Senior Attorney, Texas Clean Affordable Power

Senior Attorney, Texas Clean Affordable Power

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) seeks a Senior Attorney to lead our legal and regulatory advocacy in Texas, focusing on clean and affordable energy solutions.

This is a two‑year fixed‑term position with full benefits and the possibility of extension. A cover letter is required with your application.

The role may be remote or office‑based. Candidates located in Austin, TX are strongly preferred.

EDF’s U.S. Legal & Regulatory team works on strategic regulatory advocacy and litigation to achieve clean air, drive clean energy progress and stabilize the climate. This program advances our mission by advocating before state public utility commissions and other state and regional bodies for clean, affordable energy that benefits consumers, strengthens electric grid resilience, and delivers health and climate benefits.

The Senior Attorney leads EDF’s legal and regulatory advocacy in Texas, representing EDF before ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and supporting legislative advocacy and civil litigation related to clean energy.

• Partner with EDF’s State Director for Texas and other colleagues to set and advance project goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics for our utility regulatory advocacy.
• Lead the development of briefs, motions, litigation filings, and administrative comments advocating for relevant priorities.
• Conduct research and prepare legal analysis and written materials on legal, legislative, and regulatory issues facing Clean Affordable Power.
• Assess the legal rigor of policy proposals and ensure EDF priority policies have a robust legal underpinning.
• Collaborate with internal EDF partners to develop and implement effective communication strategies to build public understanding of clean energy infrastructure.
• Influence decision makers through legal filings, official comments, meetings and stakeholder engagement.
• Understand legal policy making processes in Texas and ensure that advocacy campaigns account for these processes.
• Ensure utility regulatory priority policies reflect the best legal, economic, and technical expertise at EDF.
• Represent EDF at conferences and hearings.
• Retain and manage outside counsel in legal engagements.
• Oversee production of policy‑relevant analyses and factual testimony, including by EDF internal experts and external consultants.
• Build, grow, and maintain relationships with strategic partners, including environmental justice and community‑based organizations.
• Coordinate and collaborate across EDF and multidisciplinary teams to ensure success and alignment with strategies, goals, and objectives.
• Depending on future staff levels, supervise at least one attorney.
• Mentor junior legal employees, fellows, interns, etc. as applicable.
• Perform additional related responsibilities as assigned.

• 7+ years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3 years practicing before ERCOT and/or the PUCT; experience in both ERCOT and non‑ERCOT Texas regions preferred.
• Juris Doctorate from an ABA‑accredited law school and an active, good‑standing Texas bar membership.
• Proficiency with ERCOT and PUCT procedural rules and conventions.
• Familiarity with major Texas energy issues such as data centers, electrification, grid planning, renewable generation, and market design.
• Experience engaging a range of stakeholders, including community leaders, industry trade associations, and policymakers.
• Demonstrated regulatory advocacy, litigation, and policy development experience at the state or federal level.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal and technical information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to integrate science, law, economics, and advocacy tools to advance environmental change.
• Strong presentation, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem‑solving abilities; attentive to detail and highly organized.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple time zones.
• Demonstrated self‑awareness, cultural competency, and inclusivity.
• Commitment to EDF’s mission and values, and to advancing clean air and climate solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Competitive salary range of $122,000 – $129,000 USD, full benefits, and professional development opportunities. Compensation is country‑specific. The stated salary is not intended to be converted into other currencies.