Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney role at Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC). Applications for start dates in early fall 2026. These are entry-level positions open to recent law school graduates, attorneys completing clerkships, and practicing attorneys. Applications are due by September 15, 2025.

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of over 200, including more than 130 legal and policy experts, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.

All Associate Attorneys, including Glynn

D. Key Associate Attorneys, play a critical role in advancing SELC’s program objectives through litigation and legal advocacy. Working closely with experienced attorneys, they gain valuable experience in state and federal courts and before regulatory agencies. Associates are entrusted with substantial responsibility, expected to take ownership of their projects, and contribute to the success of their office and program. Associates work under the supervision of Staff and Senior Attorneys, embracing SELC’s collaborative work environment and supporting colleagues across positions and departments.

The Glynn

D. Key Associate Attorney Fellowship is part of SELC’s Associate Attorney program and is designed for applicants with a strong interest in or demonstrated commitment to advancing environmental justice. At SELC, we define environmental justice as working alongside communities and partners to ensure that everyone has access to clean water, clean air, a healthy environment, and a meaningful voice in decision-making.

While Fellows will have the opportunity to work on at least one project with an environmental justice focus, they will engage in the full range of legal work that all Associate Attorneys undertake. Learn more about Glynn

D. Key and the Fellowship here.

Applicants can indicate whether they are applying for an Associate Attorney position, a Glynn

D. Key Associate Attorney Fellowship, or both.

• Eligibility: Open to recent law school graduates, attorneys completing clerkships, and practicing attorneys.
• Location: Applicants may indicate their preferred location(s) when applying. Relocation reimbursement may be available for those moving at least 50 miles to join us.
• Associate Attorney: One position is available in Charlottesville, VA;
  Chapel Hill, NC; and Charleston, SC.
• Glynn
  
  D. Key Fellowship: Two additional positions are available and may be based in Atlanta, GA;
  Birmingham, AL;
  Chapel Hill, NC;
  Charleston, SC;
  Charlottesville, VA; or Nashville, TN. Strong preference will be given to applicants interested in the Atlanta, Chapel Hill, or Charlottesville offices.
• Start Date: Flexible, with opportunities available late summer through early fall 2026.
• Work Model: This is a full-time, exempt position. SELC offers a hybrid work model, providing employees the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week.
• Duration: The term for Associate Attorney positions, including the Glynn
  
  D. Key Associate Attorney Fellowship, is three years, with the possibility of a promotion and an additional three-year term.
• Compensation: The starting salary range for this position is $80,800–$94,100, commensurate with experience. SELC offers an excellent benefits package and is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)-eligible employer—for details, please visit our Careers page.
• Bar Exam Support: SELC reimburses the cost of the bar exam, along with a reasonable amount for related expenses, including a prep course and study materials.

• Support litigation efforts by conducting legal research, drafting briefs and pleadings, preparing witnesses, developing factual records, managing discovery,…