Associate Attorney - Environmental & Water Law

Job Overview: We are seeking an experienced and motivated Associate Attorney to join a growing environmental and water law practice. The role will focus on providing legal advisory, transactional, and litigation services to public agencies, agricultural entities, and tribal organizations. The successful candidate will have strong experience in environmental and water law, with a specific focus on public sector clients. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional development and advancement in a dynamic legal field.

Duties:

• Provide legal counsel on environmental and water law matters to public and private clients
• Advise and represent public sector clients, including cities, counties, and special districts
• Handle litigation-related tasks, including preparation of pleadings and discovery for adversarial proceedings
• Conduct research and draft memorandums, legal briefs, and other documents
• Assist clients in navigating state administrative proceedings, including appearances before the State Water Resources Control Board
• Work with clients on compliance with the Brown Act, Public Records Act, and Conflict of Interest regulations
• Manage and respond to written discovery in legal matters
• Communicate complex legal issues to clients with professionalism and clarity
• Take ownership of matters and develop strategic plans to address legal issues

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in environmental or water law
• Experience working with public sector clients such as cities, counties, or special districts
• Knowledge of the Brown Act, Public Records Act, and Conflicts of Interest laws
• Strong research, analysis, and writing skills
• Ability to manage litigation tasks and discovery with minimal supervision
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Licensed to practice law in the state of California

Skills:

• Proficiency in legal research and analysis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Experience working in state administrative agency proceedings
• Detail-oriented with a focus on providing high-quality legal services
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong work ethic

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.