Staff Attorney

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

17d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law and Policy Program (ALPP) is seeking a Staff Attorney to lead the production of both the Animal Law Digest: US Edition (Animal Law Digest), and phase one of a new aquaculture project. The Staff Attorney will conduct legal and policy research, oversee and directly contribute to the production of the Animal Law Digest, and design and adapt the new aquaculture publication to enhance its utility. They will also work on other projects to analyze and improve the treatment of animals through the legal system. The Staff Attorney will work in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Faculty Director, Fellows, and student Research Assistants and in consultation with stakeholders.

Requirements

• JD degree, admission to state bar, at least 3 years of relevant post-graduate professional experience.
• Superior research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to distill complex information into succinct summaries and meet strict recurring publication deadlines.
• Ability to supervise and mentor more junior attorneys and researchers on joint projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively and exercise judgment and discretion.
• A high level of commitment to improving the treatment of animals through the legal system.
• Extensive familiarity with a wide range of animal-related federal and state statutes, including environmental and criminal statutes, and knowledge of case law and civil procedure.
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach with experience managing projects.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in staff supervision is a plus but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the production of the Animal Law Digest and directly contributing to research and drafting the publication.
• Contributing to new projects to track and analyze federal and state legislation, regulation, and litigation developments and initiatives in the field of animal law and policy.
• With the Executive Director and Faculty Director, creating and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders including other academic institutions, think-tanks, and NGOs, by carrying out research and writing, and participating in meetings and other communications.
• Collaborating with other Harvard initiatives.
• Generating and sustaining a portfolio of research, writing, and public engagement activities on legal issues at the intersection of animal, agricultural, food, environmental law and policy, and rights of nature.
• Advising on and coordinating the research activities of research assistants and research fellows.
• Developing and managing ALPP resources.
• Contributing to the development of proposals for new projects.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree