How to apply for Oceans Special Project Attorney

About Center for Biological Diversity

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to protect endangered species and the lands, waters, and climate they depend on. It uses science, law, activism, and creative media. This role sits in the Oceans program, so you would work on ocean-related litigation and advocacy.

About the role

As an Oceans Special Project Attorney, you would report to the Oceans Director and handle legal work for a two-year temporary position. The role is remote or based in Oakland and focuses on special projects within the Oceans program. You would help protect marine species and ecosystems through legal action.

A typical day

A typical day might involve legal research, drafting motions or comments, and collaborating with scientists and other attorneys on ocean protection cases. You would also attend virtual meetings with the Oceans team and possibly external partners. The work is project-based and may shift as new threats to marine species arise.

Who Center for Biological Diversity is looking for

• A licensed attorney with experience in environmental or wildlife law, preferably in ocean-related issues.
• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills, demonstrated by a writing sample.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting and manage projects with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to the Center's mission of protecting biodiversity and the climate.

Tips for this application

• Submit all required materials: cover letter, resume, writing sample, and reference list. Missing items may disqualify you.
• In your cover letter, connect your legal experience directly to ocean conservation or biodiversity protection.
• Choose a writing sample that shows your legal analysis and persuasive writing, ideally related to environmental law.
• Apply online through the Center's application system. Do not call to follow up; only selected applicants will be contacted.
• Note the desired start date of 10/12/2026 and the two-year temporary nature of the position in your application.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Why you want to work specifically on ocean issues at the Center for Biological Diversity.', 'Your relevant legal experience, including any litigation, advocacy, or policy work related to the environment.', 'How you handle remote work and independent project management.', "Your understanding of the Center's approach using science, law, and activism."]

Research before applying

• Review the Center for Biological Diversity's Oceans program page to understand their current campaigns and legal cases.
• Read about the Center's history and major legal victories related to endangered species and ocean protection.
• Look up the Oceans Director and other attorneys in the program to understand their backgrounds and work.
• Check recent news or press releases about the Center's ocean litigation to speak knowledgeably in an interview.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Your experience with environmental law, especially ocean or wildlife cases.
• How you would approach a special project within the Oceans program.
• Your ability to work remotely and collaborate with a team across locations.
• A time you used legal strategies to protect natural resources.
• Your familiarity with the Center's past ocean-related legal actions.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic cover letter that does not mention oceans or the Center's mission.
• Failing to provide a writing sample that demonstrates legal writing ability.
• Ignoring the two-year temporary nature of the position or the remote/Oakland location options.