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Environmental Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Darbas, LLC

Environmental Law Attorney

Burbank, CA · On-site

Company Description We are seeking an experienced Environmental Law Attorney to advise clients on compliance, litigation, and regulatory matters involving federal, state, and local environmental laws.

Darbas, LLC

Environmental Law Attorney

Burbank, CA · On-site

Company Description We are seeking an experienced Environmental Law Attorney to advise clients on compliance, litigation, and regulatory matters involving federal, state, and local environmental laws.

NACBA

Environmental Attorney

Carmel, IN · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Represent clients in state and federal environmental litigation and administrative proceedings, including matters involving contamination, exposure, natural resource damages, wetlands protection, and ...

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Environmental Lawyer information

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$63.5K

$132.4K

$231.5K

How much do environmental lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental lawyer in the United States is $132,377.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $157,000.00 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 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.

How hard is it to become an environmental lawyer?

Becoming an environmental lawyer typically requires earning a bachelor's degree, followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school, and passing the state bar exam. It involves gaining knowledge of environmental laws, policies, and regulations, often through internships or clerkships, and can take around seven years of post-secondary education and training.

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 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.

Are environmental lawyers in demand?

Environmental lawyers are in demand due to increasing environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives. They often work for government agencies, law firms, or corporations, requiring strong legal and environmental knowledge, as well as relevant certifications. Job growth in this field is expected to be steady as environmental issues become more prominent globally.
More about Environmental Lawyer jobs
What cities are hiring for Environmental Lawyer jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Lawyer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Lawyer jobs? The most popular types of Environmental Lawyer jobs are:
What states have the most Environmental Lawyer jobs? States with the most job openings for Environmental Lawyer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Lawyer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Lawyer jobs are:
Environmental Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Lawyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,377 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Environmental & Land Use Senior Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Environmental & Land Use Senior Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking an Environmental & Land Use Senior Associate Attorney to join a highly regarded Am Law 100 firm in Washington, D.C.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney with 5–7 years of environmental law experience to join a nationally recognized Environmental & Land Use practice. The role focuses on complex environmental regulatory counseling, compliance, and enforcement matters involving federal environmental statutes and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Advise clients on environmental regulatory compliance and enforcement matters.

  • Counsel clients regarding obligations under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

  • Represent clients in environmental investigations, regulatory proceedings, and enforcement actions.

  • Advise on hazardous, solid, medical, pharmaceutical, and controlled substance waste management issues.

  • Conduct legal research, prepare regulatory analyses, and draft memoranda, agency submissions, and other legal documents.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide strategic environmental compliance and risk management advice.

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school with excellent academic credentials.

  • Active Bar membership in good standing.

  • 5–7 years of experience in environmental law with a focus on regulatory compliance and enforcement.

  • Significant experience advising clients on CERCLA and RCRA matters.

  • Experience with hazardous, solid, medical, pharmaceutical, or controlled substance waste issues is preferred.

  • Strong analytical, drafting, research, and client counseling skills.

  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

  • Performance-based bonus opportunities.

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan.

  • Generous paid time off and firm holidays.

  • Professional development, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and partnership-track career advancement.

Why Apply?

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside nationally recognized environmental attorneys on sophisticated regulatory counseling, compliance, and enforcement matters affecting clients across a broad range of industries. Senior associates receive meaningful client responsibility, exposure to complex environmental issues, and exceptional opportunities for long-term professional growth within one of the nation's premier environmental law practices.