you a passionate legal professional dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s coasts and marine environments? We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Coastal Conservation Legal Counsel to join our team and play a pivotal role in advancing our mission. This position offers a unique opportunity to blend legal expertise with a commitment to environmental stewardship, tackling critical issues impacting our oceans and coastal communities. With increasing threats from pollution, climate change, and unsustainable development – recent data from the EPA shows a 30% increase in coastal pollution incidents in the last decade – the need for strong legal advocacy has never been greater.

Core Responsibilities: Driving Legal Strategy & Impact

This role is central to our legal efforts, requiring a blend of self-reliant initiative and collaborative teamwork. The Coastal Conservation Legal Counsel will be responsible for a diverse range of tasks, all geared towards strengthening our legal campaigns and achieving tangible conservation outcomes.

Key Areas of Focus:

Volunteer Legal network Leadership: Cultivate and manage our network of volunteer attorneys, fostering engagement through consistent communication and strategic project assignments. Think of it as building a powerful wave of pro-bono support for our initiatives.
Nonprofit Compliance & Guidance: Serve as an internal expert on the legal considerations specific to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, providing counsel to staff on a variety of operational matters.
Lobbying & Advocacy Compliance: Ensure adherence to all applicable federal,state,and local lobbying regulations,managing registration and reporting requirements as needed.
Intern Program Management: Oversee our legal intern program,from recruitment and training to project supervision,nurturing the next generation of environmental legal advocates. Strategic Legal Development: Contribute to the creation and implementation of innovative legal strategies aligned with our organizational goals, working closely with staff and chapter volunteers.
External Counsel & Expert Management: Identify, vet, and manage relationships with outside legal counsel and expert witnesses, providing strategic direction and feedback on litigation efforts.
coalition Building: Collaborate effectively with partner organizations to amplify our impact and advance shared conservation objectives.
Proactive Advocacy: Champion coastal protection through litigation, administrative advocacy, and legislative engagement at the national, state, and local levels.
Public Engagement & Outreach: Represent the organization through public speaking, website content, action alerts, and engagement with media outlets and chapter networks.
Operational Legal Support: Provide guidance on a wide range of organizational issues, including intellectual property, event planning, and contest regulations.
Continuous legal Development: Stay abreast of emerging legal trends and expand your expertise to address novel challenges in environmental law.

Qualifications: The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a dedicated and resourceful individual with a strong legal foundation and a genuine passion for coastal conservation.

Education & Bar Admission: A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school and active membership in a state bar where we actively pursue our mission are essential.
Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in environmental litigation and advocacy, with a demonstrated focus on public interest coastal issues, is highly preferred.
Skills & Abilities:
Exceptional written and oral advocacy, research, and analytical skills.
Proven ability to lead campaigns and work effectively within a team.
Strong work ethic, sound judgment, and ability to prioritize tasks efficiently.
Collaborative spirit and commitment to fostering a positive work habitat.
Independent project management skills with a track record of meeting deadlines. Complete knowledge of environmental laws and a willingness to expand expertise.
Ability to travel occasionally to support campaign efforts and chapter activities.
Personal Attributes: A deep gratitude for ocean and coastal recreation is a plus.

If you are a driven legal professional seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity to make a real difference for our oceans, we encourage you to apply.

Join the Fight for Clean Water and Healthy Beaches: Staff Attorney Opportunity

The Surfrider Foundation is seeking a dedicated and passionate Staff attorney to join our legal team. This is a crucial role within a dynamic non-profit organization committed to protecting our oceans and coasts. The triumphant candidate will contribute directly to impactful legal initiatives addressing critical environmental challenges.

Role Overview & Key Responsibilities

As a Staff Attorney, you will be a vital member of the Legal Department, reporting directly to the Senior Legal Director. your work will focus on advancing the Foundation’s mission through legal advocacy, policy engagement, and litigation. This includes, but isn’t limited to:

Coastal Protection Litigation: Engaging in legal actions to defend and enhance coastal resources, including public beach access and addressing issues like shoreline erosion.
Policy Advocacy: Contributing to the development and implementation of effective environmental policies at the federal, state, and local levels. This may involve drafting legislation, providing legal analysis, and representing the Foundation before government agencies.
Environmental Law Research & Analysis: Conducting thorough research and providing insightful legal analysis on a range of environmental law issues, including the public trust doctrine and the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems.
Discovery & Litigation Support: Managing discovery requests and utilizing e-discovery platforms to support ongoing litigation efforts.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Working collaboratively with other legal professionals, program staff, and volunteers to achieve shared goals.

