Senior Environmental Lawyer

Recruiter

San Francisco, CA

Senior Environmental Lawyer

Attorney

4-20 yrs required

No

Job Overview
A highly regarded international law firm is seeking a Senior Environmental Attorney to join its Environmental & Mass Tort practice group. This role is ideal for experienced legal professionals with strong backgrounds in environmental, energy, and natural resources law. The position plays a vital role in providing regulatory and transactional support for large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy, and power projects. The attorney will work closely with developers, sponsors, and lenders on high-value project finance and M&A transactions. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in California and Texas.

Location

• San Francisco, CA

Duties

• Advise on . federal and state environmental regulatory compliance and permitting.

• Lead permitting efforts related to air, water, wetlands, UIC, and offshore infrastructure.

• Manage environmental reviews under NEPA, CEQA, and other related state processes.

• Provide legal guidance on site assessment and remediation under CERCLA, RCRA, and state programs.

• Conduct environmental due diligence and draft related provisions for M&A and project finance transactions.

• Collaborate with lenders, developers, and finance counsel to assess and address environmental risks.

• Review and analyze third-party environmental reports such as Phase I/II ESAs, biological studies, and cultural resource surveys.

• Review title and survey documents for environmental use restrictions and compliance issues.

• Advise on land use law, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), habitat conservation planning, and Public Utility Commission processes.

• Support projects involving carbon markets, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and broader energy transition initiatives.

• Contribute to international projects by advising on global environmental compliance requirements.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing environmental law.

• Proven track record handling permitting, regulatory compliance, and transactional environmental issues.

• Experience working with large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy, or power development projects.

• Ability to manage complex timelines and work with diverse legal, technical, and financial teams.

• Familiarity with environmental matters affecting project bankability and risk allocation.

Education

• Juris Doctor (.) from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Active license to practice law in at least one . jurisdiction.

Skills

• Expertise in NEPA, CEQA, CERCLA, RCRA, UIC, ESA, and related environmental regulations.

• Proficiency in negotiating environmental provisions in transaction and finance agreements.

• Strong analytical skills for reviewing environmental and regulatory documentation.

• Ability to communicate complex environmental risks clearly to clients and stakeholders.

• Familiarity with environmental risk allocation in real estate, energy, and infrastructure projects.

• Strategic mindset for advising on innovative solutions in carbon and clean energy markets.

Benefits

• Fertility and family-forming benefits through Carrot Fertility.

• $2,500 vacation award for attorneys meeting billable hour thresholds.

• Health and wellness benefits include:

  • Free Peloton app membership

  • Lyra mental health services (8 free sessions annually)

  • Spot Pet Insurance

• Business development support, including reimbursement for relationship-building activities.

• Executive coaching for lawyers with 250+ BD hours.

• 8 hours of annual paid firm time for pro bono or volunteer service.

• $50,000 attorney referral bonus.

• Comprehensive health and financial benefits:

  • Three medical plans

  • Dental and vision coverage

  • Life and disability insurance

  • Health savings and flexible spending accounts

  • 401(k) with profit-sharing eligibility

• Competitive paid time off plan:

  • Minimum of 20 days annually based on tenure and role

  • 14 weeks of paid parental leave

  • 11 paid firm holidays