Junior Environmental Associate

Job Overview

A respected Michigan-based law firm is seeking a junior-level Environmental Associate to join its Real Estate and Environmental Services team. This position offers a strong foundation in diverse areas of environmental law within a collaborative and growth-focused environment. The role provides direct access to clients, hands-on experience across multiple legal disciplines, and a structured path toward career advancement.

Location

• Ann Arbor, MI

Duties

• Advise clients on compliance with environmental regulations, including:

  • Site remediation

  • Waste management

  • Air emissions

  • Wastewater discharges

  • Chemical regulation

• Conduct legal research and draft legal memoranda

• Support environmental litigation

• Assist with transactional due diligence in real estate or corporate matters

• Engage with government agencies regarding permitting and compliance issues

Requirements

• 1–3 years of legal experience with exposure to at least one of the following areas:

  • Environmental regulatory law

  • Environmental litigation

  • Environmental policy

  • Environmental aspects of transactions

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills

• Admission to practice law in the state of Michigan (required)

• Must indicate preferred office location in the cover letter

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Certifications

• Active membership in the Michigan State Bar

Skills

• Legal research and writing

• Analytical problem-solving

• Interpersonal communication with clients and regulatory bodies

• Attention to detail in reviewing environmental statutes, permits, and documentation

• Team collaboration in a multidisciplinary legal setting

Benefits

• Realistic path to partnership

• Multiple mentorship opportunities (junior and senior levels)

• Direct client interaction from early stages

• Competitive billable hour expectations

• Structured professional and practice development programs

• Inclusive and dynamic firm culture

With over eight decades of experience in handling cases involving antitrust & trade regulations, public finance, healthcare, environmental law, and bankruptcy, this firm has racked up substantial legal victories for its numerous clients in a variety of industries, from automotive to energy and hospitality. The firm has achieved all of this through the application of tenacious advocacy skills, as well as comprehensive case reviews and insightful cost-effective strategy implementation to every individual case. Accordingly, it has earned the respect and trust of its clients. With offices across the US, the firm only hires the best legal talent available, and its recruits are trained in line with the latest industry standards of practice. It also offers several financial incentives and salary packages, and actively encourages a healthy work-life balance as it recognizes the need for lawyers to live pleasant, satisfying lives outside of the workplace.