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Environmental Legal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amrize

Environmental Manager

Gilbert, AZ

$105K - $109K/yr

Keep current with all Federal, State, and Local environmental legal requirements and monitor developments and changes. * Responds and provides oversight for the emergency response to sudden releases ...

Amrize

Environmental Manager

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

$105K - $109K/yr

Keep current with all Federal, State, and Local environmental legal requirements and monitor developments and changes. * Responds and provides oversight for the emergency response to sudden releases ...

Career Personnel

Legal Secretary

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

Work Environment Legal Secretaries report directly to their supervising attorney(s). The tasks and responsibilities of legal secretaries are monitored closely. However, legal secretaries must be able ...

Gerdau

REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER

Monroe, MI · On-site

Responsible to know, understand, and follow all applicable Federal, State, and Local environmental legal requirements and practices. 16. Responsible for and completing all required annual safety and ...

The HT Group

Executive Legal Secretary

Houston, TX · On-site

Provide administrative support to multiple attorneys in a fast-paced legal environment * Manage complex calendars, meetings, conference calls, and travel arrangements * Serve as a primary point of ...

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$27.5K

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How much do environmental legal jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental legal in the United States is $53,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, a license to practice law, and a strong understanding of environmental regulations and legal research. Familiarity with legal databases, case management software, and compliance tools is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, negotiation skills, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure effective representation of clients, successful navigation of evolving environmental laws, and impactful advocacy in legal and regulatory matters.

What are environmental legal professionals?

Environmental legal professionals are lawyers or legal experts who specialize in laws and regulations that protect the environment. They work on cases involving issues such as pollution, land use, conservation, and compliance with environmental regulations. Their responsibilities include advising clients, drafting legal documents, representing clients in court, and working with government agencies to ensure environmental laws are followed. These professionals play a critical role in shaping policies and resolving disputes related to environmental protection.

What is the difference between Environmental Legal vs Environmental Compliance Specialist?

AspectEnvironmental LegalEnvironmental Compliance Specialist
Required CredentialsJD or equivalent, bar admission, legal certificationsBachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental policy, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesIndustrial sites, consulting firms, regulatory agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal advice, litigation, policy interpretationMonitoring, implementing, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws

Environmental Legal professionals focus on legal aspects, advising clients on environmental laws and representing them in legal matters. Environmental Compliance Specialists work on ensuring organizations adhere to environmental regulations through monitoring and reporting. While both roles require knowledge of environmental laws, their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

How does an Environmental Legal professional typically collaborate with scientists and regulatory agencies during a project?

Environmental Legal professionals frequently work alongside scientists, engineers, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations. They interpret complex scientific data, participate in environmental impact assessments, and translate findings into legal strategies or documentation. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as legal professionals must bridge the gap between technical experts and regulatory bodies, facilitating permitting processes and negotiating settlements when necessary. This collaborative dynamic is crucial for achieving both legal compliance and sustainable environmental outcomes.
More about Environmental Legal jobs
What cities are hiring for Environmental Legal jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Legal job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Legal jobs? The most popular types of Environmental Legal jobs are:
What states have the most Environmental Legal jobs? States with the most job openings for Environmental Legal jobs include:
Environmental Legal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Legal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,278 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Senior Counsel, Transactions - Environmental

Senior Counsel, Transactions - Environmental

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

New York, NY • On-site

$166K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Metropolitan Transportation Authority rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 76 rated public transport

Job description

Description
Position at MTA Headquarters
JOB TITLE:
Senior Counsel, Transactions - Environmental
SALARY RANGE:
Level I $155,248
Level II $166,116
Level III $181,066
DEPT/DIV:
Legal
SUPERVISOR:
Deputy General Counsel in Environmental Division
LOCATION:
2 Broadway
HOURS OF WORK:
9:00 AM- 5:30 PM
This position is eligible for telework. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation's largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. The MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding career opportunities.
Division and Position Overview:
The MTA Legal Department's Environmental Division is seeking a Senior Counsel I, II, or III to join the team, depending on their experience level as described below. The Environmental Division is responsible for providing legal advice and legal services regarding all environmental issues involving or affecting the MTA and its affiliated agencies.
As a Senior Counsel in the Environmental Division, the candidate will be responsible for MTA compliance with all environmental laws and regulations including, but not limited to, NEPA, CERCLA, RCRA, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, NYS SEQRA, and NYS Environmental Conservation Law and Regulations. This includes providing environmental legal advice; reviewing and drafting environmental provisions for contracts and agreements; leading settlement negotiations; and managing environmental litigation matters including directing outside counsel.
The Senior Counsel may, depending on the Matter assigned, be asked to work collaboratively with:
  • MTA's Deputy General Counsels and all MTA Legal Department professional and administrative staff.
  • MTA Departments and Units/Offices, including Accessibility, Audit, Communications, Compliance/Ethics, Diversity and Civil Rights, Finance, Information Technology, Labor Relations, People, Procurement, Strategic Initiatives, and System Safety.
  • Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, and senior staff at New York City Transit, Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road, Bridges and Tunnels, and Construction and Development.
  • Federal, State or local administrative agencies.
  • Office of the MTA Inspector General.

