Staff/Senior Attorney

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 Center’s Public Lands Law Center using law, science, media outreach and advocacy to protect the environment. The Public Lands Law Center is focused on protecting federal public lands from all types of environmentally destructive develop and activities, including from fossil fuels, mining, grazing, logging, and motorized recreation. Attorneys within the Center’s Public Lands Law Center bring cutting edge cases that are designed to have a conservation impact that addresses key threats to federal public lands and 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.

Locations: DC, Oakland, Tucson, Portland, or Asheville

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Litigate cases in federal court under environmental statutes and regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, National Forest Management Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
• Identify and develop prospective cases through administrative actions to further the program’s goals;
• Draft comments on proposed rules and environmental review documents;
• Act as the Center’s representative for federal public land cases where the Center is represented by outside counsel;
• Seek to intervene on behalf of the Center in state and industry cases that pose threats to federal public lands;
• 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;
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Law school graduate admitted to a relevant state bar;
• Minimum two years of civil litigation experience for Staff Attorney and eight years for Senior Attorney, environmental law preferred;
• A working knowledge of the primary environmental laws governing federal public lands including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species
• Act, National Forest Management Act, and Federal Land Policy and Management 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.

It is the policy of the Center to promote diversity in recruitment and hiring. The Center will provide an equal opportunity in recruitment and employment to all individuals and will consider candidates without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation and identity, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status; and without discrimination based on socioeconomic, marital, parental or caregiving status, or any of the previously listed characteristics or statuses.