Land Use / Environmental Associate Attorney

A law firm in Sacramento, CA, is seeking a Land Use / Environmental Associate Attorney with 3-6 years of experience. The ideal candidate will possess intellectual curiosity, creativity, and exceptional analytical and communication skills. This position offers the opportunity to work on diverse and impactful cases in land use and environmental law while benefiting from a supportive work environment that emphasizes work-life balance.

Duties:

• Advise clients on land use regulations, environmental compliance, and related legal matters.
• Draft and review legal documents, including contracts, permits, and environmental impact reports.
• Conduct legal research to support case strategies and inform client advisories.
• Represent clients in administrative hearings, negotiations, and litigation related to land use and environmental issues.
• Collaborate with governmental agencies, stakeholders, and community groups on land use projects.
• Stay updated on changes in land use and environmental laws and regulations.
• Assist in the development of creative legal strategies to address complex land use and environmental challenges.
• Communicate effectively with clients to provide updates, address concerns, and manage expectations.
• Mentor junior associates and contribute to the firm’s training programs.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• 3-6 years of relevant experience in land use and environmental law.
• Strong understanding of California land use regulations and environmental laws.

Certifications:

• Active member in good standing with the California State Bar.

Skills:

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Intellectual curiosity and creativity in legal thinking.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Benefits:

• Competitive Bay Area-level compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunities for rapid financial advancement.
• Emphasis on work-life balance with a modest billable hour requirement.
• Focus on quality of work over quantity.

This firm's six attorneys each specialize in somewhat different aspects of land use and environmental law. The attorneys write, counsel, speak, and practice in such areas as mining permitting, environmental review, mining defense against regulatory and governmental entities, secondary land use permitting, mine leasing, land development, subdivision litigation, conservation, solar energy, easements, environmental violation defense, hazardous waste and emission counseling, and more. This firm practices in Sacramento, CA.