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Environmental Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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We are seeking an Environmental/Conservation Attorney proficient in navigating the evolving landscape of legal processes related to environmental and corporate law. This independent role involves ...

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 Jul 24, 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:
Infographic showing various Environmental Attorney job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,377 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Assistant Attorney General - Environmental Regulatory and Litigation

Utah Division of Human Resource Management

Salt Lake City, UT • Hybrid

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Environmental Regulatory and Litigation Role Supporting UtahDepartment of Environmental Quality

This recruitment will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed weekly.

The Environment Section of the Environment, Health, and Human Services Division of the Utah Attorney General's Office is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as regulatory counsel for the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).  Civil litigation experience preferred but not required.  The primary responsibilities include regulatory support for permitting, enforcement, and rulemaking matters. Enforcement and permitting matters include administrative and civil litigation work, including appellate support.  Candidates must have at least three years of full-time law practice experience and must be members or eligible for membership in the Utah State Bar, with admission or eligibility for admission to practice in Utah state and federal courts.

A strong background in administrative and appellate litigation, regulatory experience-particularly in environmental law-and technical or scientific expertise are preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills, legal research abilities, and a demonstrated interest or prior experience in environmental, energy, and natural resources law are highly valued. The attorney will collaborate with scientists, engineers, enforcement specialists, and other professionals on interdisciplinary teams.

DEQ administers programs under Utah Code Title 19, including EPA primacy and state-based environmental programs such as Water Quality, Air Quality, Solid and Hazardous Waste, Drinking Water, Petroleum Storage Tanks, Site Investigation and Remediation, as well as Agreement State Programs (Uranium Recovery, Radioactive Waste/Materials) with the NRC. The Environment Section is responsible for all DEQ litigation and regulatory support, and offers a collegial, collaborative atmosphere with flexible, hybrid work options at its Salt Lake City location.

Responsibilities
  • Conduct legal research and analysis, evaluate evidence, interview witnesses, and draft legal documents for DEQ civil enforcement.
  • Assist in assessment and recovery of civil penalties through litigation or settlement.
  • File civil actions to enforce administrative orders; represent DEQ in district court reviews.
  • Collaborate on joint enforcement activities with EPA where jurisdiction overlaps.
  • Represent DEQ in contested permitting matters and administrative appeals.
  • Support DEQ in federal court cases, including circuit court litigation and amicus briefs related to Clean Air Act and Radiation Control Act.
  • Respond to hazardous materials releases, support DEQ in emergency situations, investigations, Superfund, voluntary cleanup, petroleum storage tanks, and cost recovery.
  • Assist with administrative rulemaking and preparing for appeals under Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
  • Work with EPA and NRC to ensure federal program compliance, including issuing opinion letters.
  • Support DEQ in nationwide EPA enforcement litigation matters.
  • Limited travel, including overnight stays, may be required.

Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position, resume (including relevant accomplishments, work experience, class rank, and G.P.A.), contact details, three references, unofficial law school transcript, and a substantive writing sample. A security background check is required. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. The Utah Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer.