Staff Attorney

Center for Biological Diversity

Staff Attorney in Urban Wildlands program protecting ecosystems through legal action and advocacy. Collaborating with communities and organizations to oppose environmental threats.

Posted 4/26/2026full-timeRemote • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $72,500 - $89,500 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and litigate cases in state and federal court targeted at offshore oil and gas to gain results that will protect marine species and habitats.
Build relationships and work with policy leaders, conservation organizations, and frontline communities to advance initiatives to phase out and clean-up offshore drilling developments.
Advocate for administrative and legislative policies through scientific and legal comments, oral testimony, policy analysis, petitions for rulemaking, and effective communications.
Communicate with the media, decision-makers, the public, allies and opinion leaders through writing, outreach and public speaking.
Develop expertise in the technical aspects of energy policy, oil production and decommissioning obligations, corporate law related to environmental accountability and compliance, state and federal regulatory bodies and oversight.
Investigate and monitor offshore drilling activities to watchdog that government regulators and industry operators are adhering to requirements.
Complete other project work outside of program as needed to meet changing organizational priorities.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Law school graduate and member of the California, District of Columbia, or other relevant bar.
At least three years of civil litigation experience, environmental law preferred.
Strong leadership skills that can produce results through strategic thinking, self-motivation, project management, and inspiring the action of others to achieve impactful outcomes.
Excellent writing, communication, research, and oral advocacy skills.
Strong work ethic and time management skills with an ability to manage a busy docket while engaging in a variety of other advocacy efforts.
Proactive approach to identify opportunities, solve problems, and take initiative to drive projects forward.
Ability to develop cases and manage a full docket.
Ability to work independently and as a part of an effective team.
Ability to work in cross-cultural settings, with competency in diversity and inclusion.
Demonstrated commitment and passion for securing wildlife and environmental protections.
Ability to work 40+ hours per week.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.
Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) provided for reimbursement of eligible wellness expenses.
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 and 5 “personal” days awarded each year.
Vacation accrual starts at a rate of 15 days annually, but it may be higher commensurate with experience, and paid sick days accrue at a rate of 10 days per year.
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.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

civil litigationenvironmental lawpolicy analysisoral advocacywritingresearchproject managementcase developmentregulatory complianceenergy policy

Soft Skills

leadershipstrategic thinkingself-motivationtime managementproblem-solvinginitiativeteamworkcross-cultural competencycommunicationcommitment to environmental protection

Certifications

law school graduateCalifornia bar memberDistrict of Columbia bar member