Senior Environmental Lawyer

Job Overview
A prominent international law firm is seeking a highly experienced Senior Environmental Attorney to join its Environmental and Mass Tort team. This role is tailored for legal professionals with a strong background in environmental, natural resources, and energy law. The attorney will support complex and high-value projects involving infrastructure, renewable energy, and power development, with a primary focus on permitting, compliance, environmental due diligence, and transactional support for project finance and mergers & acquisitions. Candidates who excel at the intersection of law, policy, and sustainability—particularly within the context of carbon markets and energy transition—are encouraged to apply.

Location

• Houston, TX

Duties

• Advise clients on federal and state environmental regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

• Lead environmental permitting strategies for infrastructure and energy projects, including air, water, wetlands, UIC, and offshore facilities.

• Oversee environmental review processes under NEPA, CEQA, and similar frameworks.

• Provide counsel on site remediation and contaminated property risk under CERCLA, RCRA, and equivalent state programs.

• Conduct environmental due diligence and draft environmental provisions for M&A and project finance transactions.

• Develop risk mitigation strategies for sponsors, lenders, and developers to ensure project bankability.

• Coordinate with project finance counsel, consultants, and regulatory agencies on permitting and compliance matters.

• Review and analyze third-party reports, including Phase I/II ESAs, biological assessments, wetlands delineations, and cultural resource surveys.

• Assess title and survey documents for environmental conditions, use restrictions, and institutional compliance requirements.

• Offer legal guidance on ESA compliance, habitat conservation, and Public Utility Commission procedures.

• Provide subject-matter expertise on carbon capture and storage (CCS), carbon markets, and energy transition technologies.

• Advise on international environmental law and compliance frameworks for cross-border projects.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of legal experience in environmental law.

• Proven experience advising on permitting, environmental review, and site remediation matters.

• Demonstrated ability to support project finance and M&A transactions with a focus on environmental risk.

• Strong working knowledge of infrastructure, power, and renewable energy development projects.

• Experience working closely with clients, lenders, and regulatory authorities in high-stakes settings.

Education

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

Certifications

• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of NEPA, CEQA, CERCLA, RCRA, UIC, ESA, and related regulatory regimes.

• High proficiency in negotiating complex environmental provisions in transaction agreements.

• Excellent research, analytical, and drafting skills.

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects under tight timelines.

• Familiarity with evolving carbon market regulations and international environmental standards.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for client advisory roles.

Benefits

• Fertility and family-forming benefits through Carrot Fertility.

• $2,500 vacation stipend upon meeting billable thresholds.

• Wellness offerings including:

  • Complimentary Peloton app access

  • Lyra Health support (8 free therapy or coaching sessions per year)

  • Spot Pet Insurance

• Business development reimbursement for client relationship-building activities.

• Executive coaching available for attorneys with 250+ BD hours.

• Paid pro bono/community service time: 8 hours annually for non-partner attorneys.

• $50,000 referral bonus for successful lateral attorney hires.

• Comprehensive health and financial benefits:

  • Three medical plan options

  • Dental and vision coverage

  • Life and disability insurance

  • Pre-tax HSA and FSA plans

  • 401(k) retirement plan with profit-sharing eligibility

• Paid time off benefits include:

  • Minimum of 20 days of PTO (based on role and tenure)

  • 14 weeks of paid parental leave

  • 11 paid holidays per year