Energy & Infrastructure - Mid-Level Environmental Associate

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; United States; On-site; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Job summary

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP seeks a Mid‑Level Associate with 3–5 years of environmental law and permitting experience. The role includes exposure to M&A or project finance transactions and a diverse client base, from developers to Fortune 500 companies.

We offer an entrepreneurial, collaborative environment with strong training and mentoring. The ideal candidate will be driven, client‑focused, and ready to impact complex matters in a leading energy and infrastructure practice.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of environmental law experience at a top law firm or government agency.
• Experience with environmental and permitting aspects of M&A or project finance.
• JD with strong academic credentials and bar admission.
• Excellent research, drafting and communication skills.
• Commitment to client service and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on environmental statutes and regulations (CERCLA, NEPA, CWA, CAA, RCRA, ESA, NHPA).
• Support transactions, project development, regulatory compliance and permitting.
• Conduct legal research, draft documents, manage client interactions with environmental consultants.
• Work with federal and state agencies on complex matters.
• Contribute to a team‑oriented environment while managing multiple priorities.

Skills

Environmental law

M&A transactions

Project finance

Legal research

Drafting

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Overview

Orrick’s Energy & Infrastructure Business Unit is seeking a Mid‑Level Associate with 3–5 years of environmental law and permitting experience, with exposure to M&A or project finance transactions and a diverse client base, including developers, financial institutions, private equity firms, government entities, and Fortune 500 companies.

We pride ourselves on a collegial, innovative environment that is both professionally and personally rewarding. Our firm offers exceptional training and mentoring opportunities and values an entrepreneurial outlook. We’re looking for candidates who are passionate, collaborative, and ready to make an impact.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on matters involving environmental statutes and regulations (e.g., CERCLA, NEPA, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, RCRA, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act).
• Support transactions, project development, regulatory compliance and permitting.
• Conduct legal research, draft documents, and manage client interactions, and work with environmental consultants.
• Work with federal and state agencies on complex matters.
• Contribute to a team‑oriented environment while managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced practice.

Qualifications

• JD with strong academic credentials.
• Admitted to the bar in a U.S. state and compliant with local jurisdictional requirements.
• 3–5 years of relevant environmental law experience at a top law firm or government agency.
• Demonstrated experience with environmental and permitting aspects of M&A or project finance transactions.
• Excellent research, drafting, and communication skills.
• Strong commitment to client service and teamwork; proactive and eager to learn.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is between $260,000 and $365,000.

Orrick is committed to providing a comprehensive, competitive, and thoughtful total compensation package to our attorneys and staff, wherever they work. This compensation and benefits information is based on the Orrick’s estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job‑related factors that may include, but not be limited to, qualifications, relevant experience or education, particular skills or expertise, geography. Other compensation may include an annual discretionary merit bonus, which would be determined by firm and individual performance.

We offer a full range of elective health benefits including medical, dental, vision and life; robust mental well‑being programs; child, family, elder, and pet care benefits; short‑ and long‑term disability and industry‑leading parental leave benefits; health savings account contributions; flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) program. This role will receive compensated time off through our Flexible Time Off program and paid holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Consistent with the SF Fair Chance Ordinance, an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration for employment. For attorney positions, a "qualified applicant" is an individual who is a member of the State Bar of California, admitted in good standing, and is eligible to practice; or whose admission to the State Bar of California and eligibility to practice remains subject only to successful completion of the California Bar Examination.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for the position in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.