How to apply for Senior Attorney

About Center for Biological Diversity

The Center for Biological Diversity is a nonprofit environmental organization with a laser focus on protecting endangered species and their habitats through aggressive legal action. Working here means joining a team of passionate advocates who use the power of the law to hold government and corporations accountable, making it an ideal place for attorneys who want their work to have direct, tangible impact on biodiversity and climate.

About the role

As a Senior Attorney, you will lead litigation and advocacy to expand protections for endangered species under key environmental laws like the Endangered Species Act and NEPA. Your work will involve identifying strategic cases, mentoring junior attorneys, and collaborating with partner organizations, making you a pivotal player in the Center's mission to preserve critical lands, waters, and the climate.

A typical day

A typical day might start with reviewing case filings and strategizing with your legal team on an ongoing ESA lawsuit. You could then mentor a junior attorney on a brief, followed by a call with a partner organization to coordinate on a joint advocacy effort. Afternoons often involve drafting motions or preparing for oral arguments, with time set aside for researching new species or habitats that may need legal protection.

Who Center for Biological Diversity is looking for

• A seasoned environmental attorney with at least 8 years of experience, including extensive litigation under the Endangered Species Act.
• A strategic thinker who can identify high-impact cases and navigate complex legal challenges to protect endangered species.
• A skilled mentor and collaborator who thrives on developing junior attorneys and building strong partnerships with other conservation groups.
• An excellent writer and oral advocate with a proven track record of persuasive briefs and courtroom success.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume to highlight specific cases or initiatives where you litigated under the ESA, including outcomes and your role.
• In your cover letter, explicitly connect your past work to the Center's mission—mention any experience with species protection, habitat conservation, or climate litigation.
• Demonstrate your mentoring experience by describing how you've guided junior attorneys or interns in environmental law settings.
• Include examples of partnership building, such as collaborations with other nonprofits or coalitions in past cases.
• Research the Center's recent cases and mention one or two in your application to show you understand their current priorities.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your deep experience with ESA litigation, including specific cases and results.', "Your alignment with the Center's mission and your passion for protecting endangered species.", 'Your ability to mentor and develop other attorneys, with concrete examples.', 'Your strategic approach to identifying and pursuing impactful cases that advance conservation goals.']

Research before applying

• Review the Center's current litigation docket on their website to understand active cases and legal strategies.
• Read recent press releases or blog posts to grasp the Center's messaging and recent victories.
• Familiarize yourself with the Center's organizational structure and the role of the legal team within it.
• Study the key environmental laws they rely on (ESA, NEPA, etc.) and any recent policy changes affecting them.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Describe a complex ESA case you litigated and the strategy you used to achieve a favorable outcome.
• How would you identify a new case that aligns with the Center's priorities? Walk us through your process.
• Tell us about a time you mentored a junior attorney—what was your approach and what was the result?
• How do you balance aggressive litigation with building and maintaining relationships with partner organizations?
• What do you see as the biggest legal challenges facing endangered species protection today, and how would you address them at the Center?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic application that doesn't specifically address the Center's mission or your ESA experience.
• Overlooking the mentoring aspect—failing to mention how you've developed others can make you seem like a lone operator.
• Focusing too much on litigation wins without showing strategic thinking or alignment with the Center's broader conservation goals.