Senior Attorney, Electrification

Zero-Emission Trucks Initiative Overview

Zero-emission trucks and buses are increasingly available and capable. EDF aims to transition trucks and buses in the U.S. to zero-emission solutions. The stakes are huge. Though trucks and buses represent fewer than 5% of all vehicles, they account for 28% of climate pollution from road transportation and 57% of the soot from vehicles. The next several years are critical to lock in a pace of transition to achieve our goal. We have opportunities to help leading fleets gain an understanding on how to effectively operate zero-emission trucks and set clear transition plans; put in place national and state-level policies that set long-term standards with a clear timeline for transitioning to zero-emission vehicles; and secure investments to strategically deploy charging infrastructure necessary to support these vehicles and help reduce upfront cost barriers.

Location

While all candidates within the U.S. will be considered, there is a preference for candidates in New York who are willing and able to work a hybrid schedule.  

Overall Function

The Senior Attorney, Electrification, will lead the engagement of EDF in electric vehicle related utility regulatory proceedings across the U.S. This position will be responsible for assessing legal strategy, developing comments for proceedings, collaborating with partners, managing external counsel, supervising at least one staff attorney, and coordinating with EDF’s General Counsel, state teams and legal and regulatory experts.

The Senior Attorney will leverage EDF’s industry-leading expertise to advance vehicle electrification, with a specific focus on medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Areas of focus include utility forecasting and planning; grid infrastructure and make-ready buildout; leveraging distributed energy resources, on site power generation and managed charging; grid reliability and resiliency; and electricity rates.  Additionally, they will collaborate with attorneys and experts across EDF to maximize organizational impact and effectiveness in utility regulatory proceedings, as such this person will occasionally contribute to proceedings beyond the exclusive scope of vehicle electrification.

This Senior Attorney will report to the Senior Director, Vehicles & Freight, works closely with the Director, Grid Modernization to set priorities and strategy, and will be a member of the U.S. Region Initiatives team within a matrixed environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with directors and attorneys across the EDF U.S. Region team, and others when applicable, to set and advance project goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics for our zero-emission truck initiative.
• Lead the development of effective briefs, motions, and other litigation documents, and interpret key court decisions related to vehicle electrification, including utility forecasting and planning; grid infrastructure and make-ready buildout; leveraging distributed energy resources; on site power generation and managed charging; grid reliability and resiliency, and electricity rates. 
• Lead formal utility commission filings and aid in other formal and informal policy engagements related to vehicle electrification, with a focus on medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
• Participate in advancing EDF diversity, equity, and inclusion goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
• Collaborate with EDF staff to build and foster key relationships with relevant policymakers, industry experts, advocates, and technology developers and providers.
• Allocate and leverage legal resources as needed to accomplish organizational goals.
• Guide, support, and supervise at least one attorney, as well as mentor junior legal employees, fellows, interns, etc., when applicable.
• Coordinate legal matters handled by outside counsel, when appropriate.
• Contribute to projects by recommending, supporting with the fundraising for, and evaluating new ideas; disseminating and communicating project results; and participating in the development of a vibrant and entrepreneurial program.
• Relevant additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least of five years’ experience in the practice area required.
• Juris Doctorate degree and active bar membership in good standing required.
• Demonstrated history of success in advocating for state or federal policy reforms through advocacy or legislative efforts vehicle electrification, grid modernization, electric sector decarbonization, energy efficiency, and distributed energy resources.
• Key relationships with state and city legislators, commissioners, and staff at state and federal regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated management experience, including thoughtful mentorship to junior staff.
• Results-oriented and attentive to detail with the ability to think strategically and work on fast-paced, dynamic issues.
• Robust analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to recognize and build on political opportunities for progress.
• Experience developing innovative solutions to moderately complex problems that impact the organization’s objectives and success.
• Excellent presentation and written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work well both independently as well as collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team in a dynamic and creative environment across multiple time zones.
• Proactive and organized with the ability to prioritize, adapt, and be flexible. 
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.