1

Policy Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Law & Policy Practice Manager

Washington, DC ยท Hybrid

$134K - $164K/yr

We are currently seeking a Public Law & Policy Practice Manager in our Client Value & Practice ... Work with Attorney Recruiting, Attorney Development and/or Human Resources in coordinating ...

$77K - $101K/yr

Your role and impact As a Lawyer in the SCCT, you will be responsible for the effective management ... Hybrid Working Policy We are currently working to a policy of office attendance for two days per ...

Attorney/Lawyer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Interpret governing documents, Colorado statutes, case law, insurance policies, and real estate documents. * Provide practical legal guidance to volunteer boards and community managers. * Conduct ...

Showing results 41-60

Policy Lawyer information

See salary details

$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do policy lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy 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 some common challenges faced by policy lawyers when working with diverse stakeholders?

Policy lawyers often collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, advocacy groups, and private sector partners. A common challenge is balancing the differing priorities and interests of these groups while ensuring that legal frameworks are upheld. Effective communication, diplomacy, and negotiation skills are essential to navigate conflicting viewpoints and build consensus. Additionally, policy lawyers must stay updated on evolving regulations and anticipate how changes might impact stakeholders, requiring adaptability and continuous learning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a policy lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Policy Lawyer, you need a deep understanding of legal research, statutory interpretation, and policy analysis, usually supported by a law degree and bar admission. Familiarity with legislative tracking tools, legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and policy drafting software is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and critical thinking skills help you influence stakeholders and clearly convey complex legal concepts. These skills are vital for effectively shaping public policy, advising organizations, and ensuring compliance with evolving laws.

What is the difference between Policy Lawyer vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy LawyerPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admissionBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLegal settings, law firms, government agenciesThink tanks, government agencies, NGOs
Employer & Industry UsageLegal and governmental sectorsPolicy research and development sectors

Policy Lawyers and Policy Analysts both work in policy-related fields but differ mainly in their credentials and work environments. Policy Lawyers focus on legal analysis, compliance, and advising within legal frameworks, often working in law firms or government legal departments. Policy Analysts conduct research, analyze policy impacts, and develop recommendations, typically working in think tanks or policy organizations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the policy industry.

Can I work in policy with a policy lawyer?

A policy lawyer specializes in legal analysis and advocacy related to public policies, and their skills can be valuable in policy development, government agencies, or advocacy organizations. Working in policy often requires understanding legislative processes, research, and communication skills, which a policy lawyer typically possesses. Transitioning between legal and policy roles is common, but additional experience in policy analysis or public administration may be beneficial.

What does a policy lawyer do?

A policy lawyer advises on laws and regulations related to public policies, often working with government agencies, advocacy groups, or private organizations. They analyze legal issues, draft policy proposals, and ensure compliance with existing laws, frequently using legal research and advocacy skills.
More about Policy Lawyer jobs

What cities are hiring for Policy Lawyer jobs?

Cities with the most Policy Lawyer job openings:

What states have the most Policy Lawyer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Policy Lawyer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Policy Lawyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Clean Energy Staff Attorney

Environmental Law & Policy Center

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$127K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

About ELPC:
The Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest's leading environmental legal advocacy organization. We drive transformational policy changes with national impacts.
We show that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together by putting sustainability principles into practice. We advance climate solutions effectively by accelerating clean renewable energy alternatives to conventional power plants and advancing clean transportation solutions. We protect the Great Lakes and defend the Midwest's wild and natural places, and we fight for safe, clean water and healthy clean air for all. We combine effective public interest litigation with strategic policy advocacy, sound science, and economic analysis. ELPC produces strong results for the environment in the courtrooms, boardrooms, and legislative hearing rooms across the pivotal Midwest states and in Washington D.C.
This is a great opportunity for an attorney with deep interest in utility regulation, administrative litigation and clean energy policy, who is motivated by helping to protect the planet, equitable access to clean energy sources and systemic energy transformation.
Come join our winning team of talented, mission-driven professionals, who passionately work together to protect the environment and natural resources in the Midwest region.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Clean Energy Staff Attorney will handle critical litigation of utility regulatory cases in support of ELPC's clean energy program in Midwest states. This is an excellent opportunity in an area of growing strategic importance at the local, regional and national level: fighting climate change by equitably decarbonizing the energy sector through rapid deployment of demand side resources, distributed solar, battery storage, electric vehicles and other distributed energy resources.
The Clean Energy Staff Attorney will engage in a range of venues in our region, including state utility commissions, state and federal courts, legislative bodies, Midwest regional transmission organizations (Midcontinent Independent Systems Operator-MISO, and PJM), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission-FERC. The role will require both litigation skills and strategic leadership working with coalitions to advance clean energy solutions in an equitable manner, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector, and accelerate the deployment of distributed energy resources.
POSITION TITLE: Clean Energy Staff Attorney (full time)
REPORTS TO: Managing Attorney, Clean Energy Program
LOCATION: Chicago, IL with a hybrid work environment that includes required days in the office each week
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Litigate a range of cases focused on electric and gas industry planning, distributed energy resource deployment, and equitable access to clean energy. Responsibilities will routinely include identifying key cases, developing and managing clients and client coalitions, working with experts to develop testimony, managing and coordinating discovery, cross-examining witnesses, drafting briefs and making oral arguments, and managing associate attorney(s), among other litigation responsibilities.
    • Represent ELPC before state public utility commissions, FERC, administrative agencies and appellate courts
    • Engage with impacted community and partner organizations to ensure advocacy reflects equity and environmental justice priorities
    • Monitor emerging legal, regulatory and market developments affecting clean energy and utility regulation
  • Work to execute multi-faceted clean energy policy campaigns, with assistance from other ELPC attorneys, communications experts, policy advocates, legislative advocates, and in coordination with colleagues from other regional and national advocacy organizations and industry representatives.
  • Develop and refine strategic direction for ELPC's clean energy program, including assisting in fundraising to help the program grow.
  • Mentor junior attorneys, fellows and/or legal interns as applicable
  • Other duties, as assigned.

Education & Experience (years):
Juris Doctor degree
  • Minimum of 7 - 10 years of relevant legal experience, with a strong background and demonstrated interest in clean energy policy and electric/gas utility regulation.
  • At least two years of administrative litigation experience before state utility commissions or similar regulatory bodies preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Excellent legal research writing, oral advocacy and strategic analysis skills
  • Ability to manage complex legal matters independently, as well as work collaboratively
  • Commitment to environmental protection, decarbonization and equity-centered advocacy
  • Familiarity with utility planning processes, including IRPs and distribution planning

Estimated Travel:
  • 10 - 20% domestic travel

Salary:
For candidates who fully meet the requirements, the salary range is $127,500 - $145,000. ELPC also offers a very attractive benefits package competitive to leading national environmental non-profits.
Application Process:
Please apply via our Careers site and include a cover letter.