Application Guide

How to Apply for Staff Attorney - Urban Wildlands

at Center for Biological Diversity

🏢 About Center for Biological Diversity

The Center for Biological Diversity stands out for its aggressive, science-based approach to environmental protection, using litigation as a primary tool to defend endangered species and ecosystems. Unlike many conservation groups, they combine legal action with media advocacy and grassroots organizing to create maximum impact. Working here means joining a team that consistently wins precedent-setting cases and directly shapes environmental policy.

About This Role

This Staff Attorney role focuses specifically on the Urban Wildlands program, which protects vulnerable ecosystems in and around developed areas through coalition-building and strategic litigation. You'll be developing cases from scratch—identifying threats, crafting legal strategies, and litigating—while also engaging in policy advocacy and media work. This position is impactful because it directly challenges destructive projects in frontline communities and sets legal precedents for urban conservation.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning strategy calls with coalition partners about an ongoing development fight, followed by drafting legal arguments for an active CEQA case. Afternoon could include reviewing scientific documents for an upcoming administrative comment, then crafting a press release about a recent legal victory. The role blends deep legal work with constant communication and collaboration.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Center for Biological Diversity Is Looking For

  • A California-barred attorney with 2+ years of civil litigation experience, preferably involving environmental law (CEQA, NEPA, ESA, or CWA)
  • Someone who proactively identifies legal opportunities rather than waiting for assignments, with demonstrated skill in case development
  • A strong writer who can draft both precise legal documents and compelling public-facing materials like op-eds and action alerts
  • A collaborative advocate comfortable working in coalitions with community groups and other organizations, not just practicing law in isolation

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Biological Diversity

1

Highlight specific litigation experience where you identified and developed the case yourself, not just worked on assigned matters

2

Mention any experience with California environmental laws (CEQA is especially relevant for Urban Wildlands work)

3

Demonstrate your media advocacy skills by including links to or descriptions of op-eds, press releases, or public communications you've authored

4

Show your coalition-building experience by describing work with community groups or multiple organizations on environmental campaigns

5

Tailor your application to show understanding of the Urban Wildlands focus—research their current campaigns on urban sprawl, habitat fragmentation, or specific species protection in developed areas

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with California environmental law and litigation, specifically mentioning CEQA, NEPA, ESA, or CWA cases', 'Examples of proactive case identification and development, not just assigned litigation work', 'Your ability to work in coalitions with diverse partners, including frontline communities', "Your commitment to the Center's aggressive, litigation-focused approach to conservation"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Recent Center for Biological Diversity Urban Wildlands program victories and active cases
  • → The Center's specific approach to combining litigation, science, and media advocacy
  • → Current threats to urban wildlands in California (like specific development projects or policy battles)
  • → The Center's organizational culture and their reputation for aggressive, effective legal action
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you identified and developed an environmental case from initial observation through filing
2 How would you approach building a coalition with frontline communities opposed to a development project?
3 Walk us through your experience with CEQA or NEPA review processes and litigation
4 How do you balance legal work with media advocacy and public communications?
5 What Urban Wildlands issues or campaigns are you most interested in and why?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Presenting as only a traditional litigator without showing interest or experience in coalition work and public advocacy
  • Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of California environmental laws, especially CEQA
  • Using generic environmental passion statements without connecting to the Center's specific litigation-focused methodology

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center for Biological Diversity!

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