Senior Environmental Attorney

A law firm in San Francisco, CA, is seeking a Senior Environmental Attorney to join its Environmental, Land Use, and Natural Resources practice. The ideal candidate will possess over 5 years of experience in environmental law, with a strong background in state and federal cleanup of contaminated sites and compliance with environmental regulations. This role requires expertise in supporting clients with environmental compliance, cleanup work, and legal responses, as well as advising on environmental aspects of real estate and corporate transactions.

Duties:

• Provide legal counsel on state and federal cleanup of contaminated sites.
• Ensure clients comply with environmental laws, including chemical reporting, stormwater management, and waste characterization and disposal.
• Handle government information requests, investigations, enforcement actions, and citizen suit/toxic tort defenses.
• Advise on environmental issues related to real estate and corporate transactions.
• Identify and allocate environmental risks in transactions.
• Negotiate and draft environmental provisions in transaction documents.
• Obtain, review, and analyze environmental site assessments and other diligence materials.
• Communicate complex environmental law concepts effectively to various stakeholders.
• Demonstrate excellent judgment in decision-making and strategic advice.

Requirements:

• JD from an accredited university.
• Membership in good standing in the AK, CA, DC, ID, MN, OR, UT, or WA Bar (required).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in environmental law, with a focus on cleanup and compliance.
• Strong communication and writing skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proven decision-making skills and excellent judgment.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations and compliance.
• Experience in handling cleanup projects and responding to enforcement actions.
• Ability to advise on environmental aspects of real estate and corporate transactions.
• Proficiency in negotiating and drafting environmental provisions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective active listening and concise communication skills.

Benefits Offered:

• Paid family & medical leave, including an on/off-ramp program for expecting parents.
• Unlimited PTO and a flexible schedule program.
• Remote work options and a sabbatical program for eligible attorneys.
• Competitive medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, AD&D, EAP, FSA, and Voluntary Life, ADD, and LTC options.

This San Francisco firms nationwide practice emphasizes environmental law, real estate, natural resources, litigation, title insurance, and project finance. Although compensation is below market, the firms attorneys are very friendly; according to one associate, They are fun, interesting people we actually go out together on the weekends.