Legal Associate (GovNet)

The Climate Litigation Network (CLN) supports communities who use the law to protect our shared future. We believe in a safe and sustainable future for all, where everyone is protected from climate harms. We provide individuals, organisations and grassroots groups with the legal tools and strategies to ensure that major emitters develop and implement emissions reductions plans that keep us all safe. You can learn more about CLN on our website: www.climatelitigationnetwork.org

The Legal Associate (LA) plays a central role in delivering CLN's GovNet programme. Drawing on specialist knowledge of climate litigation and comparative and international law, the LA works closely with CLN's partners to develop and strengthen new and existing cases — through legal research, analysis, drafting, and strategic input. This is a role that sits at the intersection of legal expertise and partnership, requiring both high-quality technical work and the relationship management skills to support CLN's partners effectively. The LA contributes to CLN's knowledge management and monitoring and evaluation systems, represents the organisation in relevant external fora, and supports the development of national and international networks in the field. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES • Providing expert legal and advocacy support to partners advancing strategic climate litigation at the national level. Specific activities include: drafting and managing the preparation of legal materials to support new and existing cases; conducting and managing national and international comparative legal research for internal and external use; identifying opportunities for normative development and preparing relevant materials; and contributing to internal knowledge management and monitoring and evaluation, including tracking cases and developments in the strategic litigation sector. • Developing and maintaining effective and trusted working relationships with CLN's partners — including lawyers, campaigners, funders, scientists and academics. Supporting CLN and its partners to develop and strengthen national and international networks, including through organising and facilitating partner meetings and convenings. • Representing CLN in relevant legal, scientific, policy and academic fora. • Supervising and managing junior members of staff, Research Fellows and Interns (if required). • Supporting the operations of the GovNet programme, including fundraising efforts and monitoring/evaluation of workstreams. Note: Responsibilities may change given the developing nature of GovNet and CLN. SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE Essential: • Strong knowledge of climate change litigation. • Expertise in other legal specialisms relevant to the programme – for instance, international human rights law, international environmental law, constitutional / public law and/or corporate / private law. • Excellent legal research, analysis and drafting skills: able to identify and clearly explain climate litigation developments and their relevance to CLN's strategy. • Ability to communicate complex legal issues to a wide range of audiences, including legal, scientific, policy and advocacy contexts. • Strong relationship management skills, with experience working with diverse partners such as legal and advocacy organisations, scientists, academics and funders. • Highly motivated, reliable and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. • Consistent ability to deliver high-quality work on time, managing multiple projects or workstreams concurrently. • Excellent written and spoken English. Desirable: • Knowledge of climate science or climate policy. • Fluency in one or more languages other than English. QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Essential: • LLB or equivalent, with strong academic performance. • 3+ years of post-qualification experience, ideally with a focus on legal advice and/or litigation. A background in strategic litigation is particularly valued. Desirable: • Postgraduate qualification in law, or a qualification (post or undergraduate) in climate science or policy. • Experience in climate litigation (law firm, litigation non-profit, judiciary, or civil service). • Experience of work in a non-profit setting, and/or campaigns or advocacy work. WHAT CLN CAN OFFER: You'll join a warm, international team. Remuneration and benefits* include: • Salary from €55,000, dependent on experience and expertise • 5% employer pension contribution • 25 days annual leave and 8 days public holidays • Family friendly working environment • Enhanced sick leave (UK) / incapacity insurance cover (NL)* • Up to 5 days emergency leave annually • Potential for flexible working arrangements • Commitment to training and professional development, including individual budget, in-house development opportunities, and conferences/events • Opportunity to travel to meet other CLN team members and partner organisations. *Exact benefits are dependent on country. Leave entitlements are prorated for part time team members.