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Land Use Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Extensive client contacts and relationships with local architects, developers, land use attorneys, planners and/or land owners * Strong technical skills with AutoCAD Civil3D * Business development ...

Extensive client contacts and relationships with local architects, developers, land use attorneys, planners and/or land owners * Strong technical skills with AutoCAD Civil3D * Business development ...

Extensive client contacts and relationships with local architects, developers, land use attorneys, planners and/or land owners * Strong technical skills with AutoCAD Civil3D * Business development ...

Practice Leader - Land Development

Portland, OR · On-site

$89K - $123K/yr

Extensive client contacts and relationships with local architects, developers, land use attorneys, planners and/or land owners * Strong technical skills with AutoCAD Civil3D * Business development ...

The City Attorney's Office provides legal counsel on a wide variety of municipal topics such as public safety, land use and development, urban renewal, real estate, economic development, public works ...

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Land Use Attorney information

See Oregon salary details

$48.6K

$114.4K

$182.4K

How much do land use attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for land use attorney in Oregon is $114,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,600.00 and $137,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Land Use Attorney jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Land Use Attorney jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Land Use Attorney jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Land Use Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Land Use Attorney job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $114,356 per year, or $55 per hour.

Land Use Real Estate Senior Counsel - Portland

Buchalter PC

Portland, OR • On-site

$225 - $255/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Overview

Senior Counsel to support Land Use Real Estate Practice Group in Portland. Ideal candidate has 6+ years of land use real estate experience, is licensed to practice in Oregon, and possesses strong writing skills and excellent academic credentials.

Responsibilities

Buchalter’s land use attorneys build their reputation by consistently obtaining flexible and defensible land use and development entitlements in urban, rural, suburban, coastal and redevelopment environments. We handle projects from beginning to end, including representing the developers of smaller projects who sometimes need intervention at critical points in the entitlement process. We assist clients in structuring entitlements and the timing and financing of infrastructure investments to meet their underlying business strategies. When development by others has the potential to harm our clients’ interests, we have the expertise to intervene to prevent or eliminate that harm.

Qualifications
  • 6+ years of recent land use real estate experience.
  • Licensed to practice in Oregon.
  • Strong writing skills and excellent academic credentials.
Compensation

Pay Scale: The reasonably expected pay scale for this position is $225-255k, with bonus potential of up to $106,000. This is an employer estimate and the salary offered within that range, and the potential for bonus and bonus amount, will depend on candidate’s years of practice and experience and performance.

Equity and Diversity

Buchalter was founded based on principles of inclusivity. The firm’s commitment to reflecting and enhancing the rich diversity of the clients and communities we serve is more than eight decades strong. Buchalter’s diversity of attorneys and staff provides clients with a greater breadth of creative talent and alternative approaches, and enriches our firm’s collaborative, entrepreneurial and collegial environment, benefiting all. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In recruiting, we welcome the unique contributions that all candidates can bring in terms of their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, writing sample and transcript using the link below.

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