Senior Attorney
– Climate Law InstituteThe Center for Biological Diversity seeks a full-time senior attorney in our Climate Law Institute to advance the urgently needed transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.
This position is located in Los Angeles or Oakland, California; Washington D.C.
or other locations considered on a case-by-case basis.* Please note: This position may be located in one of several locations.
Please upload your application to the listing for your preferred location, and include any other location preferences in your application materials.
There is no need to upload your application materials multiple times.General position overview:The Climate Law Institute wages innovative legal and grassroots campaigns to protect people, wildlife and ecosystems from climate change and the fossil fuel industry.
We work at every level, from international climate negotiations to federal litigation to local ballot measures, to eliminate greenhouse gas pollution and speed a just transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy.
The Climate Law Institute is looking to add a senior attorney to its team to advance our federal work.
Examples of our federal legal and campaign priorities include ensuring President Biden follows through as the climate president by declaring a climate emergency, banning crude oil and gas exports, ending all federal fossil fuel leases and permits, and paving the way for a nationwide just transition that fully phases out fossil fuel production.
The new attorney will work on litigation, administrative and policy advocacy, and grassroots and media outreach.
This position will work closely with other team members, including legal, science, organizing, and communications staff, and will help supervise other members of the legal team.Main duties:* Work within our team to design and advocate for strong federal policies to phase out dirty fossil fuel energy and transition to clean, renewable energy.* Administrative advocacy including commenting on proposed rulemakings and the preparation of petitions for rulemaking.* Litigate cutting-edge cases under the Clean Air Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and other statutes.* Analysis of and advocacy regarding pending federal executive and legislative proposals.* Preparation of communications such as press releases, op-eds, fact sheets, and white papers, and responding to inquiries and interview requests from journalists.* Supervision of one or more members of the legal team including staff attorneys, legal fellows, law clerks, and/or paralegals.Essential qualities, qualifications and skills:* Licensed to practice law in California, or licensed in state in which attorney will be based.* Minimum eight years civil litigation experience.* Excellent legal research, writing and oral advocacy skills.* Demonstrated ability to manage a litigation docket, including experience as lead attorney on cases.* Demonstrated ability to work effectively with colleagues and organizations with a wide array of goals, perspectives, and backgrounds.
Commitment to incorporating principles of justice, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of the work.* Ability to supervise and mentor staff attorneys, legal fellows and clerks and/or paralegals.* A demonstrated ability to work both independently and with a team.* A demonstrated ability to take initiative and think creatively about policy and strategic campaigning.* Willingness to travel when safe, at times on short notice.Preferred qualifications, skills, and qualities:* Experience with environmental statutes, such as the Clean Air Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and/or Endangered Species Act.* Existing relationships and experience working with organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.
We especially encourage candidates who hold first-hand experience or meaningful, trusted relationships with communities impacted by fossil fuel production and environmental racism.* Familiarity with the scientific literature on climate change.* Experience with media outreach and interviews.Benefits Package:* Paid generous medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance* 403(b) plan with opportunity for employer matching* Generous time-off policies* Informal and collegial work atmosphereSalary Range: $75,000-$100,000 DOE.Application process:Please apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume, writing sample and 3-5 references with your application.
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.
#06022021