Senior Environmental & Land Use Associate

Job Overview:
A distinguished law firm is actively seeking a Senior Associate with 5–7 years of experience to join its Environmental & Land Use practice in Washington, DC. This position is ideal for attorneys with a strong interest in environmental regulatory compliance and enforcement, particularly in matters involving CERCLA and RCRA. Candidates with experience handling hazardous, solid, medical, pharmaceutical, or controlled substance waste are especially encouraged to apply. The role offers the opportunity to work on high-level regulatory matters within a collaborative and intellectually rigorous environment.

Location:

• Washington, DC

Duties:

• Advise clients on compliance with federal and state environmental laws, including:

  • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

• Provide regulatory guidance concerning hazardous, solid, medical, pharmaceutical, and controlled substance waste

• Represent clients in enforcement actions and investigations

• Draft and review legal memoranda, regulatory filings, and client correspondence

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on environmental due diligence and risk mitigation strategies

Requirements:

• 5–7 years of experience in environmental regulatory practice

• Prior experience with CERCLA and RCRA compliance and enforcement

• Familiarity with waste-related regulatory regimes is highly preferred

• Demonstrated ability to handle complex legal and technical subject matter

• Excellent judgment and client-focused approach to legal problem-solving

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school

• Strong academic credentials required

Certifications:

• Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

• Eligibility for District of Columbia Bar admission preferred

Skills:

• Superior legal research and writing skills

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities

• Exceptional attention to detail

• Proven ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously

• Professional interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate across teams

• Interest in and ability to quickly master new areas of environmental law and policy

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary with potential bonuses

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions

• Continuing legal education (CLE) support

• Professional development resources

The DC office of this large national firm seeks to strike a balance between lifestyle and its demanding clientele. This firm has particularly strong financial services and capital markets, as well as international trade, practices, and also a range of other smaller practice groups as well. If you are looking to work in a smaller and more intimate but full-service office of a large national firm, this is a firm to consider. This firm recruits attorneys with strong credentials and experience, but remains dedicated to maintaining a collegial and diverse atmosphere.