Senior Environmental Lawyer

Job Overview
An internationally recognized law firm is seeking an accomplished Senior Environmental Attorney to support its growing Environmental and Mass Tort practice. This opportunity is tailored for legal professionals with deep expertise in environmental law—particularly those who advise on complex permitting, regulatory compliance, and transactional environmental risk related to infrastructure, renewable energy, and large-scale power projects. The role includes collaboration with developers, sponsors, and lenders in project finance and M&A contexts, with special consideration for attorneys experienced in California and Texas jurisdictions.

Location

• Denver, CO

Duties

• Provide strategic legal advice on U.S. federal and state environmental regulatory programs.

• Guide clients through complex project and facility permitting (e.g., air, water, wetlands, UIC, offshore facilities).

• Lead environmental reviews under NEPA, CEQA, and related regulatory processes.

• Counsel on site assessment and remediation under CERCLA, RCRA, and equivalent state programs.

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

• Draft and negotiate environmental provisions in financing, purchase, and development agreements.

• Coordinate closely with lenders, developers, and finance counsel on compliance and risk mitigation.

• Interpret and analyze third-party reports (e.g., Phase I/II ESAs, biological surveys, wetlands delineations).

• Review title and survey materials for environmental conditions and land use restrictions.

• Advise on land use law, ESA compliance, habitat conservation planning, and utility commission protocols.

• Support projects involving carbon markets, CCS, and cross-border energy transactions.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of legal experience practicing environmental law.

• Deep understanding of federal and state environmental permitting and compliance processes.

• Strong background in renewable energy, infrastructure, and natural resources development.

• Demonstrated experience advising on environmental aspects of complex financial transactions.

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced project development environment.

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 NEPA, CEQA, CERCLA, RCRA, UIC, and ESA regulations.

• Proficient in environmental due diligence, permitting, and enforcement frameworks.

• Skilled in drafting and negotiating environmental representations and indemnities.

• Capable of managing timelines, consultant coordination, and regulatory engagement.

• Familiarity with CCS, energy transition technologies, and emerging environmental markets.

• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities with legal, technical, and financial stakeholders.

Benefits

• Inclusive fertility benefits for all full-time employees (Carrot Fertility).

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

• Wellness perks including:

  • Peloton app membership

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

  • Pet insurance (Spot)

• Reimbursement for approved business development activities.

• Executive coaching for attorneys with 250+ BD hours.

• 8 hours annually for community or pro bono service.

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

• Access to cutting-edge legal technology and innovation platforms.

• Competitive health and welfare benefits:

  • Three medical plan options

  • Dental and vision insurance

  • Life and disability coverage

  • Health savings and flexible spending accounts

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

• Paid time off includes:

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

  • 14 weeks of paid parental leave

  • 11 firm holidays