1

Environmental Lawyer Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Environmental Lawyer information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$62.9K

$131.2K

$229.5K

How much do environmental lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental lawyer in Springfield, IL is $131,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $155,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Environmental Lawyer jobs in Springfield, IL?

For Environmental Lawyer jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Environmental Lawyer jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Lawyer jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Environmental Lawyer jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Environmental Lawyer job openings:

Infographic showing various Environmental Lawyer job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,214 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

AAG-Assistant Attorney General-Environmental Enforcement

Illinois Attorney General (IL)

Springfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities The Illinois Attorney General plays a critical role in the enforcement of civil environmental laws. The Attorney General's primary role in environmental enforcement is handling enforcement actions referred to the Office by a number of state agencies, including the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and others. The Bureau also engages in outreach to community members to learn of potential violations of environmental laws that are endangering the health and well-being of families and communities.

The Bureau works to stop pollution and ensure that polluters, not taxpayers, pay the cost of cleanup. An Assistant Attorney General in the Environmental Bureau builds and prosecutes cases against environmental polluters. Assistant Attorneys General investigate complaints, work with other state agencies, draft pleadings, draft and respond to motions, manage mediations and settlements and represent the interests of the People of the State of Illinois in court.

Qualifications Candidates must be licensed in the State of Illinois at the time of application. An ideal candidate will have a strong interest and experience in investigation, litigation and public policy. Those with a background in environmental law or environmental science preferred.

Experienced attorneys encouraged to apply. Supplemental Information Salary: Salaries are commensurate with number of years of practice as a licensed attorney and range from $ 82,000 to $ 110,784. To ensure full consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a writing sample.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: Attn: Thor Y. Inouye Office of the Illinois Attorney General 115 S. LaSalle St.

Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 814-3695 (312) 814-5024 (Fax) attorneyhiring@ilag.gov