Environment & Land Use Associate

Job Overview:
A prominent law firm is seeking an Environment & Land Use Associate with 2–5 years of experience to join its California-based team. This role offers early responsibility, a hybrid work environment, and the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of impactful projects in both the public and private sectors. The firm advises clients across industries including renewable energy, transportation, utilities, housing, commercial development, and public infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be a sharp writer and analytical thinker with a strong interest in environmental law and proven experience in permitting, compliance, or litigation under CEQA, NEPA, and related regulatory frameworks.

Location:

• Sacramento, CA

Duties:

• Conduct land use and environmental due diligence for major development projects

• Advise clients on land use entitlements and environmental/resource permitting

• Counsel clients on CEQA and NEPA compliance strategies

• Assist in defending zoning and environmental approvals in state and federal court

• Collaborate on cross-practice group matters including real estate, infrastructure, government relations, and eminent domain

Requirements:

• 2–5 years of legal experience in environmental or land use law

• Experience with CEQA, NEPA, permitting, and administrative processes preferred

• Ability to analyze complex regulations and effectively communicate legal advice

• Experience advising clients in both public and private sectors is a plus

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Active member of the State Bar of California (required)

Skills:

• Excellent legal writing and research abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

• Effective oral and written communication

• Ability to manage deadlines and prioritize tasks efficiently

• Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset

Benefits:

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

• Collegial and collaborative hybrid work environment

• Early access to substantive client work and mentorship opportunities

• Career growth supported through work on high-profile, cross-practice projects

• Equal opportunity and Fair Chance employment practices

This is a full-service firm that is medium in size. The firm is very well respected in trial and appellate courts across the country, and has a very unique intellectual culture to it. It is very well-known for its appellate work. Insiders claim the firm actively encourages its attorneys to maintain a life outside of the office and the minimum billable requirement is only 1,900 hours/year.