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Environmental Attorney Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Goodwin

Conflicts Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers. The Conflict Attorney is responsible for conflicts clearance review and ...

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All JobsEnvironmental Attorney JobsEnvironmental Attorney Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Environmental Attorney information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$65.6K

$136.8K

$239.3K

How much do environmental attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental attorney in Silver Spring, MD is $136,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $162,300.00 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 are Environmental Attorneys?

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 Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Environmental Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Environmental Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Environmental Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Environmental Attorney jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Environmental Attorney job openings:
Environmental Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Attorney job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,848 per year, or $65.8 per hour.

Environmental & Land Use Senior Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Washington, DC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 hours ago

Job description

Environmental & Land Use Senior Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking an Environmental & Land Use Senior Associate Attorney to join a highly regarded Am Law 100 firm in Washington, D.C.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney with 5–7 years of environmental law experience to join a nationally recognized Environmental & Land Use practice. The role focuses on complex environmental regulatory counseling, compliance, and enforcement matters involving federal environmental statutes and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Advise clients on environmental regulatory compliance and enforcement matters.

  • Counsel clients regarding obligations under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

  • Represent clients in environmental investigations, regulatory proceedings, and enforcement actions.

  • Advise on hazardous, solid, medical, pharmaceutical, and controlled substance waste management issues.

  • Conduct legal research, prepare regulatory analyses, and draft memoranda, agency submissions, and other legal documents.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide strategic environmental compliance and risk management advice.

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school with excellent academic credentials.

  • Active Bar membership in good standing.

  • 5–7 years of experience in environmental law with a focus on regulatory compliance and enforcement.

  • Significant experience advising clients on CERCLA and RCRA matters.

  • Experience with hazardous, solid, medical, pharmaceutical, or controlled substance waste issues is preferred.

  • Strong analytical, drafting, research, and client counseling skills.

  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

  • Performance-based bonus opportunities.

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan.

  • Generous paid time off and firm holidays.

  • Professional development, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and partnership-track career advancement.

Why Apply?

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside nationally recognized environmental attorneys on sophisticated regulatory counseling, compliance, and enforcement matters affecting clients across a broad range of industries. Senior associates receive meaningful client responsibility, exposure to complex environmental issues, and exceptional opportunities for long-term professional growth within one of the nation's premier environmental law practices.