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Land Use Attorney Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Land Development Engineer

Brambleton, VA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Coordinates with civil engineers, land use attorneys, consultants, and Loudoun County staff to ensure all applicable proffer obligations are accurately incorporated into site plans, construction ...

Provide proactive legal guidance on land use, zoning, and development matters. Orange County is in ... The County Attorney will work closely with the Department of Development Services, the Planning ...

Provide proactive legal guidance on land use, zoning, and development matters. Orange County is in ... The County Attorney will work closely with the Department of Development Services, the Planning ...

County Attorney

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$175 - $225/hr

In a county experiencing continued growth, this work places the attorney at the center of land use and development issues with lasting community impact. The role also includes litigation oversight ...

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Land Use Attorney information

See Virginia salary details

$45.6K

$107.2K

$171K

How much do land use attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for land use attorney in Virginia is $107,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $128,900.00 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 job categories do people searching Land Use Attorney jobs in Virginia look for?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Land Use Attorney job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,232 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

$125K - $180K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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Job description

Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, a Northern Virginia real estate law firm, seeks a Land Use Attorney for the Arlington Office’s busy practice. Candidates must have a strong interest in land use, including rezonings, special use permits, comprehensive plan amendments, and other discretionary approvals. Must be licensed in Virginia and a graduate of an accredited law school.

Other requirements include:


  • Excellent writing/editing, research, analysis (qualitative and quantitative), communication, critical thinking, and presentation skills.
  • Detail-oriented with excellent time-management skills.
  • The willingness and ability to attend night meetings (planning commissions and other governing bodies, citizen outreach, meetings, etc.). 
  • Experience with zoning and land use practice, including work with city, town, and county government staff and local elected officials, is a plus.


Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh offers excellent benefits including paid time off and holiday pay; medical, dental, vision, group life, and long- and short-term disability insurance plans; and a 401(k) savings and profit-sharing plan. 


Base salary is commensurate with experience and can range from $125,000 to $180,000. Mid-year and Year-End Bonuses are performance based.


To apply, please email your cover letter, résumé, and writing sample to info@thelandlawyers.com.