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Environmental Associate Attorney Jobs in Washington

Associate Attorney

Manassas, VA · On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Associate Attorney Maryland & Virginia - Immediate need in Maryland Job Type: Full-time preferred ... The successful candidate will work in a collaborative and supportive environment, where they will ...

Associate Attorney

Manassas, VA · On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Associate Attorney Maryland & Virginia - Immediate need in Maryland Job Type: Full-time preferred ... The successful candidate will work in a collaborative and supportive environment, where they will ...

Associate Attorney

Manassas, VA · On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Associate Attorney Maryland & Virginia - Immediate need in Maryland Job Type: Full-time preferred ... The successful candidate will work in a collaborative and supportive environment, where they will ...

Associate Attorney

Rockville, MD · On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

Associate Attorney - Creditors' Rights & Foreclosure Location: Hunt Valley, MD (Hybrid/Remote ... Our firm is committed to a collegial professional environment that prioritizes internal advancement ...

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Showing results 1-20

Environmental Associate Attorney information

See Washington salary details

$52.1K

$122.5K

$195.4K

How much do environmental associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental associate attorney in Washington is $122,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $147,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Environmental Associate Attorneys face when handling regulatory compliance matters?

Environmental Associate Attorneys often encounter challenges in keeping up with frequently changing environmental regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. Interpreting complex statutes and advising clients on compliance requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Additionally, balancing the interests of clients with regulatory requirements and working collaboratively with government agencies can be demanding but offers valuable experience for professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Environmental Associate Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Associate Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a solid understanding of environmental laws and regulations such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Familiarity with legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis), environmental compliance systems, and case management software is typical. Strong analytical thinking, written and verbal communication, and negotiation skills help attorneys effectively advocate for clients and interpret complex regulations. These competencies are crucial for navigating legal complexities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and successfully representing clients in environmental matters.

What are Environmental Associate Attorneys?

Environmental Associate Attorneys are early-career lawyers who specialize in environmental law, working primarily at law firms, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations. They assist senior attorneys in handling cases related to environmental regulations, compliance, litigation, and policy. Their work may involve researching statutes, drafting legal documents, representing clients in court, and advising on environmental impact issues. These attorneys play a key role in ensuring clients adhere to laws like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and other environmental regulations. The position typically requires a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and a strong interest in environmental protection and sustainability.

What is the difference between Environmental Associate Attorney vs Environmental Lawyer?

AspectEnvironmental Associate AttorneyEnvironmental Lawyer
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Job FocusLegal research, case preparation, client advising on environmental lawsLegal advocacy, policy advising, litigation in environmental cases

Environmental Associate Attorneys typically work in law firms or corporate legal teams, focusing on legal research and case preparation. Environmental Lawyers may engage in broader advocacy, policy work, and litigation. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Associate Attorney jobs in Washington? For Environmental Associate Attorney jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Associate Attorney jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Associate Attorney jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Environmental Associate Attorney job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,502 per year, or $58.9 per hour.

Environmental Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Washington, DC

$260K - $365K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

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