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Environmental Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMMISSION Attorney (#ATTEPCATTA) EPC-ATT-A $75,000.00 - $110,000.00 This unclassified position provides in-house legal representation in all matters affecting the EPC. The ...

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Environmental Attorney information

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$63.5K

$132.4K

$231.5K

How much do environmental attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental attorney in the United States is $132,377.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $157,000.00 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.

What cities are hiring for Environmental Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Attorney jobs? The most popular types of Environmental Attorney jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Environmental Attorney jobs? The top employers for Environmental Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Environmental Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Environmental Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Attorney jobs are:
Infographic showing various Environmental Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,377 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Land Use & Environmental Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Irvine, CA โ€ข Hybrid

$260K - $435K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Land Use & Environmental Associate Attorney
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Newport Beach, CA

Direct Counsel is seeking a Land Use & Environmental Associate Attorney to join the West Coast Land Use and Environmental Group of a leading international law firm. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex land use, environmental, and regulatory matters throughout California, including litigation and regulatory counseling related to major development and infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities
  • Handle litigation matters involving land use and environmental law, including writ-based litigation under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and California housing laws.

  • Assist with traditional environmental litigation and regulatory disputes.

  • Support clients in obtaining land use entitlements and approvals for development projects.

  • Conduct CEQA analysis and compliance work related to environmental review processes.

  • Provide regulatory counseling on state and federal environmental laws.

  • Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, and client communications.

  • Collaborate with partners and cross-practice teams on complex environmental and land use matters.

Qualifications
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in environmental, land use, or related litigation.

  • Experience with CEQA litigation, California housing laws, or environmental regulatory matters preferred.

  • Exposure to land use entitlements and CEQA review processes strongly preferred.

  • Candidates with strong litigation experience and transferable skills will also be considered.

  • Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.

  • Strong academic credentials.

  • JD from an ABA-accredited law school.

  • Admission to the California Bar required.

Work Arrangement
  • Hybrid schedule with at least three days per week in the office.

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position in California is $260,000 โ€“ $435,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. The firm also offers a comprehensive benefits package.