California Energy, Projects & Environmental Law Associate

Contra Costa County Bar Association; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 310,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonus

401(k) plan

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Parental leave

Holidays

Family care benefits

Job summary

Ashurst Perkins Coie LLP seeks a 4th to 7th-year associate to join its California Projects, Energy, Environment and Resources team. The role focuses on environmental, land use, and energy regulatory work with leading sponsors on major multi-jurisdictional projects.

The California team works at the intersection of energy transition, infrastructure development, and policy advocacy, offering opportunities in permitting, litigation, and regulatory proceedings in California and beyond.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of environmental, land use, or energy regulatory experience at a major Am Law firm, government agency, or respected environmental boutique.
• Deep familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, and related natural resource laws is important.
• Experience representing project sponsors of energy and infrastructure projects is highly valued.
• Active California Bar admission is required.
• Strong independent work, client counseling, drafting, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise utilities, energy companies, and infrastructure developers on federal, state, and local regulatory approvals, with focus on CEQA/NEPA.
• Represent clients before regulators and agencies (e.g., CPUC, CEC, BOEM, CCC, CLSC) and local bodies.
• Defend project approvals and handle environmental and administrative litigation.
• Counsel clients through energy and infrastructure permitting, due diligence, and transactional matters.

Skills

Independent work

Client relationships

Drafting

Counseling skills

Education

California Bar admission

Tools

CAISO

Job description

Ashurst Perkins Coie LLP seeks a 4th to 7th-year associate to join its California Projects, Energy, Environment and Resources team. The role focuses on environmental, land use, and energy regulatory work with leading sponsors on major multi-jurisdictional projects.

The California team works at the intersection of energy transition, infrastructure development, and policy advocacy, offering opportunities in permitting, litigation, and regulatory proceedings in California and beyond.