Environmental Litigation Associate

A law firm seeks an experienced Environmental Litigation Associate to join its team in a dynamic and growing practice. The ideal candidate will have 4 to 6 years of experience in litigation, with a strong interest in environmental law and the desire to engage in both complex litigation and client counseling. This position offers an exciting opportunity to represent clients in diverse environmental matters while building expertise in key areas such as contamination, air and water quality, and regulatory compliance.

Duties:

• Represent clients in complex environmental litigation, including cases related to contamination, pollution, and regulatory disputes.
• Handle a variety of pre-litigation matters, including environmental compliance, administrative enforcement, and regulatory guidance.
• Provide legal counsel on real estate and environmental diligence matters, ensuring clients are fully informed of potential environmental risks.
• Engage in research and writing to support case development, preparing motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Advise clients on compliance with environmental laws, including those related to air and water quality, hazardous waste, and climate change.
• Work closely with senior attorneys and clients to formulate strategies and navigate complex regulatory environments.
• Stay current with developments in environmental law, including changes in statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Actively participate in firm and client meetings, providing updates and collaborating on strategic decisions.

Requirements:

• 4 to 6 years of experience in environmental law, with a focus on litigation.
• Strong interest in environmental issues, including soil and groundwater contamination, water and air quality, and climate change.
• Proven experience in legal research, writing, and analysis, with an ability to craft persuasive legal arguments.
• A solid understanding of environmental statutes, regulations, and common law principles is preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated interest in and experience with environmental litigation and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to handle complex legal matters with a client-focused approach.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain technical issues to non-experts.
• Willingness to take initiative, work independently, and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Admission to practice law in the state where the firm is located (or eligible for admission if from another jurisdiction).

Skills:

• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Strong litigation experience, with a focus on environmental matters.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and statutes.
• Proficiency in drafting motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Knowledge of environmental laws concerning contamination, air and water quality, and climate change is helpful but not required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance options.
• Paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
• 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.

This is a great opportunity for an environmental litigation associate to join a team that offers a mix of challenging legal work, professional development, and a commitment to client service. The firm values proactive, intellectually curious attorneys who are passionate about environmental issues and eager to excel in their careers.

Although this Los Angeles-based firm boasts a fairly solid full-service practice, its high-profile entertainment department has brought the firm celebrity status and established it as one of the nations premier entertainment law firms. The firm has an entrepreneurial and aggressive feel to it, yet candidates often remark how wonderfully balanced its attorneys lives appear to be. While associates work hard, people are friendly and seem to genuinely enjoy spending time together outside of work. The pay is decent though slightly lower than the top firms (reputedly a trade-off for lower billable hour requirements); nevertheless, the firm consistently manages to attract some of the best talent in the United States.