Or Senior Attorney

The Center for Biological Diversity is seeking a Staff or Senior Attorney to join their Urban Wildlands program in California (preferably Sacramento, Bay Area, or Los Angeles). The role involves impact litigation, advocacy, and collaboration with communities to protect vulnerable ecosystems. Candidates should have strong legal experience and skills in research, writing, and public speaking. Salaries range from $69,000 to $125,000 depending on experience.
Position: Staff or Senior Attorney

Salary Range: Staff Attorney: $69,000 - $85,000;
Senior Attorney: $85,000 - $125,000

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

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 or Senior Attorney will work as part of a team in the Urban Wildlands 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. Staff and Senior 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 rule making, 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;
• 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 for Staff Attorney and eight years for Senior Attorney, 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-frequent travel required for hearings and meetings, at times on…