Education and Experience:
Level I-III:
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • JD from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in New York.
  • A minimum of five (5) years of relevant law firm, public sector legal or in-house legal experience.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Public sector environmental legal experience, particularly in New York City or New York State.
  • Transportation sector experience.
  • History of successfully supervising or mentoring junior attorneys.
  • A record of communicating with and advising an organization's senior management.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
  • Strong legal research and writing ability.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface effectively with people at all levels of the organization and external parties.
  • Demonstrated knowledge base and practice skills relating to the various practice areas and responsibilities of this position.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills.

Other Information
May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)
Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.
According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
General Description (by Level I, II or III) of the Role of a Senior Counsel, Transactions:
The Senior Counsel, Transactions position reports a Deputy General Counsel or Assistant Deputy General Counsel in a Transactions Division in the consolidated MTA Legal Department. The current Transactions Divisions are the: 1) Condemnation Division, 2) Environmental Division, 3) Finance Division, 4) Procurement and Contracts Division, 5) Real Estate Development Division, 6) Real Estate Transactions and Operations Division, and 7) Special Projects Division.
Depending on the needs of the Legal Department and the Division, the duties of the Senior Counsel include representing the MTA and its operating agencies in transactions (contracts, agreements and associated documentation), client counseling, compliance, negotiations, dispute resolution, risk management, and (for Environmental & Condemnation Divisions) litigation matters which are of increasing complexity and involve increasing levels of responsibility and independence. The duties of the Senior Counsel also include providing legal counsel on statutory, regulatory, agency policy, and other matters that pertain to or impact the operations and functions of the MTA and its affiliates and subsidiaries.
Senior Counsel - Levels I, II, and III
There are three levels of Senior Counsel positions within the Legal Department, each with progressively greater responsibilities. Depending on the level, responsibilities include:
  • Level I: Provides legal representation on complex transactional and compliance matters with limited supervision. Responsibilities include drafting and reviewing moderately complex agreements and contracts, conducting due diligence, advising on regulatory and policy issues, and managing risk. Handles moderately complex negotiations and dispute resolution, prepares authorizing documentation, and presents legal advice to mid-level and senior management. Occasionally supervises junior attorneys, interacts with outside counsel, and comments on legislative and regulatory proposals. For specialized divisions, they may assist with moderate litigation tasks such as discovery and appellate arguments.

  • Level II: Manages highly complex and sensitive matters with minimal supervision, including transactions with significant financial or policy exposure. Leads fast-paced negotiations, drafts and reviews multifaceted agreements, and oversees due diligence for complex deals. Handles disputes involving multiple parties, supervises junior attorneys and outside counsel, and, in specialized divisions, coordinates with outside counsel on litigation with major implications. Takes leadership in drafting agency rules, procedures, and proposed legislation, and drives complex settlement discussions. In specialized divisions, independently manages complex litigation tasks, including witness examinations at trial.

  • Level III: Operates with substantial independence on high-stakes, highly complex matters, providing strategic legal counsel and shaping overall transactions and dispute resolution strategies. Leads and closes voluminous negotiations, structures deals to meet business and legal objectives and innovates solutions for intricate conflicts and risks. Reviews and drafts contracts with significant programmatic impact, finalizes board-level documentation, and negotiates directly with regulators. In specialized divisions, directs the most complex or novel litigation matters through trial and appeal, often coordinating with outside counsel. Serves as a key advisor on policy, governance, and regulatory issues at the highest level.

Equal Employment Opportunity
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

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