Environmental Associate Attorney

Environmental Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking an Environmental Associate Attorney to join the Energy & Infrastructure practice of a prestigious Am Law firm in one of the following offices: Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Irvine (Orange County), Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Seattle, Silicon Valley (Menlo Park), or Washington, D.C.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney with 3-5 years of environmental law experience to join a nationally recognized Energy & Infrastructure practice. The role focuses on environmental counseling, permitting, project development, and transactional support for sophisticated clients across the energy, infrastructure, and project finance sectors.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including CERCLA, NEPA, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, RCRA, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

• Provide environmental support for mergers and acquisitions, project finance transactions, and project development matters.

• Assist clients with environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and due diligence.

• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, agreements, and other legal documents.

• Coordinate with environmental consultants and technical advisors on complex matters.

• Represent clients before federal and state regulatory agencies.

• Manage multiple client matters while providing practical, business-focused legal advice.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary legal teams on sophisticated energy and infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

• Active membership in a U.S. state bar and eligibility to practice in the applicable office jurisdiction.

• 3-5 years of environmental law experience at a major law firm or government agency.

• Experience advising on environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and environmental aspects of mergers and acquisitions or project finance transactions.

• Strong knowledge of major federal environmental statutes and regulatory frameworks.

• Excellent legal research, drafting, analytical, and communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Commitment to exceptional client service and collaborative teamwork.

• Strong academic credentials and a proactive, entrepreneurial approach to practice.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $260,000-$365,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

  • Mental health and wellness programs

  • Child, family, elder, and pet care benefits

  • Short- and long-term disability coverage

  • Industry-leading parental leave

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) and paid holidays

  • Annual discretionary performance bonus eligibility