Senior Environmental Lawyer

Job Overview
An internationally recognized law firm is seeking a highly experienced Senior Environmental Attorney to join its Environmental & Mass Tort practice. This position is ideal for attorneys with significant experience in environmental, energy, and natural resources law who thrive in complex, fast-paced transactional environments. The role focuses on regulatory compliance, permitting, environmental due diligence, and advisory work related to infrastructure, renewable energy, and power development projects. The attorney will support project finance and M&A transactions involving developers, sponsors, and financial institutions. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in California and Texas regulatory landscapes.

Location

• New York, NY

Duties

• Provide legal advice on federal and state environmental laws and regulatory programs.

• Manage permitting processes related to air, water, wetlands, UIC, and offshore infrastructure.

• Oversee environmental review processes under NEPA, CEQA, and similar state procedures.

• Support remediation and risk mitigation strategies for contaminated sites under CERCLA, RCRA, and state programs.

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

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

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

• Collaborate with project developers, sponsors, lenders, and finance attorneys to evaluate environmental risks and bankability.

• Review and assess third-party environmental reports, including Phase I/II ESAs and ecological assessments.

• Analyze title and survey documents for environmental restrictions and lender-related conditions.

• Counsel on ESA compliance, land use law, utility commission processes, and habitat conservation planning.

• Offer strategic insight on CCS projects, carbon markets, and energy transition initiatives.

• Support clients with cross-border project considerations and international environmental compliance frameworks.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing U.S. environmental law.

• Extensive involvement with federal and state permitting, regulatory compliance, and transactional environmental issues.

• Demonstrated experience supporting energy, infrastructure, or large-scale development projects.

• Proven ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and with multiple stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of environmental risk and legal frameworks impacting deal structure and finance.

Education

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

Certifications

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

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of NEPA, CEQA, CERCLA, RCRA, UIC, ESA, and relevant permitting regulations.

• Expertise in drafting and negotiating complex environmental contracts and provisions.

• Proficiency in analyzing technical environmental data and legal implications.

• Ability to manage legal timelines and coordinate with regulatory agencies and consultants.

• Familiarity with carbon-related legal frameworks and environmental impacts in international infrastructure projects.

• Excellent communication and client service skills, particularly in high-stakes matters.

Benefits

• Inclusive fertility and family-forming benefits through Carrot Fertility.

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

• Wellness support programs including:

  • Free Peloton app membership

  • Lyra mental health services (8 free coaching or therapy sessions annually)

  • Spot Pet Insurance

• Business development reimbursement for qualifying relationship-building efforts.

• Executive coaching for attorneys with 250+ business development hours.

• 8 hours of paid pro bono or community service annually for non-partner attorneys.

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

• Advanced legal technology and innovation resources for practice support.

• Comprehensive benefits package:

  • Three medical plans

  • Dental and vision insurance

  • Life and disability coverage

  • Health savings and flexible spending accounts

  • 401(k) with profit-sharing opportunities

• Paid time off includes:

  • Minimum of 20 PTO days per year based on role and tenure

  • 14 weeks of paid parental leave

  • 11 paid firm holidays annually