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Environmental Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Direct Counsel

Sr. Environmental Attorney

Orange, CA

$315K - $435K/yr

Sr. Environmental Attorney Location : California Offices (Century City, Downtown LA, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco) Practice Area : Environmental and Natural Resources Direct Counsel is ...

Direct Counsel

Sr. Environmental Attorney

San Diego, CA

$315K - $435K/yr

Sr. Environmental Attorney Location : California Offices (Century City, Downtown LA, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco) Practice Area : Environmental and Natural Resources Direct Counsel is ...

Darbas, LLC

Environmental Law Attorney

Burbank, CA · On-site

Company Description We are seeking an experienced Environmental Law Attorney to advise clients on compliance, litigation, and regulatory matters involving federal, state, and local environmental laws.

Darbas, LLC

Environmental Law Attorney

Burbank, CA · On-site

Company Description We are seeking an experienced Environmental Law Attorney to advise clients on compliance, litigation, and regulatory matters involving federal, state, and local environmental laws.

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All JobsEnvironmental Attorney JobsEnvironmental Attorney Jobs in California

Environmental Attorney information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$130.6K

$228.5K

How much do environmental attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental attorney in California is $130,643.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,800.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and deep knowledge of environmental law and regulations. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), environmental compliance systems, and relevant certifications such as LEED or environmental law specialization is often beneficial. Outstanding negotiation, analytical thinking, and persuasive communication skills help in advocating for clients and navigating complex regulatory frameworks. These skills are crucial for effectively representing clients, ensuring compliance, and driving positive environmental outcomes in legal contexts.

What is an environmental attorney?

Environmental Attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in laws and regulations related to the environment. They advise clients, represent organizations, and may work for government agencies to ensure compliance with environmental laws. Their work often involves cases related to pollution, land use, natural resource management, and environmental policy. Environmental Attorneys play a key role in both preventing and addressing environmental harm through litigation, advocacy, and policy work.

What are some common challenges environmental attorneys face when working with regulatory agencies?

Environmental Attorneys often encounter challenges such as navigating complex and evolving environmental regulations, coordinating with multiple federal and state agencies, and managing tight deadlines for compliance. Building productive relationships with regulatory bodies requires strong communication skills and a thorough understanding of both legal frameworks and scientific concepts. Additionally, Environmental Attorneys must balance the interests of clients with the need to ensure adherence to environmental laws, which can involve negotiating settlements or advocating for policy changes.

What does an environmental attorney do?

Environmental law includes a wide range of issues pertaining to the use and protection of the natural environment, such as water and air quality, species protection, land management, and alternative energy sources. Environmental attorneys work for private firms or government agencies and handle cases within these areas. As an environmental attorney, you need to follow all rules and regulations that may affect your company or the government agency you work for. Sustainability is a growing field, with new legislation being regularly produced, so the demand for environmental attorneys is expected to increase.

What is the difference between Environmental Attorney vs Environmental Lawyer?

AspectEnvironmental AttorneyEnvironmental Lawyer
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admissionJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, government agencies, corporate legal departmentsLegal firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments
Industry UsageCommonly used in legal contexts, official titlesOften used interchangeably, less formal

Environmental Attorney and Environmental Lawyer are often used interchangeably, both requiring law degrees and bar admission. The main difference is that 'Attorney' is a formal legal title, while 'Lawyer' is more general. Both work in similar environments and industries, focusing on environmental law issues for clients or organizations.

More about Environmental Attorney jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Attorney jobs in California? The most popular types of Environmental Attorney jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Environmental Attorney jobs in California? For Environmental Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Attorney jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Attorney jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Environmental Attorney jobs? Cities in California with the most Environmental Attorney job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Environmental Attorney jobs in CA? For Environmental Attorney jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Environmental Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Attorney job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,643 per year, or $62.8 per hour.

Sr. Environmental Attorney

Direct Counsel

Orange, CA

$315K - $435K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Sr. Environmental Attorney
Location: California Offices (Century City, Downtown LA, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco)
Practice Area: Environmental and Natural Resources

Direct Counsel is seeking a Sr. Environmental Attorney with 7 to 10 years of experience to join a prestigious Am Law 200 firm’s Environmental and Natural Resources practice in their California offices. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled attorney to work with a supportive, collaborative team in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. The firm is known for advising clients on complex environmental regulatory matters and enforcement issues, particularly those arising under federal and California-specific environmental laws.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide legal counsel to clients on a wide array of environmental regulatory matters, including compliance and enforcement under CERCLA, RCRA, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and other related California statutes.

  • Lead and manage environmental due diligence for a variety of real estate and transactional matters, including complex investigations and assessments of contaminated properties.

  • Guide clients through the sale or purchase of potentially contaminated properties, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and minimizing potential legal risks.

  • Advise clients on environmental risks associated with land use, development projects, and real estate transactions.

  • Represent clients in environmental disputes, including regulatory enforcement actions, and provide litigation support related to environmental matters.

  • Manage multiple complex matters simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and a high standard of client service.

  • Collaborate with a team of attorneys to support the firm’s practice, mentoring junior associates and contributing to the continued development of the environmental practice group.

Qualifications:

  • 7 to 10 years of experience practicing environmental law, with significant experience advising clients on regulatory compliance and enforcement actions related to environmental laws.

  • Expertise in handling environmental due diligence, site investigation, and transactions involving potentially contaminated properties.

  • Experience advising on environmental matters relating to federal and California-specific environmental regulations, including CERCLA, RCRA, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act.

  • Strong analytical, research, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear and practical legal advice.

  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team, supporting a wide range of clients from developers to corporate entities.

  • Demonstrated leadership and the ability to manage significant projects and client relationships.

  • A high level of academic achievement from a top law school.

  • Admission to the State Bar of California is required.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment, handling cutting-edge environmental matters for clients across diverse industries, including real estate, energy, and manufacturing. The firm offers a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

The anticipated base salary range for this full-time role is $315,000 to $345,000 per year, with actual salary dependent on factors such as relevant experience, job-related skills, and qualifications.