Qualifications – What We’re Looking For

While not all requirements are mandatory, we highly value candidates who possess the following:

Bar Admission: Active membership in good standing with the bar in either Florida or Hawaii is preferred.
coastal Law Expertise: A strong understanding of legal issues specific to coastal zones, including the public trust doctrine, state shoreline management laws, climate change adaptation strategies, public beach access rights, and the growing problem of plastic pollution. Recent data from the EPA estimates that over 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans annually, highlighting the urgency of this work.
Government Experience: Familiarity with the processes of federal, state, or local government, including experience with policy development, legislation, and litigation.
Advocacy Skills: Demonstrated experience advocating before governmental bodies and tribunals.
Nonprofit Compliance: Knowledge of lobbying regulations and the legal considerations surrounding nonprofit organizations.
E-Discovery Proficiency: Experience with e-discovery tools like Logikull or DISCO is a plus.
Team Player: A collaborative spirit and a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

compensation & Benefits: Investing in Our Team

The surfrider Foundation is dedicated to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a competitive compensation package.

Salary: The salary range for this Staff Attorney position is $75,000 – $113,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Salary Philosophy: We believe in fair and equitable compensation. Our salary ranges are determined through comprehensive research of comparable non-profit organizations, considering factors like experience, education, job complexity, skills, geographic location, cost of living, and current market demands. Notably, the Surfrider Foundation boasts a high employee retention rate, with 32% of our staff having dedicated a decade or more to the organization.

Beyond salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health Coverage: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for employee-only coverage, with options to add dependents. Retirement Planning: A 401(k) plan with a 50% employer match on employee contributions up to 4% of earnings (effectively a 2% employer contribution).
Paid Time Off: A generous vacation accrual policy with the ability to roll over unused days,subject to a maximum accrual limit.
Sick Leave: 12 paid sick days per year. *paid Holidays

Empowering Advocates: Join the Surfrider Foundation Team

The Surfrider foundation is seeking a passionate and skilled individual to contribute to our mission of protecting our oceans, waves, and beaches. We are dedicated to environmental stewardship and are building a team committed to impactful advocacy and legal action.This is an opportunity to directly influence coastal policy and contribute to a healthier planet.

The Role & Our Commitment to a Diverse Workplace

We believe that a diverse and inclusive team is essential to achieving our goals.The Surfrider Foundation actively cultivates a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in ocean conservation. We recognize that our strength lies in learning from diverse perspectives,collaborating with allies,and striving for a more equitable future for both our organization and the broader environmental movement. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds,regardless of race,color,ancestry,religion,sex,national origin,sexual orientation,age,citizenship,marital status,disability,gender identity,or Veteran status.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

The Surfrider Foundation values its employees and offers a robust benefits package designed to support their well-being. This includes:

Paid Parental leave: We provide six weeks of paid leave for new parents, encompassing both birth and adoption/foster care placements, recognizing the importance of family.This is especially significant as, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 23% of private sector workers have access to paid parental leave.
Financial Security: Access to Long-Term Disability Insurance and Life Insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection.
Wellness Support: An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential resources for personal and professional challenges.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Manage healthcare and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Submission Process & Key Dates

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly. To be considered, please submit the following materials through the application portal:

Resume: A current resume detailing your professional experience and qualifications.
Writing Sample: A writing sample (maximum 10 pages) demonstrating your analytical and communication skills. This could be a legal brief, policy report, or similar document.
* Cover Letter: Your cover letter should articulate your experience in independently managing a substantial workload and highlight your expertise in environmental law, coastal policy, and the operations of 501(c)(3) organizations.Crucially, explain your specific motivation for joining the Surfrider Foundation and why your skills and values align with our mission. Think of it as explaining why your drawn to protecting a vital resource like the Great Barrier Reef – a complex ecosystem facing numerous threats – and how your skills can contribute to its preservation.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2025. While applications will be accepted until this date, early submissions are strongly encouraged.

questions? Please direct any inquiries regarding this position to careers@surfrider.org.

Take the Next Step

Don’t miss this opportunity to become a vital part of a leading ocean conservation organization.

Staff Attorney | job Description & Career Path – A Comprehensive Guide

What is a Staff Attorney?

A staff attorney is a lawyer who works as an employee for an organization, rather than as a partner in a law firm or as a solo practitioner. They provide in-house legal counsel and portrayal on a consistent, full-time basis. Staff attorney positions are common in government agencies, non-profit organizations, corporations, and universities. The specific duties of a staff attorney can vary widely depending on the organization and its needs, but the core function remains the same: to provide legal expertise and support.

