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Litigation Fellow
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Software Engineering
USD 72k-82k / year
Posted on Feb 24, 2026
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Litigation Fellow to be based at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center located in Annapolis, MD.
About the Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Established in 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home. Through our education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration efforts, we work together toward our vision of a healthy and resilient Chesapeake Bay ecosystem where people, plants, and animals thrive together.
CBF has a staff of approximately 200 employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 15 field education program locations. Our staff and volunteer corps work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water policies, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary.
CBF’s headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world’s first U.S. Green Build Council’s LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center—one of the world’s most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings—in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
CBF has 200,000 members and supporters and an annual budget of approximately $30 million. For more information on CBF, please visit our About CBF page.
About the Hiring Department
Litigation
CBF’s Litigation department evaluates opportunities for filing legal actions against private parties, states, or the federal government which support CBF objectives throughout the Bay Watershed. In the appropriate circumstances, the department recommends that suit be filed, and if approved by the president and the litigation committee, counsel is retained, or the department staff handles litigation of the action internally.
Context of the Position
The litigation fellowship provides an opportunity for a recent law school graduate, within three years of law school, to work with experienced environmental practitioners within a leading environmental non-profit organization and gain the necessary training and professional development to launch a successful career in environmental law.
The fellow will take a lead role in developing litigation for new cases, research, and memo writing while working and managing a project designed to help lay the groundwork for litigation and possibly other advocacy work within CBF. In addition, the fellow will work closely with the Vice President for Litigation, litigation counsel, litigation staff, and other CBF staff, including scientists, grassroots organizers, lobbyists, and educators.
Essential Functions
- Analyzing federal and state environmental laws, regulations, and administrative processes that apply within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
- Reviewing agency records, files and documents.
- Summarizing findings in the form of formal memoranda that include proper documentation and accurate citations.
- Working directly with community members to learn about the environmental conditions of their neighborhoods and with other groups outside of CBF as needed, including participating in local environmental activities.
- Working with CBF staff to promote and/or apply the findings of the project.
- Participating in the day-to-day life of CBF, including staff meetings, strategy sessions, and at least one CBF field experience.
- Assist the litigation department in active and developing cases.
Professional Experience and Qualifications
CBF seeks independent, creative thinkers who will help us to act wisely and in the public interest as we strive to “Save the Bay.” The ideal candidate will possess the following:
- JD from an accredited law school.
- Admission to practice law in at least one State (can be obtained during fellowship).
- Experience with environmental and administrative law and civil procedure.
- Strong legal research and writing, interpersonal, and communications skills.
- Willingness to travel regionally.
- Ability to work on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people.
Salary Range: $72,000-$82,000
How to Apply
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume no later than March 16, 2026.
CBF offers a 36-hour work week and for full-time staff, a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 floating holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contribution. Learn more about CBF Benefits.
We Are Committed to Saving the Bay and We Need You!
Bringing together the most qualified employees with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, perspectives, and beliefs is the key to saving the Bay. We know that talented professionals can come from anywhere and everywhere. We are proud to have created an award-winning organization where they have the opportunity to thrive while joining us in our work to achieve clean water, clean air, and a safe environment—rights that we all share.
Wondering whether you have the right credentials or background to apply? We value lived experience, are serious about embracing diversity, and are committed to building a team that represents our communities’ backgrounds. That means we want people just like you!
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.