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Environmental Law Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vanderbilt University

$110 - $160/hr

Environmental issues do not respect academic disciplinary boundaries, and Vanderbilt Law School is a leader in developing interdisciplinary approaches to teaching, research, and service in the areas ...

New York State

Environmental Impact Examiner

Albany, NY · Hybrid

$118K - $145K/yr

Duties Description Environmental Impact Examiners are the Department's Administrative Law Judges (ALJs). Essential Functions Include: Conduct Administrative Adjudicatory Enforcement and Permit ...

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How much do environmental law jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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 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 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 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 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 environmental law in high demand?

Environmental law is in increasing demand due to growing environmental concerns and stricter regulations. Environmental lawyers are needed in government agencies, private firms, and nonprofit organizations, often requiring specialized knowledge of environmental policies and compliance standards.

Is it hard to get a job in environmental law?

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

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 or advise organizations on environmental issues.

What does an environmental lawyer make?

Environmental lawyers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior or specialized attorneys can earn higher salaries, especially in private practice or corporate settings, and they often require knowledge of environmental regulations and legal research skills.
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, 82% Full Time, 16% 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.

Environmental Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Washington, DC • On-site

$260K - $365K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Environmental Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking an Environmental Associate Attorney to join the Energy & Infrastructure practice of a prestigious Am Law firm in one of the following offices: Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Irvine (Orange County), Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Seattle, Silicon Valley (Menlo Park), or Washington, D.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 environmental counseling, permitting, project development, and transactional support for sophisticated clients across the energy, infrastructure, and project finance sectors.

Responsibilities

  • Advise clients on federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including CERCLA, NEPA, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, RCRA, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

  • Provide environmental support for mergers and acquisitions, project finance transactions, and project development matters.

  • Assist clients with environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and due diligence.

  • Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, agreements, and other legal documents.

  • Coordinate with environmental consultants and technical advisors on complex matters.

  • Represent clients before federal and state regulatory agencies.

  • Manage multiple client matters while providing practical, business-focused legal advice.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary legal teams on sophisticated energy and infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

  • Active membership in a U.S. state bar and eligibility to practice in the applicable office jurisdiction.

  • 3-5 years of environmental law experience at a major law firm or government agency.

  • Experience advising on environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and environmental aspects of mergers and acquisitions or project finance transactions.

  • Strong knowledge of major federal environmental statutes and regulatory frameworks.

  • Excellent legal research, drafting, analytical, and communication skills.

  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

  • Commitment to exceptional client service and collaborative teamwork.

  • Strong academic credentials and a proactive, entrepreneurial approach to practice.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $260,000-$365,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

  • Comprehensive benefits package, including:

    • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

    • Mental health and wellness programs

    • Child, family, elder, and pet care benefits

    • Short- and long-term disability coverage

    • Industry-leading parental leave

    • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

    • 401(k) retirement plan

    • Flexible Time Off (FTO) and paid holidays

    • Annual discretionary performance bonus eligibility