Environment & Land Use Associate

Job Overview:
A California-based law firm is actively seeking an Associate Attorney with 2–5 years of experience to join its Environment & Land Use practice group. This role offers significant early responsibility, a hybrid work environment, and opportunities to work on complex and high-impact projects across multiple sectors, including renewable energy, transportation, utilities, housing, commercial development, and public infrastructure. The firm represents a mix of public and private clients and values collaboration across its multidisciplinary teams.

Location:

• Seattle, WA

Duties:

• Conduct land use and environmental due diligence

• Provide legal counsel on land use entitlements and environmental/resource permitting

• Advise clients on compliance with CEQA and NEPA

• Represent clients in defending zoning and environmental approvals in state and federal courts

• Collaborate with attorneys in other practice groups including Real Estate, Infrastructure, Government Relations, and Eminent Domain

Requirements:

• 2–5 years of experience practicing environmental and/or land use law

• Strong interest in environmental law and regulatory compliance

• Familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, and environmental permitting processes

• Experience with litigation related to land use or environmental issues preferred

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Active membership in the State Bar of California (required)

Skills:

• Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills

• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines independently

• Strong communication and client service abilities

• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset

• Proficiency in environmental and land use regulatory frameworks

Benefits:

• Annual bonus eligibility, including 15% of base salary for meeting 1,850 billable hour target

• Hybrid work flexibility

• Early involvement in significant legal matters and client projects

• Professional development and advancement opportunities

• Inclusive work environment with equal opportunity and Fair Chance employment practices

This firm provides a wide range of legal services to clients. Its key practice areas include corporate law, employment laws, environment and land use, government relations and regulation, health law, and infrastructure law. The firm has ranked among the top 10 most diverse equity partnerships for law firms in the U.S. in Law360's 2021 Diversity Snapshot The firm's offices are located in Washington, DC, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles in California and Austin, Texas.