Land Use Partner

A highly respected law firm in Los Angeles is seeking an experienced Land Use Partner to provide strategic legal counsel to clients across a range of industries, including commercial, industrial, residential, and hospitality sectors. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience navigating the complexities of land use and development, guiding clients through every stage of the process, from securing entitlements and permits to obtaining local and environmental approvals. This position offers a dynamic and challenging role in a collaborative environment, with a competitive benefits package that includes a 401(k) retirement plan, health and dental contributions, a subsidized gym membership, and disability coverage.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise clients in the commercial, industrial, residential, and hospitality sectors on all aspects of land use and development projects.
• Oversee the entire land use and permitting process, including securing entitlements, obtaining local land use approvals, and complying with environmental regulations.
• Provide legal counsel related to resource agency permits and environmental reviews, ensuring full regulatory compliance at both the state and federal levels.
• Manage complex negotiations with local government agencies, zoning boards, planning commissions, and other stakeholders to secure necessary project approvals.
• Collaborate with environmental consultants, architects, engineers, and developers to streamline the land use approval process.
• Represent clients in administrative hearings and appeals related to land use decisions, zoning variances, and compliance matters.
• Guide clients through CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) and NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) compliance, including environmental impact assessments.
• Lead business development efforts to expand the firm’s land use practice, building long-term client relationships and identifying new opportunities within the sector.
• Mentor and manage junior attorneys, fostering their growth within the land use and development field.
• Stay informed on legislative updates, industry trends, and regulatory changes affecting land use and development law.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in land use law, with a focus on advising clients through the entitlement, permitting, and regulatory approval processes.
• Proven expertise in working with clients across a range of sectors, including commercial, industrial, residential, and hospitality industries.
• Extensive experience managing the full land use approval process, including environmental reviews and local land use approvals.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal environmental laws and regulatory frameworks, including CEQA, NEPA, and related resource agency permits.
• Prior experience handling complex negotiations with local governments, zoning boards, and regulatory agencies.
• Previous leadership or partnership experience within a law firm is highly desirable.

Educational Background:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active member in good standing with the California State Bar.

Certifications:

• Additional certifications in environmental law, real estate development, or land use planning are advantageous but not required.
• Ongoing participation in Continuing Legal Education (CLE) with a focus on land use, development, and environmental compliance is preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional knowledge of land use, zoning, and environmental regulations, with the ability to offer strategic legal advice on complex projects.
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills, particularly in representing clients before local planning commissions, zoning boards, and regulatory agencies.
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities, with a track record of guiding junior attorneys and managing legal teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal and regulatory matters to clients and stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on business development and expanding the firm’s land use practice.
• Ability to manage multiple client matters and deadlines in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Benefits:

• Competitive 401(k) retirement plan with firm contributions.
• Contributions to health and dental insurance plans.
• Subsidized gym membership or access to fitness facilities.
• Disability insurance coverage.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned land use attorney to join a respected law firm and lead high-profile projects in the Los Angeles area. Ideal for a candidate with a strong background in land use, development, and environmental law who is looking to take on a leadership role within a growing practice.

This law firm was founded over 50 years ago in order to provide full service in various legal matters. Their areas of expertise include corporate, employment, bankruptcy, insolvency, entertainment, intellectual property, real estate, taxation, and private client services. Their office is located in Los Angeles, CA.