Senior Attorney

Center for Biological Diversity; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Biological Diversity seeks a Senior Attorney to lead the Endangered Species program, applying the Endangered Species Act, NEPA, and the Administrative Procedures Act to conserve imperiled species. The role demands sharp research, writing, and public speaking with strategic, creative thinking.

The ideal candidate has extensive environmental-law experience, a strong litigation track record, and a demonstrated commitment to protecting wildlife, habitats, and biodiversity.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to a relevant state bar.
• Minimum eight years as an environmental attorney.
• Experience litigating under the Endangered Species Act.
• Strong understanding of endangered species biology and threats.

Responsibilities

• Expand the Center's work to protect endangered species through litigation and advocacy.
• Identify opportunities to protect species from habitat destruction, pollution, and exploitation.
• Develop and litigate cases and administrative actions to advance campaign goals.
• Mentor new program attorneys.
• Build knowledge of endangered species status nationwide.
• Foster relationships with partner organizations, coalitions, and government officials.
• Utilize litigation and media campaigns to highlight wildlife threats.
• Advocate for comprehensive protection of endangered species in response to litigation.
• Perform other project work as needed to meet priorities.
• Work 40+ hours per week.

Skills

Endangered Species Act knowledge

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Litigation strategy

Research skills

Public speaking

Education

Law degree / JD

Job description

Job Title: Senior Attorney

Program: Endangered Species

Employment Type: [X] Salary [ ] Hourly ( exempt - this position is not eligible for over-time)

[ ] Part-time [X] Full-time

[ ] Temporary [X] Regular

Reports to: Endangered Species Director

Direct Reports to this position: n/a

Salary Range: $89,500 - $131,500

Location: Remote, Portland, OR

Is this position in the Bargaining Unit? [X] Yes [ ] No

*Because this position is in the Bargaining Unit, some fees may be required depending on where the candidate lives as a condition of employment.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Attorney advocates for the conservation of endangered species utilizing administrative and legal tools, including the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Administrative Procedures Act and others with a goal of protecting endangered species from the many threats they face. The ideal candidate will have excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills with an ability to think strategically and creatively.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Expand the Center's work to protect endangered species.


• Identify and carry out opportunities to protect endangered species from habitat destruction, pollution, exploitation and other threats through litigation and other advocacy.


• Identify, develop, and litigate cases and administrative actions to further campaign goals.


• Mentor new program attorneys.


• Develop detailed knowledge of the status of endangered species across the country.


• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, coalitions, government officials, scientists.


• Utilize litigation and media campaigns to highlight the threats to imperiled wildlife.


• Advocate for comprehensive protection of endangered species as a response to litigation and other pressure.


• Complete other project work outside of the program as needed to meet changing organizational priorities.


• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Law school graduate admitted to a relevant state bar


• At least eight years of experience as an environmental attorney


• Experience litigating under the Endangered Species Act


• Knowledge of the status, biology of, and threats to endangered species


• Background in leading litigation projects and working collaboratively with peers


• Excellent writing, communication, research, and oral advocacy skills


• Strong work ethic, time management, and organizational skills


• Proactive approach to identify opportunities, solve problems, and take initiative to drive projects forward


• Proven ability to develop complex cases and manage a full docket


• A high degree of scientific literacy


• A demonstrated commitment to environmental protection


• Ability to work independently and as a part of an effective team


• Competence in and commitment to principles of justice, equity and inclusion


• Ability to work 40+ hours per week

WORKING CONDITIONS

Semi-frequent travel required for hearings and meetings, at times on short notice. Requires work in an office setting, with a typical schedule of Monday-Friday with some night and weekend work required at times due to deadlines. May need to use typical office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation. This is not a complete description of all workplace conditions, and conditions are subject to change per the Organization's discretion.

Cognitive

• Ability to process and analyze information: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently


• Exchange accurate information: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently


• Communicate and express oneself with others: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently


• Interaction with other colleagues: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently


• Interaction with the public/co-collaborators: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently

Physical

• Reading (ingest data): [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently


• Working on a computer: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently


• Typing: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently


• Writing by hand: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently


• Sitting: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently


• Walking: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently


• Standing: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently


• Hiking: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently


• Lift/Carry 0-25 lbs: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently


• Lift/Carry 25-75 lbs: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently


• Climbing up or down stairs: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently


• Bending: [X