Senior Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Senior Attorney

SALARY: $160,000 - $180,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Biodiversity Law Center 

LOCATION: Denver, CO, Washington, D.C., Remote 

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Conservation Law 

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORTS: 1

LAST REVISED: January 2025

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Senior Attorney engages in legal advocacy and develops and litigates cases under federal environmental and natural resources law to advance Defenders’ conservation policies to protect biological diversity. As an experienced litigator and senior member of the legal team, the Senior Attorney supervises staff attorneys, legal fellows, and law clerks and advises Defenders staff on legal questions and legislative matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop innovative litigation strategies and litigate cases to protect imperiled wildlife and habitats brought under the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, National Forest Management Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Freedom of Information Act, and other relevant federal and state wildlife, public lands, and natural resource statutes.
• Work across disciplines using law, science, policy, and communications to engage in legal advocacy, including drafting comment letters and speaking at public hearings.
• Advise Defenders staff on legal questions and legislative matters.
• Supervise and mentor staff attorneys, legal fellows, and law clerks in Defenders’ Conservation Law department.
• Work across departments within Defenders to generate written products to advance Defenders’ conservation work, such as comment letters, blog posts, op-eds, and presentations.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: JD required; appropriate state bar license(s) required

Experience: 10 years of relevant experience; 5 years supervisory experience  

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders 

-skills-and-abilities  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Senior Attorney  

• Substantial knowledge of the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act and other federal natural resources, public lands, and wildlife conservation laws, including related regulations and policies.
• Substantial knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act.
• Substantial knowledge of the Federal Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure, the Administrative Procedure Act, and legal doctrines such as standing, ripeness/mootness, and standards of review applicable to reviews of agency actions and agency rulemakings.
• Substantial experience reviewing and commenting on draft permits, draft regulations, draft environmental impact analyses, and other actions subject to notice and comment.
• Substantial experience litigating in federal district and appellate courts, including reviewing administrative records, drafting declarations, pleadings, and motions, and participating in oral argument.
• Excellent research and writing skills with a proven ability to quickly and accurately analyze legislative and administrative proposals and critique them in a way that is readily understood by others.
• Strong media and communications skills, including the ability to advocate persuasively for conservation policy in a range of public speaking venues.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy, environmental protection and natural resources conservation.
• An ability to work effectively in a team and independently, and strong coordination, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

N

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

N

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

C

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

N

Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

N

Communicating with others to exchange information.

C

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

C

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

N

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

N

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

C

Environmental Conditions

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Low temperatures.

High temperatures.

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Noisy environments.

Hazardous conditions.

Poor ventilation.

Small and/or enclosed spaces.

No adverse environmental conditions expected. 

C

Physical Demands

Check only one

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

X

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.