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Environmental & Land Use Associate

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$225K - $365K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... law, including areas such as environmental compliance, permitting, litigation, due diligence, and remediation. - Role will focus on providing legal counsel and representation to clients in a variety ...

Direct Counsel

Environmental Associate Attorney

Boston, MA · On-site

$260K - $365K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

C. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney with 3-5 years of environmental law experience to join a nationally recognized Energy & Infrastructure practice. The role focuses on ...

Direct Counsel

Environmental Associate Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$260K - $365K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

C. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney with 3-5 years of environmental law experience to join a nationally recognized Energy & Infrastructure practice. The role focuses on ...

Direct Counsel

Environmental Associate Attorney

Houston, TX · On-site

$260K - $365K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

C. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney with 3-5 years of environmental law experience to join a nationally recognized Energy & Infrastructure practice. The role focuses on ...

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How much do environmental law jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 laws and regulations that protect the environment. Graduates often work for government agencies, law firms, or environmental organizations, utilizing skills in legal research, advocacy, and regulatory analysis.

Do environmental lawyers get paid well?

Environmental lawyers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and employer type. According to industry data, median annual wages often range from $70,000 to over $120,000, with experienced professionals or those working in large firms earning higher. Strong research, negotiation skills, and knowledge of environmental regulations can enhance earning potential.

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.

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.

Is it hard to get a job in environmental law?

Environmental law is a competitive field that typically requires a law degree, specialized knowledge of environmental regulations, and relevant experience or internships. Job availability can vary based on location, economic factors, and the candidate's qualifications, but strong research, analytical skills, and networking can improve chances of employment.

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.

Is environmental law in high demand?

Environmental law is in increasing demand due to growing environmental concerns and stricter regulations. Environmental lawyers and specialists are needed in government agencies, private firms, and non-profit organizations, often requiring knowledge of environmental policies, legal research, and compliance strategies.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,649 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Water Law Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$240K - $305K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Associate | Water Law (Los Angeles or San Francisco)

Direct Counsel is seeking an Associate to join a nationally recognized law firm’s Water Practice Group in Los Angeles or San Francisco.

This role is ideal for a litigation associate with 7–10 years of experience practicing water law and/or environmental law, with exposure to both state and federal courts preferred. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong legal research and writing skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple, time-sensitive matters in a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

  • 7–10 years of relevant experience in water law and/or environmental law

  • Experience litigating in state and/or federal courts preferred

  • Strong research, writing, and analytical skills

  • Ability to manage competing deadlines efficiently and collaboratively

  • Admission to the State Bar of California (required)

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary range: $240,000–$305,000, depending on experience and qualifications

  • Eligibility for annual bonuses, including a 15% bonus for meeting the firm’s 1,850 billable hour target

  • Billable hours expectation includes up to 100 hours of approved pro bono work

  • Collegial, hybrid work environment with strong advancement opportunities

The firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law.