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Zoning Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Attorney with a minimum of five years of relevant New York experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong background representing property owners and developers in land use and zoning matters ...

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Zoning Attorney information

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$35.5K

$134.2K

$268.5K

How much do zoning attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoning attorney in the United States is $134,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $169,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Zoning Attorney vs Land Use Attorney?

AspectZoning AttorneyLand Use Attorney
CredentialsJuris Doctor, state bar license, specialization in zoning lawsJuris Doctor, state bar license, expertise in land use regulations
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, private clientsLaw firms, government planning departments, development companies
Industry UsagePrimarily in real estate, municipal law, development projectsIn urban planning, real estate development, environmental law
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding zoning law practices, legal representation in zoning casesAdvising on land development, zoning compliance, and land use planning

While both Zoning Attorneys and Land Use Attorneys work within real estate and development sectors, Zoning Attorneys focus specifically on zoning laws and regulations, whereas Land Use Attorneys handle broader land development and planning issues. The roles often overlap, but their primary focus areas differ, making them distinct yet related legal specialties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Zoning Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoning Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and expertise in land use, real estate, and municipal law. Familiarity with local zoning ordinances, permitting processes, and legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis is crucial. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and communication skills help in advocating for clients and navigating complex regulatory environments. These competencies are vital for ensuring clients' projects comply with laws and for achieving favorable outcomes in zoning matters.

What are some common challenges Zoning Attorneys face when working with local government agencies?

Zoning Attorneys often encounter challenges such as navigating complex and frequently changing zoning codes, addressing community concerns during public hearings, and coordinating with multiple municipal departments. They must be adept at building relationships with local officials and understanding the unique priorities of each jurisdiction. Successfully advocating for clients requires not only legal expertise but also strong negotiation and communication skills to resolve disputes and facilitate approvals.

What are zoning attorneys?

Zoning attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in land use, zoning laws, and real estate regulations. They help clients navigate complex zoning codes, obtain permits, and represent them in disputes with local government agencies or zoning boards. Zoning attorneys often work with property developers, homeowners, businesses, and municipalities to ensure compliance with local ordinances and to advocate for zoning changes or variances. Their expertise is essential in cases involving property development, rezoning, and land use planning.
More about Zoning Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoning Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Zoning Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Zoning Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoning Attorney jobs include:
Infographic showing various Zoning Attorney job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,221 per year, or $64.5 per hour.

Land Use & Zoning Attorney

Mandelbaum Barrett PC

Greenwich, CT • On-site

$225K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Purpose of the Role

Mandelbaum Barrett PC is seeking a Partner‑level Land Use / Zoning Attorney to join and grow our Connecticut practice in our Greenwich office. This role is designed for an experienced land use attorney with an established portable book of business and strong connections within the Connecticut real estate development and municipal community.

The successful candidate will play a leadership role in expanding the firm's land use and zoning practice while working collaboratively with our real estate, environmental, litigation, and transactional practices. This role offers meaningful opportunity for practice growth and leadership within the firm.

Responsibilities

  • Represent developers, property owners, and institutional clients in land use, zoning, and permitting matters.
  • Lead client representation before municipal boards and regulatory agencies, including zoning, planning, and inland wetlands commissions.
  • Advise on variances, special permits, site plan approvals, and entitlement strategies.
  • Maintain and grow a portable book of business while developing new client relationships and referral networks.
  • Collaborate across practice groups—including Real Estate, Environmental, Litigation, and Corporate—to provide comprehensive client service.
  • Meet billable expectations and contribute to practice group growth and firm initiatives.
  • Participate in mentoring junior attorneys, business development, and firm leadership activities.

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
  • Admission to the Connecticut Bar and in good standing (New York admission a plus).
  • 7+ years of concentrated experience in land use and zoning law.
  • Demonstrated portable book of business and collected originations.
  • Strong professional reputation within the Connecticut land use and development community.
  • Experience appearing before municipal land use boards and commissions in Connecticut.
  • Excellent advocacy, drafting, and client‑management skills.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base Salary (Draw): $225,000–$300,000 annually, based on experience, portable book of business, and anticipated contribution. The draw structure and terms (including recoverability) will be discussed in detail during the interview process.
  • Merit‑Based Rewards: Compensation is performance‑driven and includes origination credit, collections‑based incentives, and other partner compensation opportunities. Growth, productivity, and client impact directly influence total earnings.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Partners are eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and voluntary programs. Benefits are available upon commencement of employment. The firm provides professional liability (malpractice) insurance coverage for all attorneys.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Mandelbaum Barrett PC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.