Application Guide
How to Apply for Urban Wildlands Staff Attorney
at Center for Biological Diversity
🏢 About Center for Biological Diversity
The Center for Biological Diversity is a renowned nonprofit known for its aggressive legal strategies to protect endangered species and wild places. Its unique focus on the intersection of biodiversity, climate, and environmental justice makes it a compelling workplace for attorneys passionate about using litigation to drive systemic change.
About This Role
As the Urban Wildlands Staff Attorney, you will lead legal efforts to safeguard urban ecosystems, often working with frontline communities to oppose destructive projects. This role involves a mix of litigation, administrative advocacy, and coalition-building, offering a direct impact on preserving critical habitats in urban settings.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing new project proposals or environmental documents, followed by drafting legal comments or preparing for a court hearing. Afternoons often involve calls with coalition partners or media interviews, and you might end the day strategizing with colleagues on upcoming litigation.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Center for Biological Diversity Is Looking For
- An attorney admitted to the California bar with at least two years of civil litigation experience, preferably in environmental or public interest law.
- A strong writer and oral advocate, capable of drafting compelling legal comments and arguing in court.
- Someone with familiarity or willingness to learn CEQA, NEPA, ESA, and Clean Water Act, and experience using these laws to challenge projects.
- A collaborative team player who enjoys working with grassroots communities and coalition partners to advance conservation goals.
📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Biological Diversity
Tailor your resume to highlight specific litigation experience, especially cases involving environmental laws like CEQA or NEPA.
In your cover letter, mention any work with frontline communities or environmental justice groups to show alignment with the Center's values.
Provide writing samples that demonstrate your ability to draft legal comments or briefs on environmental issues, preferably related to urban wildlands.
Research the Center's recent cases and campaigns, and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.
If you have media advocacy experience, highlight it—this role involves public outreach and building relationships with press.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your passion for protecting urban ecosystems and working with diverse communities.', 'Highlight specific litigation experience under CEQA, NEPA, or ESA, and how it prepared you for this role.', 'Show your ability to work in coalitions and engage in media advocacy to amplify legal efforts.', "Explain why the Center's mission resonates with you and how your skills can advance their urban wildlands program."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the Center's Urban Wildlands program page and recent press releases to understand current campaigns.
- → Read about the Center's successful lawsuits under the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act.
- → Familiarize yourself with key California environmental laws like CEQA and the California Endangered Species Act.
- → Look into the Center's coalition partners, such as local community groups or other environmental nonprofits.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic application—failing to mention the Center's specific work or urban wildlands focus is a missed opportunity.
- Avoid downplaying the importance of media and public outreach; this role requires comfort with advocacy beyond the courtroom.
- Don't overlook the California bar requirement—applying without it will disqualify you immediately.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Center for Biological Diversity!