Staff Attorney

About the organization

At the Center for Biological Diversity, we believe that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature – to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that species need to survive.

We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive!

Description
The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a full-time staff attorney for our Carnivore Conservation program. Recognizing the ecological importance of wolves, bears and other carnivores, the Center uses science-based advocacy to defend these magnificent animals. The emphasis of the position will be legal advocacy that protects carnivores from threats like exploitation and challenges logging and other projects that degrade their habitats. The staff attorney may be assigned to work on other organizational priorities as well.

Main duties:

• Develop and litigate cases to further the program’s campaign goals (especially under the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, National Forest Management Act).
• Advocate for administrative and legislative policies through scientific and legal comments, oral testimony, policy analysis and petitions for rulemaking.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, experts and clients.
• Conduct media advocacy, including writing press releases, fact sheets, drafting opinion editorials and delivering effective statements to reporters.
• Engage the public through campaign activities such as action alerts and public speaking.
• Provide legal and policy support to other staff in the program.
• Collaborate with other Center staff to coordinate campaigns, create community around our shared mission and stay inspired.

Essential qualities, qualifications and skills:

• Law school graduate admitted to a relevant state bar.
• Minimum two years of civil litigation experience, federal environmental law preferred.
• Excellent writing and research skills, as well as experience with oral advocacy.
• Organizational and time management skills with proven record of meeting deadlines.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently.
• Scientific literacy with background in wildlife conservation or natural resources preferred.
• Ability to work in cross-cultural settings, with competency in diversity and inclusion, and experience working in teams and coalitions.
• A demonstrated commitment to wildlife or animal protection.

Salary Range: The salary for this position is $69,000 to $85,000. Salary may vary commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Fully paid medical premiums for staff, and greatly discounted for families.
• Fully paid dental and vision premiums for staff and their families.
• Generous employer contribution to HSA and HRA’s.
• Center paid premiums for Short Term and Long Term Disability provided for all staff.
• Center paid premiums for Basic Life Insurance for all staff.
• Discounted premiums for pet discount program.
• 403(b) plan with employer match and increasing employer paid contributions.
• Generous time off policies, including 13 paid holidays per year, 3 “personal” days per year and 10 paid sick days awarded each year.
• Vacation accrual starts at 15 days annually, but it may be higher commensurate with experience.
• Center Paid Time Off for parental leave, personal leave, caretaker leave and even pet caretaker leave.
• After 5 years of service, all employees receive a 12-week paid sabbatical.
• Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code.

Application process:
Please apply on our website by submitting a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, short writing sample of your legal work and three references. The position will remain open until filled. No telephone calls, please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Center for Biological Diversity deeply values, and is committed to sustaining and promoting, both biological and cultural diversity. We welcome, embrace and respect diversity of people, identities and cultures. We are committed to fostering an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion. The Center believes staff and board diversity is critical to saving life on Earth.

We are an equal opportunity employer.