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Environmental Law Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct Counsel

Sr. Environmental Attorney

San Diego, CA · On-site

$315K - $435K/yr

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 ...

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How much do environmental law jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental law in the United States is $16.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with an environmental law degree?

An environmental law degree prepares individuals for careers as environmental lawyers, policy analysts, or compliance officers, focusing on regulations related to conservation, pollution control, and sustainable development. These roles often require knowledge of legal frameworks, strong research skills, and sometimes certification or licensing to practice law. Graduates can work for government agencies, law firms, environmental organizations, or corporations committed to environmental responsibility.

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

To thrive as an Environmental Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and specialized knowledge of environmental regulations and statutes. Familiarity with legal research databases, environmental impact assessment tools, and compliance management systems is typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, negotiation skills, and persuasive communication help you advocate effectively and navigate complex legal scenarios. These skills and qualities ensure successful client representation, regulatory compliance, and the advancement of sustainable environmental policies.

What is environmental law?

Environmental law is a branch of law focused on the protection of the environment through regulations, statutes, and treaties. It governs how individuals, businesses, and governments interact with the natural world by setting standards for air and water quality, waste management, wildlife protection, and land use. Environmental lawyers often work on cases involving pollution, conservation, climate change, and the enforcement of environmental regulations. They may represent government agencies, organizations, or private clients. The field is continually evolving to address new environmental challenges and emerging technologies.

Are environmental lawyers a thing?

Yes, environmental lawyers are licensed legal professionals who specialize in laws and regulations related to environmental protection, natural resources, and sustainability. They often work for government agencies, law firms, or environmental organizations, and may require knowledge of environmental policies, legal research skills, and relevant certifications. Their work involves advising clients, litigating environmental disputes, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

What is the difference between Environmental Law vs Environmental Policy?

AspectEnvironmental LawEnvironmental Policy
FocusLegal regulations and statutesGuidelines and strategic plans
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission often preferredPolicy or environmental studies background
Work EnvironmentLegal settings, government agencies, law firmsGovernment agencies, NGOs, think tanks
Employer & Industry UsageLegal compliance, litigation, advisingDeveloping policies, advocacy, planning

Environmental Law involves interpreting and applying legal statutes to protect the environment, often requiring a law degree. Environmental Policy focuses on creating and implementing guidelines to influence environmental practices, typically requiring expertise in policy or environmental studies. While both roles aim to promote environmental sustainability, Environmental Law is more legal and regulatory, whereas Environmental Policy emphasizes strategic planning and advocacy.

What are some common challenges faced by environmental law professionals when working on regulatory compliance cases?

Environmental law professionals often encounter complex and evolving regulations at local, state, and federal levels. Navigating these overlapping requirements while ensuring clients remain compliant can be challenging, especially as laws change in response to new scientific findings or policy priorities. Additionally, environmental lawyers must often collaborate with scientists, government agencies, and industry experts to gather evidence and build strong cases. Staying up to date with current legislation and maintaining strong communication skills are essential for success in this dynamic field.

What are the top 12 careers for environmental majors?

Environmental majors can pursue careers such as environmental scientist, environmental engineer, conservation scientist, environmental policy analyst, sustainability manager, environmental consultant, wildlife biologist, environmental lawyer, renewable energy specialist, climate analyst, environmental educator, and water resource manager. These roles often require knowledge of environmental regulations, data analysis, and fieldwork, with some positions needing advanced degrees or certifications. The job outlook is strong in sectors focused on sustainability and environmental protection.

Do environmental lawyers make money?

Environmental lawyers typically earn salaries that vary based on experience, location, and employer type, with median annual wages often exceeding national averages for lawyers. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced attorneys working in private firms or specialized areas can earn significantly higher salaries. Many environmental lawyers also benefit from bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
More about Environmental Law jobs
What cities are hiring for Environmental Law jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Law job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Law jobs? The most popular types of Environmental Law jobs are:
What states have the most Environmental Law jobs? States with the most job openings for Environmental Law jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Law jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Law jobs are:
Environmental Law jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Law job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,649 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Toxic Tort & Environmental Associate Attorney

Toxic Tort & Environmental Associate Attorney

Lewis Brisbois

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Overview
The St. Louis, MO office of Lewis Brisbois, a full-service AmLaw 100 firm, is actively seeking an attorney to join its Toxic Tort & Environmental Practice.
The ideal candidate will have strong research and writing skills and at least one (1) to seven (7) years of experience in all phases of toxic tort and environmental litigation including case management, motion practice, and discovery, as well as handling hearings, depositions, arbitrations, and trials. Admission to the Missouri State Bar is required.
Lewis Brisbois' representation of its clients, both in toxic tort and environmental matters, extends to state, federal, and administrative hearings and trials, including Superfund multi-site litigation and coordinated Federal Multi-District Litigation. We represent generators, landowners, municipalities, and site operators, from multi-national corporations to family-owned local companies. The diversity of the firm's environmental practice is reflected in its clients. Clients range from individuals, partnerships, and closely held corporations to Fortune 500 companies. The client base includes both foreign and domestic companies, governmental agencies, manufacturing, and real estate development companies as well as foreign and domestic insurance carriers. The firm is frequently selected to represent clients as National Counsel in mass tort and products liability litigation, including asbestos cases, automotive litigation (rollover cases), dietary supplements (L-Tryptophan, ephedra), etc.
Although we would prefer that you have some experience in toxic tort and environmental law, we are also interested in working with developing talented attorneys who come to us with excellent skills in any litigation arena. If you have substantive litigation experience, a demonstrated interest in toxic tort and environmental law, and are looking for an opportunity in a growing, collaborative firm, we invite you to apply.
We offer competitive compensation and in addition, Lewis Brisbois offers a range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401k with employer match.
Qualifications
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