Urban Wildlands Staff Attorney

Center for Biological Diversity; United States; Remote; USD 73,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a Staff Attorney for its Urban Wildlands program. This remote California role focuses on impact litigation, administrative advocacy, and environmental campaigns, with the Program Director reporting line.

The position is full-time and regular, with a salary range of $72,500–$89,500 and a statewide equity commitment. You will collaborate with frontline communities and scientists to advance conservation goals.

Qualifications

• J.D. required and admitted to California state bar.
• Minimum two years of civil litigation experience.
• Familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, APA, Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act.
• Excellent writing, communication, research, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a full docket and work independently.
• Commitment to environmental protection and environmental justice.

Responsibilities

• Work with frontline communities and conservation organizations in local, regional, and statewide coalitions to proactively protect vulnerable ecosystems while also opposing destructive and polluting projects;
• Identify, develop, and litigate cases and administrative actions to further the program's campaign goals;
• Draft legal and/or scientific comments on proposed rules and environmental review documents;
• Advocate for conservation policies, including through oral testimony, policy analysis, petitions for rulemaking, and effective communications;
• Engage in media advocacy by writing press releases, crafting op-eds, developing relationships with media contacts, and delivering effective, timely statements to reporters;
• Raise awareness among the public and opinion leaders through campaign activities such as public speaking, action alerts, reports, and meetings;
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, coalitions, government officials, and scientists;
• Produce consistently high-quality work, including typically delivering weekly legal work such as a brief, memo, petition, technical comment letter, or oral argument as needed;
• May include supervision of law clerks and legal fellows;
• Complete other project work outside of the program as needed to meet changing organizational priorities.

Skills

Excellent writing

Oral advocacy

Public speaking

Research skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Initiative

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree

Job description

Job Title: Staff Attorney

Program: Urban Wildlands

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

Part-time [X] Full-time

Temporary [X] Regular

Reports to: Program Director

Direct Reports to this position: N/A

Salary Range: Staff Attorney: $72,500 - $89,500

Location: Remote, California (Sacramento, Bay Area or Los Angeles region preferred)

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.

ABOUT THE CENTER

The Center for Biological Diversity, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, believes the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature - to the existence of a vast diversity of wild animals, plants and people. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law, activism and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that humans, other species and all communities need to survive and thrive.

We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Staff Attorney will work as part of a team in the Urban Wildlands program using law, science, media outreach and advocacy to protect the environment. The Urban Wildlands program works to protect wildlife and habitats vulnerable to unsustainable development while advocating for healthy and climate resilient communities. Attorneys at the Center bring cutting edge cases that are designed to have a conservation impact that addresses key threats to biodiversity. The main duties of this role include impact litigation, administrative advocacy, and advancing environmental campaigns. The ideal candidate will have excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills with an ability to think strategically and creatively. Attorneys are motivated and use their experience in law and activism to develop cases and win campaigns. The working environment is dynamic, exciting and supportive.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with frontline communities and conservation organizations in local, regional, and statewide coalitions to proactively protect vulnerable ecosystems while also opposing destructive and polluting projects;
• Identify, develop, and litigate cases and administrative actions to further the program's campaign goals;
• Draft legal and/or scientific comments on proposed rules and environmental review documents;
• Advocate for conservation policies, including through oral testimony, policy analysis, petitions for rulemaking, and effective communications;
• Engage in media advocacy by writing press releases, crafting op-eds, developing relationships with media contacts, and delivering effective, timely statements to reporters;
• Raise awareness among the public and opinion leaders through campaign activities such as public speaking, action alerts, reports, and meetings;
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, coalitions, government officials, and scientists;
• Produce consistently high-quality work, including typically delivering weekly legal work such as a brief, memo, petition, technical comment letter, or oral argument as needed;
• May include supervision of law clerks and legal fellows;
• 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 California state bar;
• Minimum two years of civil litigation experience;
• Preferred familiarity with the California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act;
• 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;
• Ability to develop cases and manage a full docket;
• Familiarity with environmental laws;
• 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;
• Track record of effective coalition work preferred;
• Ability to work 40+ hours per week.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Semi-fr