Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Attorney, Texas Clean Affordable Power
at Environmental Defense Fund
🏢 About Environmental Defense Fund
Environmental Defense Fund is unique for its science-based, non-partisan approach to environmental advocacy, combining rigorous research with strategic legal and regulatory action to achieve durable, equitable climate solutions. Working here means joining a team that directly influences clean energy policy at critical decision-making bodies like ERCOT and PUCT, with a focus on Texas-specific energy challenges.
About This Role
This Senior Attorney role leads EDF's legal advocacy for clean energy in Texas, primarily representing the organization before ERCOT and PUCT to advance utility practices that support affordable electrification. The position involves developing legal filings, assessing policy proposals, and building strategic partnerships to ensure Texas' energy transition is both clean and equitable.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve drafting comments for an upcoming PUCT proceeding on grid planning, analyzing legal implications of new Texas energy legislation, and coordinating with EDF's science team on technical aspects of a filing. You'd likely spend time preparing for stakeholder meetings with environmental justice partners and developing legal strategies that advance both clean energy and equity goals in Texas' unique regulatory landscape.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Environmental Defense Fund Is Looking For
- Has 7+ years of professional experience including at least 3 years practicing specifically before ERCOT and/or PUCT, with demonstrated knowledge of their procedural rules
- Possesses a JD from an ABA-accredited law school and active Texas bar membership in good standing, with experience in both ERCOT and non-ERCOT regions of Texas
- Demonstrates familiarity with major Texas energy issues like data center growth, electrification challenges, grid planning, and renewable generation integration
- Has experience building relationships with environmental justice organizations and community-based groups, aligning with EDF's equity-focused approach
📝 Tips for Applying to Environmental Defense Fund
Quantify your ERCOT/PUCT experience - specify number of cases, types of proceedings (e.g., market design, transmission planning), and outcomes achieved
Highlight any Texas-specific energy expertise beyond ERCOT regions, such as experience with municipal utilities or co-ops in non-ERCOT areas
Demonstrate understanding of EDF's specific Texas priorities by referencing their recent work on electrification, grid reliability, or renewable integration in the state
Show how you've balanced legal advocacy with stakeholder engagement, particularly with environmental justice communities
Include examples of translating complex legal arguments into persuasive advocacy for non-legal decision makers at regulatory agencies
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience practicing before ERCOT and PUCT, including types of proceedings and familiarity with their unique procedural rules', "How your legal background addresses Texas' current energy challenges like data center growth, electrification barriers, or grid modernization needs", 'Experience building partnerships with diverse stakeholders, particularly environmental justice and community organizations', 'Your approach to ensuring legal strategies align with broader organizational goals and equity considerations']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → EDF's recent Texas-specific advocacy work at ERCOT and PUCT, including specific dockets or proceedings they've participated in
- → The organization's Clean Affordable Power initiative and how it intersects with Texas energy policy debates
- → Current Texas energy policy debates around data center growth, grid reliability, and electrification that would inform this role
- → EDF's partnerships with Texas environmental justice organizations and community groups mentioned in their materials
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic energy law experience without specific Texas regulatory knowledge or ERCOT/PUCT practice
- Focusing only on litigation experience without demonstrating regulatory advocacy or administrative law skills
- Failing to connect legal expertise to EDF's specific mission of equitable, durable climate solutions in Texas
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Environmental Defense Fund!