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Land Use Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Thatch & Hooper, LLP

Land Use Attorney

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

Attorney Position Available: Thatch & Hooper, LLP, formerly the Law Offices of Gregory D. Thatch, is a high profile, AV rated land use and real estate law firm with a combined history spanning more ...

Direct Counsel

Land Use Associate Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$225K - $250K/yr

Land Use Associate Attorney Century City (Los Angeles), CA Direct Counsel is seeking a Land Use Associate to join a premier California-based law firm with a highly regarded land use, environmental ...

W3Global Inc.

Municipal Law/Land Use Attorney

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Land use and zoning laws (granting of Variances, CUPs), environmental regulation and compliance (including CEQA/NEPA), development agreements, redevelopment dissolution process, water law, election ...

Optimum Results Staffing

Land Use Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$250K - $315K/yr

... attorneys representing developers, property owners, and investors. The role involves guiding ... Land use due diligence * Processing entitlements * Environmental review under CEQA * Additional ...

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Land Use Attorney information

See California salary details

$45.4K

$106.7K

$170.2K

How much do land use attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for land use attorney in California is $106,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a land use attorney do?

A Land Use Attorney specializes in laws and regulations related to the use and development of land. They help individuals, businesses, and government entities navigate zoning laws, land development codes, environmental regulations, and permitting processes. Their work often involves representing clients before local government boards or agencies, negotiating land use agreements, and handling disputes related to property use. Land Use Attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring that land development projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a land use attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Land Use Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and expertise in zoning, real estate, and environmental law. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), GIS mapping tools, and municipal permitting systems is common in this field. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help attorneys advocate for clients and navigate complex regulatory environments. These abilities are crucial to ensuring clients’ projects comply with laws while advancing their interests in often contentious or multifaceted land use matters.

What are some common challenges land use attorneys face when working with local government agencies?

Land Use Attorneys often encounter challenges related to navigating complex zoning regulations and obtaining necessary permits from local government agencies. These agencies may have differing priorities, lengthy approval processes, or shifting regulatory landscapes, which require strong negotiation and communication skills. Attorneys in this field must be adept at building relationships with planners, city officials, and community stakeholders to effectively advocate for their clients’ projects while ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

What is the difference between Land Use Attorney vs Real Estate Attorney?

AspectLand Use AttorneyReal Estate Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission, specialization in land use lawsLaw degree, bar admission, focus on property transactions and disputes
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, planning commissions, law firms specializing in land developmentReal estate firms, private practices, corporate legal departments
Industry UsageUrban planning, zoning, land development projectsProperty sales, leasing, financing, and dispute resolution

While both roles require legal expertise in property law, a Land Use Attorney specializes in zoning, land development, and government regulations, often working with municipalities and developers. A Real Estate Attorney focuses on property transactions, contracts, and disputes related to buying, selling, or leasing real estate. Understanding these differences helps clients find the right legal expert for their specific needs.

What are popular job titles related to Land Use Attorney jobs in California?

For Land Use Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Land Use Attorney jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Land Use Attorney jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Land Use Attorney jobs?

Cities in California with the most Land Use Attorney job openings:

Land Use Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Land Use Attorney job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,744 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Land Use Attorney

Thatch & Hooper, LLP

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Attorney Position Available:

Thatch & Hooper, LLP, formerly the Law Offices of Gregory D. Thatch, is a high profile, AV rated land use and real estate law firm with a combined history spanning more than 45 years. The firm is seeking a highly motivated attorney to handle land use, environmental (CEQA), and real estate transactional matters involving complex development projects in the Northern California region. The firm routinely represents developers, homebuilders and property owners in connection with some of the region’s most significant, complex and often controversial projects.

Job Functions Include:

· Assisting clients in obtaining land use approvals and entitlements associated with residential, industrial, and commercial projects.

· Navigating complex Federal, State and local laws and regulations, including CEQA, NEPA, ESA, Clean Water Act, and Clean Air Act, among others.

· Environmental review under CEQA and NEPA.

· Regular interaction with clients, Federal, State, and local elected officials and staff.

· Preparation of real estate transactional documents.

Mandatory Qualifications:

· Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.

· Admittance into the State Bar of California.

· Prior legal or real estate industry experience is an asset, but not required.

· A strong work ethic, proficient research skills, and outstanding communication and writing skills.

· Works well as part of a collaborative team.