Staff Attorney - Urban Wildlands

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. Main duties include:

• Work with frontline communities and conservation organizations in coalitions to protect vulnerable ecosystems while opposing destructive projects
• Identify, develop, and litigate cases and administrative actions to further the program's campaign goals
• Draft legal and scientific comments on proposed rules and environmental review documents
• Advocate for conservation policies through testimony, analysis, petitions, and communications
• Engage in media advocacy through press releases, op-eds, and media relationships
• Raise awareness through public speaking, action alerts, reports, and meetings

This role creates positive change by protecting wildlife and habitats vulnerable to unsustainable development while advocating for healthy, climate-resilient communities through impact litigation, administrative advocacy, and environmental campaigns.

Essential qualifications and skills:

• Law school graduate admitted to California state bar
• Minimum two years of civil litigation experience
• Excellent writing, communication, research, and oral advocacy skills
• Strong work ethic, time management, and organizational skills
• Proactive approach to identify opportunities and solve problems
• Familiarity with environmental laws (CEQA, NEPA, ESA, CWA preferred)
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental protection
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Benefits for regular staff working 30+ hours per week:

• Salary range: $72,500 - $89,500
• Fully paid medical premiums for staff (discounted for families)
• Fully paid dental and vision premiums for staff and families
• Generous employer contributions to HSA and HRA accounts
• Lifestyle Spending Account for wellness expenses
• Center-paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance
• Center-paid Basic Life Insurance
• 403(b) plan with employer match and increasing contributions
• Generous time off: 13 paid holidays, 5 personal days, 15+ vacation days, 10 sick days
• Paid parental leave, personal leave, caretaker leave, and pet caretaker leave
• 12-week paid sabbatical after 5 years of service
• Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national non-profit organization that works to secure a future for all species 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.