Senior Attorney - Urban Wildlands

Accountabilities: As part of the Urban Wildlands program, you will use litigation, policy advocacy, scientific research, and public engagement to advance environmental protection. Your responsibilities will include: Develop and litigate strategic cases in state and federal courts addressing private land development, road construction, species conservation, climate change, and water supply. Collaborate with frontline communities, conservation organizations, and local, regional, and statewide coalitions to protect vulnerable ecosystems and challenge destructive or polluting projects. Draft legal and scientific comments on proposed regulations, environmental review documents, and other administrative proceedings. Advocate for conservation policies through oral testimony, policy analysis, petitions for rulemaking, and strategic communications. Monitor relevant land-use legislation and regulations at the state, regional, and local levels. Lead media advocacy initiatives by preparing press releases and opinion pieces, building relationships with journalists, and delivering timely statements to reporters. Raise public awareness and engage opinion leaders through public speaking, campaign activities, action alerts, reports, and stakeholder meetings. Build and maintain effective relationships with partner organizations, coalitions, government officials, and scientific experts. Manage a full litigation docket and consistently deliver high-quality legal work, including briefs, memoranda, petitions, technical comment letters, and oral arguments. Contribute to broader organizational projects and respond to evolving program priorities. Potentially supervise law clerks, legal fellows, associate attorneys, and staff attorneys. Travel as needed for hearings, meetings, and other advocacy activities, sometimes on short notice. Requirements The ideal candidate is an experienced environmental attorney with a strong litigation background, excellent advocacy skills, and a demonstrated commitment to conservation. You should be able to manage complex legal matters independently while collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders. Required qualifications include: Law degree and admission to the California State Bar. At least 8 years of civil litigation experience. Familiarity with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Clean Water Act. Strong knowledge of environmental law and relevant regulatory frameworks. Excellent legal research, writing, communication, and oral advocacy skills. High degree of scientific literacy and the ability to work with scientific and technical information. Demonstrated ability to develop strategic cases, manage a full docket, and drive projects forward. Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills. Proactive approach, sound judgment, and ability to identify opportunities and take initiative. Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a collaborative team. Demonstrated commitment to environmental protection. Competence in and commitment to principles of justice, equity, and inclusion. Experience working effectively in coalitions is preferred. Availability to work 40 or more hours per week, with occasional evening and weekend work when required by deadlines. Benefits Annual salary range of $95,000–$140,000, depending on experience. Fully paid medical insurance premiums for employees, with significantly discounted family coverage. Fully paid dental and vision insurance premiums for employees and their families. Employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA). Lifestyle Spending Account for eligible wellness expenses. Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance. Employer-paid basic life insurance. Access to a discounted pet insurance program. 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching and increasing employer contributions. 13 paid holidays annually, plus 5 personal days each year. Vacation accrual starting at 15 days per year, with the possibility of additional time based on experience. 10 paid sick days accrued annually. Paid leave options for parental, personal, caretaker, and pet caretaker needs. 12-week paid sabbatical after 5 years of service. Relaxed working atmosphere and dress code. Remote work arrangement within California, with occasional travel for hearings and meetings.