CEQA Associate Attorney

A law firm seeks a qualified and dedicated CEQA Associate Attorney to join their environmental law practice in Walnut Creek, CA. The ideal candidate will have at least 2-5 years of experience in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) matters, including both transactional work and litigation. The role offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where the attorney will be involved in addressing complex environmental issues. The firm values inclusivity, professional growth, and providing creative legal solutions for clients in the public and private sectors. Remote work is available as an option, and travel to court or client meetings may be required as needed.

Duties

• Advise clients on compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), guiding them through environmental assessments, reviews, and compliance procedures.
• Represent clients in CEQA-related litigation, including disputes over environmental impact reports (EIRs), mitigated negative declarations (MNDs), and administrative challenges.
• Collaborate with clients, local agencies, environmental consultants, and legal teams to provide solutions for land use, regulatory issues, and environmental reviews.
• Draft legal documents, including CEQA reports, responses to agency findings, and petitions for writs of mandate.
• Assist clients in navigating the legal complexities of environmental laws, offering strategies for managing environmental risk and liability.
• Conduct legal research on environmental law and case law to support ongoing projects and litigation matters.
• Represent clients in negotiations, settlement discussions, and public hearings related to CEQA compliance.
• Monitor changes in environmental regulations and provide updates to clients to ensure compliance with new or amended laws.
• Manage client communications, ensuring effective and clear presentation of legal strategies and updates.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2-5 years of post-law school experience in CEQA law, including both transactional work and litigation.
• Strong understanding of environmental law, specifically CEQA, and the legal processes related to environmental assessments and impact reviews.
• Prior experience in land use law is highly valued but not required.
• Must be comfortable with travel to court appearances and client meetings as necessary.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and research skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively with a team of legal professionals.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle a diverse and demanding workload.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Admitted to practice law in California.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of CEQA and related environmental regulations.
• Strong legal writing and drafting abilities, particularly related to environmental documents.
• Proven litigation skills and experience in representing clients in environmental matters.
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop effective strategies.
• Excellent client service skills and the ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Strong research skills, with an ability to stay up-to-date on changes in environmental law.

Benefits

• Flexible work options, including the possibility of remote work.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Opportunities for growth and development within the firm.
• Competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

This is an exciting opportunity for an attorney with a passion for environmental law to grow their expertise in CEQA and make a significant impact in this field. If you are eager to take on challenging cases and work with a supportive team, we encourage you to apply.

For more than a hundred years, this premier California firm has been providing expert legal counsel and services on a variety of matters related to virtually all areas of law, including environmental and natural resources, regional planning, resource conservation, transportation, and water. With a deep understanding of the state's issues, the firm's attorneys deliver effective, timely, and service-oriented solutions to complex legal issues that the local businesses, individuals, and public agencies face.