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Environmental Lawyer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Transactional Lawyer

Rochester, NY ยท Remote

$90 - $130/hr

Role Title: M&A Attorney Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote We are seeking seasoned M&A ... Experience working with cross-disciplinary teams in fast-paced environments. Preferred ...

Staff Attorney

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$62K - $115K/yr

Working Conditions A Staff Attorney usually performs work remotely or in an office environment. The mission of the organization may sometimes take a Staff Attorney to non-standard workplaces. A Staff ...

Staff Attorney

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$62K - $115K/yr

Working Conditions A Staff Attorney usually performs work remotely or in an office environment. The mission of the organization may sometimes take a Staff Attorney to non-standard workplaces. A Staff ...

Build your practice alongside experienced attorneys in a collaborative environment that values professional development and mentorship. * Make a tangible impact on education, workplace, and ...

Litigation Attorney

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Build your practice alongside experienced attorneys in a collaborative environment that values professional development and mentorship. * Make a tangible impact on education, workplace, and ...

With dynamic cross-training and advancement opportunities in a team-focused environment, the core ... When you join us as a Attorney Request ChartSwap, you will be joining a dedicated team of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Environmental Lawyer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$62.7K

$130.6K

$228.4K

How much do environmental lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental lawyer in Rochester, NY is $130,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,700.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an environmental lawyer do?

Environmental lawyers work in private law firms, government organizations, and public interest groups. In this career, your primary responsibilities are to make a positive impact on the environment and hold those who do not follow regulations accountable for their actions. You handle issues regarding species protections, hazardous waste disposal, agricultural pollution, and sustainable strategies. Your duties include drafting laws that protect the land, water, and air, enforcing compliance with these laws, ensuring policies support clean energy, combating global warming at the legal level, and completing all of the related paperwork. As an environmental lawyer, you often work long hours and handle multiple cases at once.

What does an environmental lawyer do?

An environmental lawyer specializes in legal issues related to the environment. They work on cases involving pollution, natural resources, land use, and the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. Their clients can include individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies. Environmental lawyers may represent clients in court, draft legislation and regulations, or provide advice on compliance with environmental laws.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental lawyer?

To thrive as an Environmental Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and expertise in environmental law and regulatory frameworks. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), compliance software, and relevant certifications like the Environmental Law Certificate are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation, and written and verbal communication skills help set professionals apart in this field. These competencies are vital for effectively advocating for clients, navigating complex regulations, and ensuring environmental protection through legal channels.

What are some common challenges faced by environmental lawyers in their day-to-day work?

Environmental Lawyers often navigate complex regulations that can vary significantly between jurisdictions, making it essential to stay current with evolving laws. They frequently work with multidisciplinary teams, including scientists and government officials, to build strong cases or compliance strategies. Balancing the interests of clients with environmental protection goals can be challenging, especially when legal and ethical considerations intersect. Additionally, Environmental Lawyers may face tight deadlines and high-stakes litigation, requiring effective time management and strong advocacy skills.

What is the difference between Environmental Lawyer vs Environmental Consultant?

AspectEnvironmental LawyerEnvironmental Consultant
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar AdmissionBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, corporate legal departmentsConsulting firms, government agencies, private companies
Industry UsageLegal advice, litigation, regulatory complianceEnvironmental assessments, policy advising, compliance consulting

Environmental Lawyers focus on legal matters, representing clients in court and advising on regulations, while Environmental Consultants provide technical advice, conduct assessments, and help organizations meet environmental standards. Both roles require specialized knowledge but serve different functions within the environmental industry.

Are environmental lawyers in demand?

Environmental lawyers are in demand due to increasing environmental regulations, climate change concerns, and the need for legal expertise in sustainability and compliance. Job growth in this field is expected to be steady, especially for those with specialized knowledge in environmental policy, regulations, and litigation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Lawyer jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Environmental Lawyer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Lawyer jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Environmental Lawyer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Environmental Lawyer jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Lawyer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Environmental Lawyer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Environmental Lawyer job openings:

Infographic showing various Environmental Lawyer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,612 per year, or $62.8 per hour.

Associate Attorney - Environmental Law

Lippes Mathias LLP

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Are you looking for:
  • A firm that will invest in your development, not just your billable hours?
  • A place where you can build meaningful client relationships and grow your practice with the support of experienced colleagues?
  • A culture where collaboration is the norm and your contributions are recognized from day one?

Let Us Introduce Ourselves
Lippes Mathias is one of the nation's 200 largest law firms, with 400 professionals across 17 offices nationwide, including 230 attorneys. We have built a full-service business law practice with a national footprint and deep roots in each community we serve by investing in people who want to grow alongside the firm.
Joining our team means stepping into a culture that prioritizes accessible leadership, meaningful development opportunities, and a work environment that respects your life outside the office. Support for our employees is something we take very seriously. In fact, "supportive" was the top word our employees used to describe our work environment on a recent anonymous survey.
As an associate attorney, you'll have access to Lippes Mathias' Wayfinder Academy, a meticulous and strategic associate development program where you'll learn first-hand from experienced attorneys at the firm about all aspects of building and maintaining a successful legal practice, with an emphasis on business-side essentials like billing and business development.
We want to see you grow and succeed here at Lippes Mathias. As an associate, you'll meet regularly with our director of engagement to give feedback on your experience, and through our mentorship program, you'll be assigned an experienced attorney mentor at the firm who can advise in all areas of navigating the life of a practicing attorney.
We are proud to be recognized year after year through peer and client nominations by The Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News - Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA.
If you've been looking for a firm where the quality of the culture is surpassed only by the quality of the work, you may have found it.
Why You'll Love Working Here
We offer competitive pay, a year-end bonus opportunity, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Medical, dental & vision, beginning your first month
  • Immediate eligibility for 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
  • Paid parental leave
  • Long-term disability (firm-paid)
  • Life/AD&D insurance

For roles at our downtown locations, firm-arranged parking is available. We also keep the break room stocked with complimentary snacks and beverages.
About the Role
We are seeking an ambitious mid- to senior level attorney with at least 5 years of experience to work directly with the Firm's Environment and Energy Practice and Insurance Recovery, Counseling & Litigations Teams in our Clarence or Rochester offices. Our environmental and insurance practices are nationwide in scope, with the attorney filling this position working with clients that develop and contract large infrastructure projects throughout the country.
The ideal candidate should have environmental regulatory and remediation/contamination-related experience. Prior experience with insurance coverage for environmental claims and environmental litigation is preferred but not required. Strong communication skills, legal advocacy skills, and writing skills are required. Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills are required. The attorney selected for this position will have the opportunity for immediate, direct client contact.
A New York bar license is required.
Compensation
Salary range: $110,000 - $140,000. This is a good faith estimate for the position based on location and minimum criteria. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and other job-related factors as permitted by law.
To learn more about Lippes Mathias, visit our recruiting website: https://www.lippescareers.com/