Senior Environmental Lawyer

Job Overview
A leading international law firm is seeking a highly experienced Senior Environmental Attorney to join its Environmental & Mass Tort team. This role is ideal for a legal professional with deep expertise in environmental and natural resources law, especially in advising clients on large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy, and power projects. The position involves extensive work on project finance, permitting, and M&A transactions in emerging areas such as carbon markets and energy transition. This opportunity is well-suited for attorneys who thrive at the intersection of law, policy, and innovation.

Location

• Washington, DC

Duties

• Provide legal counsel on complex environmental matters for infrastructure and energy clients.

• Lead permitting strategies involving air, water, wetlands, UIC, and offshore facilities.

• Manage environmental review processes under NEPA, CEQA, and state equivalents.

• Guide site assessment and remediation efforts under CERCLA, RCRA, and other programs.

• Support project finance and M&A transactions with environmental due diligence and contract negotiation.

• Advise on environmental risk allocation, including representations, warranties, and indemnities.

• Collaborate with sponsors, lenders, and developers to address bankability and compliance issues.

• Analyze third-party environmental reports such as ESAs, wetlands delineations, and resource surveys.

• Review title and survey documents for environmental implications and institutional standards.

• Counsel on land use, endangered species compliance, and utility commission processes.

• Advise on emerging topics including CCS, carbon markets, and international environmental compliance.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in environmental law, with strong knowledge of U.S. federal and state regulations.

• Demonstrated ability to advise on permitting, environmental compliance, and transactional risk.

• Experience in energy, infrastructure, or natural resource sectors.

• Familiarity with renewable energy and power development projects is highly valued.

• Strong coordination skills with internal teams, consultants, and regulatory bodies.

Education

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

Certifications

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

Skills

• Expert knowledge of NEPA, CEQA, CERCLA, RCRA, UIC, ESA, and related statutes.

• Proven drafting, negotiation, and client advisory skills.

• Ability to assess complex environmental documents and data.

• Understanding of real estate due diligence as it pertains to environmental law.

• Knowledge of emerging clean technologies and environmental market mechanisms.

• Strong interpersonal and project management capabilities.

Benefits

• Family-forming benefits, including inclusive fertility support.

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

• Wellness programs including Peloton app access, mental health support (Lyra), and pet insurance.

• Reimbursement for business development initiatives.

• Executive coaching for attorneys with qualifying hours.

• 8 hours of firm time annually for pro bono or volunteer service.

• $50,000 attorney referral bonus.

• Access to advanced legal tech tools and innovation-driven resources.

• Comprehensive health coverage:

  • Multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options

  • Life and disability insurance

  • Pre-tax accounts (HSA, FSA)

  • 401(k) with profit-sharing options

• Minimum 20 days of PTO annually, increasing with tenure.

• 14 weeks of paid parental leave.

• 11 paid firm holidays per year.