Entry-Level or Junior Associate Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources Associate

HTU; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 162,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

HTU is seeking a junior associate to join its Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources practice in Sacramento after completing a JD. The role emphasizes regulatory work, permitting, and client service for major energy, mining, and natural resources clients.

Ideal candidates hold a JD from an accredited law school, are or will be admitted to the California Bar, and show demonstrated interest in environmental law through coursework, moot court, or law review.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school
• California Bar admission active or exam-pending
• Interest and coursework in Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources law

Responsibilities

• Join the Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources practice group in the Sacramento office.
• Represent major businesses in fisheries, forest products, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy industries.
• Handle environmental regulatory compliance, permitting, legislative affairs, policy development, litigation, and ADR.

Skills

Client service

Communication

Teamwork in law firm

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Your Role

Here’s what you will be doing:

• Join the Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources practice group in the Sacramento office.
• Represent major businesses in fisheries, forest products, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy industries.
• Handle environmental and related issues including regulatory compliance, permitting, legislative affairs, policy development, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.

About You

The company is looking for:

• A recent graduate or junior associate with a JD from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials.
• Active membership with the California Bar, or a recent graduate who passed the February 2026 California Bar Exam or is registered to take the July 2026 exam.
• Coursework or experience in Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources and a demonstrated interest in building a long-term practice in this area.
• Experience prior to or during law school such as professional work, participation in environmental law organizations, law review, mock trial, or moot court.
• Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, responsiveness, initiative, perseverance, and commitment to client service and team success.
• Strong client-service orientation and professional communication skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base compensation of $180,000, varying by skills, experience, and market location.
• Hours expectation of 1,800 billable hours and an all-in expectation of 2,050 or 2,150 hours depending on seniority.
• Billable hours include up to 50 pro bono hours.
• All-in hours include billable, additional pro bono, and investment hours such as business development, mentoring, recruiting, and community activities.
• Eligibility for bonus requires meeting or exceeding 1,850 billable hours and the all-in hours expectation.

Training & Development

Stoel Rives offers training programs and retreats on practice area topics and skills at all levels, a coaching and mentoring program, and a new lawyer integration program. The firm uses a core competency model outlining practical skills and client service techniques needed for long-term success.