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Land Use Attorney Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Kimley-Horn

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 ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Land Development

Portland, OR

$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 ...

Kimley-Horn

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 ...

Kimley-Horn

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 ...

Biological Diversity

Summer 2027 Law Clerk

Portland, OR · On-site

$250/hr

... and land use in the urban-wildland interface. Law clerks work on environmental law and litigation projects designed to have a conservation impact. They will work with experienced attorneys who ...

New

EFI Global, Inc.

Fire Investigator

Portland, OR · On-site

If this does not apply to you please use the 'Apply' option. IF YOU CARE, THERE'S A PLACE FOR YOU ... assigned attorney representing insurer. * Identifies and interviews all witnesses or involved ...

Efi global

Fire Investigator

Portland, OR · On-site +1

If this does not apply to you please use the 'Apply' option. IF YOU CARE, THERE'S A PLACE FOR YOU ... assigned attorney representing insurer. * Identifies and interviews all witnesses or involved ...

All JobsLand Use Attorney JobsLand Use Attorney Jobs in Portland, OR

Land Use Attorney information

See Portland, OR salary details

$48.8K

$114.7K

$182.9K

How much do land use attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for land use attorney in Portland, OR is $114,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,800.00 and $137,900.00 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 are popular job titles related to Land Use Attorney jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Land Use Attorney jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Land Use Attorney jobs in Portland, OR are:

Land Use Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Land Use Attorney job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,704 per year, or $55.1 per hour.

Land Use Real Estate Senior Counsel

Direct Counsel

Portland, OR • On-site

$225K - $255K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Senior Counsel to support our Land Use Real Estate Practice Group, in our Portland office. The ideal candidate will possess 6+ years of recent land use real estate experience. Candidates should also be licensed to practice in Oregon, have strong writing skills and excellent academic credentials.

The firm's land use attorneys built their reputation by consistently obtaining flexible and defensible land use and development entitlements in every type of development environment — including urban, rural, suburban, coastal and redevelopment. They have handled, from beginning to end, some of the most complicated projects in Oregon. They also represent the developers of smaller projects, who sometimes simply need us to intervene at certain critical points in the entitlement process.

The firm realizes that land use entitlements serve a business goal and understand the ways in which entitlements can affect later aspects of a development, including financing and disposition. This understanding allows them to assist clients in structuring entitlements and the timing and financing of infrastructure investments to best meet their underlying business strategies. Moreover, when development by others has the potential to harm their clients’ interests, we have the expertise to intervene to prevent or eliminate that harm.

 
Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary Range: $225,000 – $255,000 annually (commensurate with experience).

  • Comprehensive Benefits: 401(k), health, dental, vision, and full insurance package.

  • Collaborative Environment: Join a team that values excellence, mentorship, and client success.