Staff Attorney Job Description: key Responsibilities

The job description of a staff attorney is multifaceted, encompassing a variety of responsibilities. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical tasks:

Providing Legal Advice and Counsel: This is the cornerstone of the role. Staff attorneys advise their organization on a wide range of legal issues, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This can include labor laws, contract law, intellectual property, and more.
Legal Research and Analysis: Staff attorneys conduct thorough legal research to stay abreast of changes in legislation and case law. They analyze complex legal issues and provide reasoned opinions to their organization.
Drafting and Reviewing Legal Documents: A notable portion of a staff attorney’s time is spent drafting and reviewing legal documents, such as contracts, policies, regulations, and pleadings. Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial in this area.
Negotiating Agreements: Staff attorneys often negotiate agreements on behalf of their organization, ensuring that the terms are favorable and legally sound. This can involve negotiating contracts with vendors, settling disputes, or working out agreements with other parties.
Litigation Support (if applicable): in some cases, staff attorneys may be involved in litigation. This can include preparing pleadings, conducting discovery, and representing the organization in court. The extent of litigation support can vary greatly depending on the organization. If the organization has outside counsel, the staff attorney might act as liaison.
Compliance and Risk Management: staff attorneys play a key role in ensuring that their organization complies with all applicable laws and regulations. They develop and implement compliance programs and advise on risk management strategies.
Staying Updated on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Staff attorneys must stay informed about new laws, regulations, and court decisions that could impact their organization. This involves attending continuing legal education courses, reading legal publications, and participating in professional organizations.
Policy Growth: Staff attorneys often contribute to the development of organizational policies, ensuring that they are legally compliant and aligned with the organization’s goals.

Skills Required to Become a staff Attorney

Success as a staff attorney requires a specific set of skills. These skills combine legal expertise with practical abilities:

Strong Legal Knowledge: A thorough understanding of relevant laws and regulations is essential. This includes substantive knowledge of the areas of law relevant to the organization’s operations.
Excellent Research and Analytical Skills: The ability to conduct thorough legal research, analyze complex legal issues, and provide reasoned opinions is critical.
Exceptional Writing and Dialogue Skills: Staff attorneys must be able to communicate legal concepts clearly and concisely, both in writing and orally. they must also be able to draft legal documents accurately and persuasively.
negotiation and Advocacy Skills: The ability to negotiate effectively and advocate for the organization’s interests is vital.
Problem-Solving Skills: Staff attorneys are frequently enough called upon to solve complex legal problems. They must be able to think critically and creatively to find solutions.
Attention to Detail: Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial in all aspects of the job, especially when drafting and reviewing legal documents.
Time management and Organizational Skills: Staff attorneys often juggle multiple tasks and deadlines. They must be able to manage their time effectively and stay organized.
Ethical Conduct: Maintaining the highest ethical standards is essential for all attorneys, including staff attorneys.
Relationship Building: frequently enough staff attorneys are the only members of their team with a legal background. The ability to help others understand the law is very important.

Staff attorney Salary Expectations

Staff attorney salaries can vary based on several factors, including experience, location, the size and type of organization, and the specific responsibilities of the position. Generally, salaries are competitive, especially in larger cities and organizations. Entry level staff attorney positions in high demand areas will command higher salaries. Government and nonprofit salaries can be lower than salaries for attorneys in for-profit organizations.

While its unachievable to give an exact figure without knowing the specific details of a position, here’s a general overview:

Entry-level Staff Attorney: Can range from $60,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on location and organization type.
Mid-level Staff Attorney (3-5 years of experience): Can expect salaries ranging from $90,000 to $130,000.
Senior Staff Attorney (5+ years of experience): Salaries can exceed $130,000, often reaching $150,000 or more, especially in large corporations or government agencies.

bonuses can depend on the organization and performance. It is important to research the expected salary range in your location or for the specific organization.

Career Path for Staff Attorneys

The career path for a staff attorney can be quite diverse.While some attorneys remain in staff attorney roles throughout their careers, others use it as a stepping stone to other opportunities.

Here are some common career paths for staff attorneys:

Senior Staff Attorney: With experience, staff attorneys can move into senior roles with increased duty and compensation.
Managing Attorney/General Counsel: Some staff attorneys advance to leadership positions, such as managing attorney or general counsel, overseeing the legal function of an organization.
Compliance Officer: Staff attorneys with expertise in compliance can transition into compliance officer roles, ensuring that the organization adheres to all applicable laws and regulations.
Legal Consultant: Some staff attorneys choose to become independent legal consultants, providing legal services to multiple organizations on a contract basis.
Public Policy Advocate: Staff attorneys with a passion for public policy can transition into advocacy roles, working to influence legislation and regulations.
Judge or Magistrate: Some staff attorneys eventually pursue judicial appointments.
Transition into a Law firm: While less common, some staff attorneys transition into roles at law firms, frequently enough specializing in the organization’s specific industry.

