Staff or Senior Attorney

Center for Biological Diversity

Attorney focusing on environmental law and public lands litigation at the Center for Biological Diversity. Engaging in strategic litigation to protect endangered species and habitats in the Great Basin region.

Posted 6/29/2026full-timeRemote • Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $72,500 - $131,500 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Track, analyze, and comment on harmful proposals including plan amendments and revisions and site-specific projects as appropriate.
Litigate to challenge harmful projects in federal and state court.
Engage in administrative advocacy, such as commenting on proposed plans, projects, and rulemakings and the preparation of petitions for rulemaking.
Analyze pending state and federal legislation.
Participate in strategic planning and execution of both legal and campaign strategies.
Develop cases to further the goals of the Center's Great Basin Program.
Work with regional, local, and national partners.
Work with scientists and other related experts.
Work with relevant staff to prepare external communications; and give talks at relevant conferences.
Occasional travel required (meetings, conferences, hearings, oral arguments, field visits, etc.).
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Law school graduate, admitted to a relevant state bar;
Minimum three years (Staff Attorney) or eight years (Senior Attorney) of environmental and natural resources litigation experience;
Experience developing strategic litigation and litigating under relevant federal statutes, specifically: ESA, NEPA, FLPMA, APA;
Knowledge of federal laws relating to public lands and endangered species management and protection;
General knowledge of water law;
Knowledge of or ability to quickly get up to speed on biology of, and threats to public lands and imperiled species in the Great Basin and northern Mojave deserts;
Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills;
Ability to manage a full work docket with shifting timelines, priorities and emergent needs with a commitment to meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards;
Experienced communication and interpersonal skills;
Ability to work both independently and as part of an effective team;
Competence in and commitment to principles of justice, equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion;
Ability to work 40+ hours per week, including some long days and weekends.

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

Environmental LitigationStrategic PlanningLegal ResearchOral AdvocacyCase DevelopmentLegislation AnalysisPublic Lands LawWater LawRulemaking AdvocacyBiology of Imperiled Species

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsTeam CollaborationTime ManagementCommitment to Justice and Equity

Certifications

Law School GraduateAdmitted to Relevant State Bar