Senior Environmental Lawyer

Job Overview
A globally operating law firm is actively seeking a Senior Environmental Attorney to join its Environmental and Mass Tort team. This position is ideal for an experienced practitioner with a deep understanding of environmental, energy, and natural resources law. The role is integral to advising on regulatory compliance, permitting, environmental due diligence, and risk management for complex infrastructure and renewable energy projects. It also supports project finance and M&A transactions. Attorneys with experience in California and Texas regulatory frameworks are especially encouraged to apply.

Location

• Los Angeles, CA

Duties

• Advise clients on federal and state environmental regulatory frameworks.

• Oversee permitting processes for air, water, wetlands, underground injection control (UIC), and offshore facilities.

• Manage environmental review processes under NEPA, CEQA, and other relevant regulations.

• Provide guidance on site assessment and remediation under CERCLA, RCRA, and state programs.

• Support project finance and M&A transactions, including due diligence and negotiation of environmental terms.

• Advise on representations, warranties, indemnities, and compliance covenants related to environmental risk.

• Work with developers, sponsors, lenders, and finance counsel to assess environmental risks and project bankability.

• Evaluate third-party environmental documentation including Phase I/II ESAs, biological assessments, and wetlands delineations.

• Review title and survey documents for environmental use restrictions and institutional compliance requirements.

• Offer strategic advice on land use law, ESA compliance, habitat planning, and utility commission procedures.

• Provide insight into carbon markets, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and international regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of environmental law experience.

• Demonstrated success in managing permitting, compliance, and transactional environmental matters.

• Strong background in renewable energy, infrastructure, or natural resources law.

• Proven experience advising on complex legal and regulatory issues in high-value transactions.

• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, consultants, agencies, and finance professionals.

Education

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

Certifications

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

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of U.S. environmental law, including NEPA, CEQA, CERCLA, RCRA, ESA, and UIC permitting.

• Proficient in transactional support including due diligence and contract negotiation.

• Ability to assess and interpret technical environmental reports and regulatory filings.

• Strong communication skills and client advisory expertise.

• Familiarity with energy transition technologies and international environmental frameworks.

• Capable of managing complex project timelines and multitasking across legal domains.

Benefits

• Inclusive fertility benefits available to all full-time employees.

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

• Wellness benefits including:

  • Peloton app membership

  • Lyra mental health support (8 free sessions annually)

  • Spot Pet Insurance

• Reimbursement for business development activities.

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

• 8 hours of firm time annually for community service and pro bono work.

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

• Comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Three medical plans

  • Dental and vision insurance

  • Life and disability coverage

  • Pre-tax savings (HSA and FSA)

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

• Competitive paid time off, including:

  • Minimum of 20 PTO days based on role and tenure

  • 14 weeks of paid parental leave

  • 11 paid firm holidays annually