The career path ultimately depends on the individual’s goals, interests, and the opportunities available within their organization.

Industries That Commonly Hire Staff Attorneys

A wide array of industries require the services of staff attorneys. Some industries employ them much more frequently given particular legal needs or compliance requirements. Here are some prominent examples:

government Agencies (federal,State,and Local): These agencies have extensive legal needs related to legislation,regulation,and litigation.
Non-profit Organizations: Non-profits often require legal expertise in areas such as tax law, fundraising regulations, and contract law.
Corporations (Large and Small): Corporations need legal counsel on a wide range of issues, including contracts, intellectual property, employment law, and regulatory compliance.
Universities and Educational Institutions: Universities require legal advice on issues such as student affairs, research grants, and employment law.
Healthcare organizations: Hospitals, insurance companies, and other healthcare organizations need legal expertise in areas such as healthcare law, patient privacy, and regulatory compliance.
Financial Institutions: Banks,credit unions,and other financial institutions require legal advice on issues such as banking regulations,lending practices,and consumer finance law.
Technology Companies: Technology companies need legal expertise in areas such as intellectual property, data privacy, and cybersecurity.
Insurance Companies: Insurance companies hire staff attorneys to handle claims, litigation, and regulatory compliance.

The Benefits of Working as a Staff Attorney

Working as a staff attorney offers several benefits, which is why it’s an appealing career choice for many lawyers:

Work-Life Balance: Compared to law firm life, staff attorney positions often offer a better work-life balance with more predictable hours.
Stable Employment: Staff attorney positions tend to be more stable than those in law firms, as organizations require consistent legal support.
Variety of Work: The work can be varied and stimulating, as staff attorneys handle a wide range of legal issues.
Prospect to Specialize: Staff attorneys can specialize in a particular area of law relevant to their organization’s operations.
Contribution to the Organization’s Mission: staff attorneys can contribute to the success of their organization and its mission.
Good Benefits Packages: Organizations typically offer comprehensive benefits packages to their employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Practical tips for Landing a Staff Attorney Job

Here are some practical tips to help you land a staff attorney job:

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Customize your resume and cover letter to each specific job application, highlighting your relevant skills and experience. Mention why you are interested in that organization.
Network: Attend legal networking events and connect with attorneys in your field of interest.
Gain Relevant Experience: Seek out internships or volunteer opportunities that provide relevant experience.
develop Strong Research and Writing Skills: These skills are essential for staff attorneys. Practice your legal research and writing skills through coursework, moot court, or other activities.
Highlight Your Soft Skills: Emphasize your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in your resume and interviews.
prepare for the Interview: Research the organization and the specific legal issues it faces. Practice answering common interview questions.
Consider Government or Non-Profit Experience: If you’re interested in working for a government agency or non-profit, consider gaining experience through internships or volunteer work. These employers may weigh life experience more than a prestigious school.

Area of Law	Typical Staff Attorney Role
Contract Law	Drafting, reviewing, negotiating agreements
Employment Law	Advising on hiring, firing, and workplace policies
Intellectual Property	Protecting trademarks, patents, and copyrights
Regulatory Compliance	Ensuring adherence to laws and regulations
Real Estate law	Handling property transactions and leases

case Studies: Staff Attorneys in Action

To better understand the role of a staff attorney, let’s examine a few hypothetical case studies:

case Study 1: Corporate Staff Attorney at a Tech Company: A staff attorney at a tech company is tasked with drafting and negotiating software licensing agreements. They must ensure that the agreements protect the company’s intellectual property and comply with relevant data privacy laws. They also advise the company on potential legal risks associated with new technologies.
Case study 2: staff Attorney at a Non-Profit Organization: A staff attorney at a non-profit organization provides legal advice on fundraising regulations and tax law. They also assist with drafting contracts for grant-funded projects and ensure compliance with donor restrictions.
Case Study 3: Staff Attorney at a Government Agency: A staff attorney at a government agency advises on the development and implementation of new regulations. They also represent the agency in administrative hearings and litigation.

First-Hand Experience: Advice from a Practicing Staff Attorney

To gain further insight, we reached out to a practicing staff attorney, Sarah, for her advice:

“One of the most important things I’ve learned as a staff attorney is the value of building strong relationships with colleagues in other departments.by understanding their needs and challenges, I can provide more effective legal support. Also,don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out mentorship from more experienced attorneys.”