Partner-level Land Use and Real Estate Attorney

Job Overview

An established California-based law firm is actively seeking a Senior Associate or Partner-level Attorney with deep expertise in land use, zoning, real estate development, and environmental law. This role offers a high level of responsibility, including client management, leadership opportunities, and the potential for partnership. The successful candidate will work on high-profile development projects and play a strategic role in shaping and growing the firm’s land use and real estate practice.

Location

• Irvine, California

Duties

• Advise clients on land use and real estate legal issues including zoning, planning, entitlements, and development agreements

• Provide guidance on environmental compliance including CEQA, NEPA, and related regulations

• Lead and manage complex real estate transactions involving acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and public-private partnerships

• Represent clients before local agencies, government bodies, and administrative tribunals in hearings and proceedings

• Negotiate with public entities, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies on behalf of private and public clients

• Offer strategic counsel on property rights, environmental impact, and regulatory approvals

• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to promote team development

• Engage in business development efforts to expand the firm’s land use and real estate client base

• Build and sustain relationships with developers, municipalities, and agency contacts

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in land use and real estate law

• Demonstrated experience with zoning, planning, entitlements, and regulatory compliance

• Strong transactional background in real estate development and related agreements

• Prior involvement in CEQA, NEPA, and environmental due diligence matters

• Proven track record in managing high-stakes land use projects

• Leadership and client development experience preferred

Education

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

Certifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar (in good standing)

Skills

• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills

• Excellent negotiation and communication abilities

• Strategic thinker with the ability to assess risk and deliver client-focused solutions

• Team-oriented with leadership capability and mentoring experience

• Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced practice

Benefits

• Performance-based bonus structure

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) plan with profit sharing

• Continuing legal education (CLE) and professional development programs

• Supportive and collaborative work culture

Representing clients throughout California for over three decades, this full-service law firm serves public agency clients. The firm helps clients with land use and zoning, personnel and labor, environment, affordable housing, elections, condemnation, police, civil rights, public finance, and other public-related matters. Committed to building long-lasting relationships with clients, the highly experienced team of attorneys, paralegals, and staff provides the highest quality of legal service and representation in public law. The firm fosters a collaborative work environment where everybody is passionate and focuses on clients' needs. With offices throughout California, the firm is an equal opportunity employer and is proud of the workforce's diversity.