Mid-Level Environmental Litigation Associate Attorney

Job Overview: A law firm is seeking a Mid-Level Environmental Litigation Associate Attorney to join its team in Palo Alto, CA. This role involves handling complex environmental litigation cases, advising clients on regulatory compliance, and engaging with state and federal agencies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental law, excellent analytical and writing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Duties:

• Manage and litigate environmental cases involving CERCLA, RCRA, and California environmental laws.
• Provide clients with timely and accurate legal advice on environmental compliance, regulatory requirements, and liability exposure.
• Negotiate agreements related to compliance, cost recovery, and permitting.
• Engage with environmental consultants and understand technical aspects of ecological operations and remediation.
• Represent clients in matters related to sediment-based contamination and remediation.
• Advise clients from various industries, including heavy, defense, chemical, and maritime sectors.
• Conduct thorough legal research and develop sound legal strategies.
• Prepare legal documents, including briefs, motions, and discovery requests.
• Participate in meetings and digital/virtual conference calls as needed.
• Maintain effective communication with clients, colleagues, and third parties.
• Foster positive working relationships and contribute to a collaborative work environment.
• Comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree required.
• Admitted to practice in California.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in environmental litigation.
• Prior experience in a law firm or agency setting.
• Extensive knowledge of key environmental statutes and regulations, including CERCLA, RCRA, and California laws.
• Proven experience in defense of enforcement actions and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with California state environmental agencies; experience with federal agencies preferred.
• Experience advising on business decisions related to emerging environmental issues and public relations matters.
• Proven track record of negotiating agreements on compliance and regulatory matters.
• Comfort with technical aspects of environmental operations and remediation; experience with environmental consultants is a plus.
• Experience with sediment-based contamination and remediation preferred.
• Experience representing clients in heavy industries, defense industries, chemical manufacturing, or maritime industries is a plus.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Good business judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Strong research and problem-solving abilities.
• Conceptual thinking and the ability to influence others.
• Management skills.

Job Location: Palo Alto, CA

This Amlaw firm is best known for allowing its associates to find a balanced work load that best suites them. As a result, the company operates with an entrepreneurial culture, offers flexible face-time, and values diversity and a work space inclusive of everyone. This firm is also one that values pro-bono work?encouraging their associates to gain real-life experience and take charge of their own opportunities and success.