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Climate Change Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of New York

Climate Science Advisor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ) is a team of architects, lawyers ... change, preparing to adapt and protect New Yorkers from extreme weather and multiple climate ...

City of New York

Climate Science Advisor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

The Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ) is a team of architects, lawyers ... change, preparing to adapt and protect New Yorkers from extreme weather and multiple climate ...

Climate Defiance

Director of Individual Giving

$80K - $115K/yr

Climate Defiance works to elevate climate change as a top political issue in the US through mass ... lawyers, and progressive politicians and VIPs.. We're looking for a seasoned fundraiser who can ...

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Climate Change Lawyer information

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$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do climate change lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for climate change lawyer in the United States is $100,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are climate change lawyers?

Climate change lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in laws and policies related to climate change and environmental protection. They advise governments, organizations, and businesses on compliance with environmental regulations, represent clients in litigation involving climate-related issues, and help develop strategies for sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction. Their work often includes interpreting complex international agreements, national laws, and local policies to ensure clients meet their legal obligations and advocate for stronger climate action.

What are the typical challenges a Climate Change Lawyer faces when working on environmental policy cases?

Climate Change Lawyers often encounter the challenge of navigating complex and evolving environmental regulations at local, national, and international levels. They must stay current with legislative updates and court rulings while balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including government agencies, corporations, and advocacy groups. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential, as the role frequently involves translating technical scientific findings into compelling legal arguments. Additionally, Climate Change Lawyers may work in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating closely with scientists, policymakers, and industry experts to build strong cases and promote sustainable practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Climate Change Lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Climate Change Lawyer, you need a law degree, bar admission, and specialized knowledge of environmental, regulatory, and international climate change law. Familiarity with legal research databases, environmental impact assessment tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional negotiation, analytical thinking, and public advocacy skills help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively representing clients, shaping policy, and ensuring legal compliance in the complex and evolving field of climate change law.

What is the difference between Climate Change Lawyer vs Environmental Lawyer?

AspectClimate Change LawyerEnvironmental Lawyer
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission, specialization in climate lawJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission, specialization in environmental law
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, NGOs, government agencies focusing on climate policiesLegal firms, NGOs, government agencies addressing broader environmental issues
Industry UsageFocused on climate policies, international climate agreements, carbon regulationsBroader environmental regulations, pollution control, conservation laws

While both roles require legal credentials and focus on environmental issues, Climate Change Lawyers specialize in climate policies and international agreements, whereas Environmental Lawyers handle a wider range of environmental regulations and conservation efforts.

More about Climate Change Lawyer jobs
What cities are hiring for Climate Change Lawyer jobs? Cities with the most Climate Change Lawyer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Climate Change Lawyer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Climate Change Lawyer jobs are:
Climate Change Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Climate Change Lawyer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Full Time, 80% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 17% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Legal Research Officer (Climate Change/Emerging Tech)

Blockchain & Climate Institute/ BCI America Inc.

Remote

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE
Role title: Legal Research Officer (Climate Change/ Emerging Technologies)
Role nature: Volunteer
Location: Canada; Toronto, ON, Canada; Montreal, QC, Canada; United States; New York, NY, United States (Home-based)
The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteer-led think tank supporting and advocating the application of blockchain technology in the global fight against climate change.
This position is only for Legal Scholars and experienced Legal Researchers.
The candidates for this VOLUNTARY, unpaid role should possess the required knowledge about climate change-related legislation and affinity with distributed ledger technologies, but also be motivated to accomplish BCI's mission.
Able to develop rigorous methodologies for legal research projects, candidates are expected to conduct independent legal research and analyses, as well as engage key stakeholders, including legislators, regulators, lawyers, and policymakers, to establish strategic partnerships for accomplishing the BCI's core mission. With support from Members of the Regulatory Reform Working Group and under the guidance of the Head of Legal Research, Legal Research Officers are given opportunities to publish research papers and produce briefing materials for the consumption of partner governments. Principal/Senior Legal Research Officers will also be assigned to draft speeches and/or deliver presentations on behalf of the BCI at external conferences.
The standard time commitment for all BCI roles is, on average, one day per week to be flexibly spread across the week.
Responsibilities:
  • To provide research support on topics around legislation or regulation regarding international climate and environment-related treaties, etc.
  • To engage relevant stakeholders in the change and sustainability policy space for developing strategic partnerships or collaboration opportunities
  • To communicate BCI's research findings and insights at international conferences or high-level events

Requirements
Skills & Abilities
  • Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to develop effective working relationships, work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries, and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
  • Purpose-driven professional, with a passion for climate justice, innovation, and complex systems
  • Fluency in one of these languages is desirable
    • Arabic
    • Chinese
    • French
    • Russian
    • Spanish

General & Specialist Knowledge
  • Strong in-depth knowledge of the following topics:
    • Big data (security)
    • Climate change
    • UNFCCC processes
    • Public international laws related to climate change and the environment
  • Basic understanding of the functioning of
    • Distributed ledger technology
    • Token economy
    • Smart contracts
    • Crypto-assets
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and legal research databases such as Lexis Nexis
  • Familiarity with academic and referencing tools such as Mendeley

Education & Training
  • A degree in law is required
  • A master's degree in one of the following fields is highly desirable:
    • International Environmental Law
    • Climate Policy
    • Information Technology Law

Relevant Experience
  • Proven ability to conduct (academic) research in the fields of international environmental law, climate change policy, and/or Internet/Technology law (desirable)
  • Proven experience working independently and collaboratively in a team to drive forward projects using his/her own initiative
  • Experience in designing, planning, and facilitating independent research and the ability to meet tight deadlines
  • Law firm/start-up experience is not required, but is desirable

Benefits
Blockchain and other emerging technologies, as well as climate change and sustainability, are two hot topic groups that have been headlining media outlets, dominating conferences & events, and gaining increasing traction in research and pilot projects. One of the most important aspects of BCI's mission is to support legislators and policymakers to create an enabling environment for the adoption of distributed ledger technologies. To that end, this opportunity will deepen BCI's legal research on the interaction between existing legal frameworks and innovative technologies.
The benefits you will get from volunteering with BCI are enormous and include:
  • You will refine existing skills or acquire new ones, including legal research, presentation, writing, and professional etiquette
  • Your mind will be engaged, providing you with a fulfilling sense of purpose
  • You will enhance and elevate your professional trajectory by building meaningful connections, gaining practical experience at the convergence of climate and emerging technologies
  • You will cultivate enduring professional relationships with individuals united in their mission to improve the world and will establish close connections in the nonprofit sector

Selection Process
As a voluntary organization, we are pleased to open the door for candidates who may not have the prior experience they need to start, progress, or switch their careers. To recruit the most suitable, talented, or potential new members out of the volume of applications received, it is the BCI's policy to also consider inexperienced candidates to fill our voluntary unpaid roles as long as they can demonstrate the skills required in the written assessment. In the selection process, most candidates will be invited to complete the following assessment.
Section A:
Verbal and numerical reasoning (20 multiple-choice questions)
Section B:
Situation judgement test (20 multiple-choice questions)
Section C:
In-tray exercise (an open-ended assessment relevant to the duties of the role)
Candidates who pass all three sections will be invited to attend a phone screening, first interview, and final interview online.

Apply