About us

Advocates for the Future is an innovative, fast-growing legal NGO with a start-up mentality that harnesses the power of law to advocate for people and the planet. Our mission is to protect current and future generations. We achieve this through strategic legal interventions, advocacy, and the building of ambitious coalitions. Our approach combines legal expertise with powerful advocacy to drive systemic change. Advocates for the Future is based in Amsterdam.

Advocates for the future is mission-driven, not client-driven. We are exploring innovative legal strategies to drive systemic change. See our website for examples of our work.

Role overview

Join our growing team of experts, focusing on cutting-edge legal campaigns that contribute to positive change in society. Work in a highly motivated team, pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks for current and future generations.

As a lawyer in our team, you will play a pivotal role in our legal initiatives, focusing on sectors such as Energy, Transport, Food, and Agriculture. Your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to strategic legal analyses and interventions to drive decarbonization and environmental justice.
• Developing and implementing innovative legal strategies to address climate-related challenges.
• Collaborating with a diverse team of legal professionals, researchers, and campaigners.
• Engaging with stakeholders, policymakers, and international bodies on climate policy and regulation.
• Contributing to the development of funding proposals, campaign strategies, and organizational initiatives.

As a Senior Lawyer, additional responsibilities include:

• Leading innovative legal projects to drive decarbonization and environmental justice.
• Mentoring and supervising junior lawyers, supporting their professional development.
• Contributing to the development of AftF’s overall strategy, including identifying new opportunities to strengthen climate litigation efforts.
• Building and maintaining relationships with funders and assisting with reporting requirements as needed.
• Representing AftF in public forums, including international legal, policy, and academic discussions.

Note: Responsibilities will vary depending on relevant experience and qualifications. Given the start-up nature of Advocates for the Future, responsibilities may evolve based on internal and external needs.

Candidate profile

You are a qualified lawyer in the Netherlands with significant litigation experience, preferably with exposure to complex or public interest cases. You combine legal rigour with strategic thinking, and you’re eager to use your skills to push the boundaries of what the law can achieve.

• For the Legal Associate position: at least 4+ years of experience.
• Possess a strong analytical mindset and the ability to develop creative legal solutions.
• Write and communicate fluently in both Dutch and English, including in high-pressure or public settings.
• Are passionate about using the law as a tool for environmental and social change.
• Are proactive, hands-on, and comfortable building new structures or working methods from scratch.
• Work well in fast-moving, high-impact environments where priorities shift and ambition is high.
  

For the Senior Lawyer position, additional skills and experience includes:

• At least 10+ experience as a lawyer.
• Used to have responsibility for and lead complex, high stake legal projects.
• Ability to develop cutting-edge, long-term litigation strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring junior legal staff.
• Excellent communication skills to engage effectively with senior stakeholders.

And most importantly: you are a nice, fun person to work with! We are a small (but mighty) team, so team spirit is everything.

Note to candidates: Previous experience in the climate and environmental domain is not required. We know that lists of criteria can be daunting and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

What we offer

• A challenging and impactful role within a growing legal organisation.
• Opportunities to work on high-profile legal cases and campaigns.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Flexible working arrangements, including options for remote work.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.

Join us in building a legal future that puts justice and the planet first. Apply to join Advocates for the Future. Closing date to apply is 25 August. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews planned in the week beginning 1 September.

To apply, please send an email to recruitment@advocatesforthefuture.org with your CV and a short motivation letter. If possible, we appreciate receiving a writing sample as part of your application.

Advocates for the Future values inclusiveness and welcomes applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

What happens next?

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview to discuss their experience and suitability for the role. We may request references during the recruitment process.

If you have any questions or require reasonable adjustments during the application stage, please contact recruitment@advocatesforthefuture.org.