Environmental Associate Attorney

A law firm in Washington, DC, is seeking an Environmental Associate Attorney with 3+ years of experience in federal and state environmental or energy law. The ideal candidate will have a background in either environmental litigation or transactional matters, addressing significant environmental issues. This role requires familiarity with environmental and energy laws, experience in handling complex cases or advising on renewable energy projects, and exceptional writing and research skills. The position offers an opportunity to engage in high-impact environmental work, with the potential for equity partnership and a supportive, collaborative work environment.

Duties:

• Handle significant environmental issues, including litigation and transactional matters, related to state and federal environmental and energy laws.
• Represent public and private sector clients in areas such as asset transfers, development, siting, and permitting of renewable energy facilities (e.g., wind, solar, energy storage, natural gas).
• Advise clients on environmental compliance, enforcement, asset transfers, siting, permitting, and hazardous waste cleanup.
• Draft and review legal documents, including memoranda, briefs, motions, discovery requests, contracts, regulatory agreements, and policy articles.
• Conduct legal research on environmental, land use, and administrative law at the federal and state levels.
• Represent clients in administrative or court hearings, including motions practice, administrative record cases, and non-record civil cases.
• Conduct and supervise document review and production, and take or defend fact and expert witness depositions.
• Provide strategic legal counsel on minimizing environmental liability risks associated with various business and development activities.

Requirements:

• 3+ years of experience in federal and state environmental or energy law.
• Substantive familiarity with environmental and energy laws and regulations.
• Experience in either litigation under environmental laws or advising on renewable energy projects and related compliance matters.
• Exceptional writing skills with experience as the primary author of legal memoranda, briefs, motions, discovery requests, contracts, and regulatory agreements.
• Efficient and effective legal researcher with experience in environmental, land use, or administrative law research.
• Ability to handle complex cases and represent clients in administrative or court hearings with limited supervision.
• Candidates should be in the top 15% of their law school class or have demonstrated substantial professional achievement.
• Law review and clerkship experience are preferred.

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Admission to the State Bar of Washington, DC, or eligibility to obtain admission.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of federal and state environmental and energy laws.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Experience in drafting and reviewing complex legal documents.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Benefits:

• Potential to join equity partnership.
• Comprehensive health insurance options, including medical, prescription, vision, dental, basic group life, and short-term disability.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses.
• 401(k) retirement plan with annual company profit sharing match.
• Employee assistance program providing confidential professional counseling, financial, and legal assistance.
• Internet reimbursement and hybrid working environment (4 days in the office, 1 day remote).
• Work-from-home setup with necessary equipment provided.
• Monthly wellness stipend.
• A collaborative workplace with opportunities for professional growth and learning.