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 that uses legal advocacy to protect endangered species and wild places. Their unique focus on the intersection of biodiversity, climate change, and environmental justice makes them a compelling employer for those passionate about using law for systemic change.

About This Role

As Urban Wildlands Staff Attorney, you will lead litigation and advocacy to defend urban ecosystems and frontline communities from destructive projects. Your work will directly shape conservation outcomes in densely populated areas, combining environmental law with community-centered approaches.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing case filings or drafting a comment letter on a development project. You could then join a coalition call with community partners, followed by research for a new CEQA petition. Afternoon might involve court appearances or media outreach, ending with strategy discussions with your legal team.

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🎯 Who Center for Biological Diversity Is Looking For

  • A California-barred attorney with at least 2 years of civil litigation experience, ideally in environmental or public interest law.
  • Deep familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, ESA, and other key environmental statutes, and a track record of using them in litigation or administrative actions.
  • Excellent written and oral advocacy skills, with experience drafting legal comments, petitions, and policy analyses.
  • Collaborative and community-oriented, comfortable working in coalitions with frontline communities and conservation groups.

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Biological Diversity

1

Highlight specific cases or campaigns where you used CEQA, NEPA, or ESA to block or modify destructive projects, especially in urban or wildland-urban interface areas.

2

Demonstrate your commitment to environmental justice by detailing work with frontline or underserved communities.

3

Tailor your cover letter to mention the Center's specific campaign priorities (e.g., urban sprawl, climate resilience) and how your experience aligns.

4

Include a writing sample that shows your ability to translate complex legal arguments for a non-legal audience, such as a comment letter or blog post.

5

Research recent Center victories in urban wildlands contexts (e.g., Los Angeles River, San Diego canyons) and reference them in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your litigation experience with environmental laws like CEQA and NEPA, especially in urban settings.', 'Your ability to work in coalitions and with frontline communities, emphasizing equity and inclusion.', "Specific examples of how you've used legal tools to protect ecosystems or oppose harmful projects.", "Your alignment with the Center's mission and your vision for advancing urban wildlands protection."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Center's Urban Wildlands program page and recent press releases on urban conservation victories.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key California environmental laws (CEQA, NEPA, ESA) and recent amendments or interpretations.
  • → Explore the Center's coalition partners, such as local community groups, and understand their priorities.
  • → Read the Center's strategic plan or annual report to understand organizational goals and culture.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a case where you used CEQA or NEPA to challenge a project; what was your strategy and outcome?
2 How do you balance aggressive litigation with collaborative coalition work?
3 What is your approach to incorporating environmental justice into legal advocacy?
4 How would you prioritize multiple campaigns or cases with limited resources?
5 What is your understanding of the Center's current urban wildlands initiatives and how would you contribute?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference the Center's specific mission or urban focus.
  • Overlooking the requirement for California bar membership; ensure you are admitted or eligible.
  • Failing to demonstrate genuine commitment to environmental justice and community collaboration.
  • Providing a writing sample that is too technical or not relevant to environmental law.

📅 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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