Environmental & Water Law Associate Attorney

Job Overview

A respected Sacramento-based law firm is seeking an Associate Attorney with a strong background in environmental and water law to support its growing practice. The firm provides advisory, transactional, and litigation services for public agencies, agricultural stakeholders, and tribal clients. This role is ideal for an attorney with at least three years of relevant experience, who is capable of working independently and has a passion for complex legal issues involving public sector and regulatory matters.

Location

• Sacramento, California

Duties

• Provide legal services in the areas of environmental and water law, including advisory, transactional, and litigation support

• Represent public and private clients, including municipalities, counties, special districts, agricultural interests, and tribal organizations

• Draft and review pleadings, memoranda, legal correspondence, and transactional documents

• Assist with preparation for litigation or administrative proceedings before state regulatory bodies such as the State Water Resources Control Board

• Prepare and respond to written discovery in adversarial proceedings

• Conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis under deadlines

• Advise clients on matters involving the Brown Act, Public Records Act, and Conflict of Interest laws

• Interface directly with clients and demonstrate legal acumen and strategic guidance

• Take initiative in managing legal matters with minimal supervision

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in environmental and/or water law

• Prior experience working with public sector clients (cities, counties, special districts) preferred

• Familiarity with California regulatory frameworks and administrative procedures

• Experience with legal writing and preparation for litigation or administrative hearings

• Ability to independently manage legal projects and meet case deadlines

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Certifications

• Active license to practice law in California

Skills

• Legal research and analysis

• Writing for both advisory and litigation contexts (e.g., memoranda, motions, and pleadings)

• Client communication and strategic legal advising

• Discovery preparation and management

• Knowledge of public law processes and open government regulations

• Strong judgment, initiative, and follow-through

• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to thrive in a growing practice

Benefits

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)

• Opportunity to work in a specialized and growing legal field

• Exposure to a broad client base, including governmental, agricultural, and tribal entities

• Supportive work environment with room for advancement and professional development

This California firm was founded in 1979 and focuses on employment, labor, construction, education, real estate, general business and business litigation, corporate, taxation, bankruptcy, and immigration. Committed to high-quality legal work, the highly experienced lawyers have won many cases on behalf of clients. The firm has received numerous awards and accolades for professional accomplishments and contributions to communities. The diverse team of attorneys has business and education backgrounds allowing for the combination of practical, useful advice with innovative legal strategies. Believing in diversity, the firm is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The attorneys actively support education and other non-profit organizations. The firm is committed to collegiality, teamwork, and openness with each other and with clients. The firm also provides numerous in-house training sessions and workshops on current legal matters.