You: You’re a relentless freedom fighter with a belief that human innovation, technology, and free enterprise can overcome scarcity and solve major global challenges. You reject the idea that humanity is doomed to live within strict limits of natural resources (“limits to growth”) and instead embrace the vision that progress, creativity, and human flourishing can continually expand what’s possible; moreover, you believe fundamentally in individual liberty and property rights. Whether you’re a rising legal star or a seasoned litigator, you are driven to take on government overreach, shape bold legal strategies, and set landmark precedents. You thrive in the courtroom, and whether as part of a team or leading it, you know how to prepare and win high-stakes cases.
Them: Bureaucrats, regulators, and agencies that twist environmental and natural resources law into a tool for unjustified control, delaying projects, violating individual liberty, and stifling innovation. They have virtually unlimited money and expansive power—but we know that with strategic litigation, sharp legal minds, and an unwavering commitment to liberty, even Goliath can be beaten.
Us: We are Pacific Legal Foundation—the nation’s first and leading public interest law firm dedicated to defending individual liberty and limited government. Our Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Practice Group envisions and works toward:
- recognition that we live in a world of plenty, a planet where basic human needs—food, water, energy—are abundant and accessible to all;
- sustainable advancement—we know abundance can be achieved without depleting or destroying the environment;
- empowered individuals and communities that solve problems, recognizing that top-down control and heavy-handed government planners have not and cannot solve the problems we face;
- a shift in mindset—we seek to transform cultural attitudes from fear and pessimism (about overpopulation, climate crisis, etc.) toward a mindset of proactive problem-solving and confidence in human capability; and
- a better approach to environmental and natural resources law—defending property rights, challenging regulatory abuse, and ensuring that environmental policy respects the Constitution and protects the market’s ability to solve the problems we face as a nation.
Six of PLF’s 18 wins at the U.S. Supreme Court emphasized ENR law, including landmark victories like Sackett v. EPA and Hawkes Co v. USACE. We are litigating 100+ cases across the country to set powerful precedents for freedom.
We are a next-generation legal nonprofit: bold, strategic, and unafraid to take risks that can change the game.
Here’s what you’ll do:
You will litigate cases that shape environmental and natural resources law nationwide. Your work will advance our core principles as set out above, working to move the nation from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, all while protecting individual liberty, freedom, and constitutional rights.
You will take ownership of significant cases early, work closely with experienced litigators, and have the chance to develop into a national leader in environmental law. You’ll have the freedom to identify new cases, shape PLF’s ENR litigation agenda, and represent PLF at conferences, in the media, and in the broader liberty movement.
What we’re looking for:
- 1–6 years of relevant litigation experience (environmental law, natural resources, land use, property rights, or regulatory litigation preferred).
- Strong legal writing and oral advocacy skills.
- Drive to grow into a national leader in ENR law.
- Passion for liberty, the rule of law, and principled ENR stewardship.
- Outstanding interpersonal and collaboration skills.
- Comfort with travel (15%–20%).
- A deep understanding of the Constitution’s limits on government power is a big plus.
Location and work environment:
PLF has physical offices in Sacramento, California; Arlington, Virginia; and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida—but we are a virtual-first organization, and many attorneys work remotely across the country. You can be based in one of our offices or work from your home office.
Why PLF?
This is a full-time, permanent position. PLF is committed to recruiting and retaining the highest-quality talent available nationwide, and we offer a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, medical and dental insurance, and employer-paid retirement savings. We take work-life balance seriously through our generous paid leave and flextime policies. We have a flexible, collaborative, positive, and collegial work environment. We take pride in investing in your future and encourage internal advancement. PLF is the place for someone principled, tenacious, and determined to succeed in positively shaping the future of our country and restoring real limits on government power. Join us.
How to apply:
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:
- Your resume or CV.
- A cover letter explaining why you want to join PLF’s Environment and Natural Resources Practice Group, and what makes you stand out.
- A legal writing sample (10 pages max) that showcases your analytical and advocacy skills.
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/
Questions can be directed to Savannah Rupp, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is assisting with the search: [email protected].
There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.
While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.
Talent Market is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.
