Environmental Associate (2-4 yrs exp) - San Francisco

Permanent Placements LLC; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 235,000 - 310,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Mentorship

Professional development

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Permanent Placements LLC is seeking an Environmental Associate for a nationally recognized law firm. The candidate will handle environmental litigation, regulatory counseling, investigations, and complex disputes from its San Francisco or Washington, DC offices.

Ideal candidates have a JD, 2–4 years of law firm or government experience, and a strong background in environmental law or complex litigation, with excellent research and writing skills and a collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
• 2–4 years of law firm or government experience.
• Experience in environmental law or complex litigation.
• Strong research, analytical and legal writing skills.
• Excellent academic credentials.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to professional excellence and client service.
• California Bar admission for California location; admission to practice law in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in complex environmental litigation matters.
• Assist with environmental investigations and enforcement actions.
• Advise clients regarding environmental regulatory compliance obligations.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda on environmental and litigation-related issues.
• Support clients facing regulatory inquiries and government enforcement proceedings.
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and other litigation documents.
• Analyze environmental laws, regulations, and agency guidance.
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple offices on complex environmental matters.
• Develop practical and strategic solutions to regulatory and litigation challenges.
• Maintain direct involvement in client counseling and matter management.

Skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Environmental Associate

Position Overview

Our client, a nationally recognized law firm, is seeking an Environmental Associate with 2 to 4 years of experience to join its Environmental Practice Group in either San Francisco, California or Washington, DC. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney interested in developing a sophisticated environmental practice involving environmental litigation, regulatory counseling, investigations, enforcement actions, compliance matters, and complex environmental disputes.

The ideal candidate will have experience in environmental law or complex litigation, outstanding research and writing skills, strong academic credentials, and a demonstrated interest in environmental matters. The role offers the opportunity to work with a nationally recognized team advising clients on high-profile environmental issues across multiple industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients in complex environmental litigation matters.
• Assist with environmental investigations and enforcement actions.
• Advise clients regarding environmental regulatory compliance obligations.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda on environmental and litigation-related issues.
• Support clients facing regulatory inquiries and government enforcement proceedings.
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and other litigation documents.
• Analyze environmental laws, regulations, and agency guidance.
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple offices on complex environmental matters.
• Develop practical and strategic solutions to regulatory and litigation challenges.
• Maintain direct involvement in client counseling and matter management.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• 2 to 4 years of law firm or government experience.
• Experience in:
  • Environmental law; or
  • Complex litigation with a demonstrated interest in environmental law.
• Strong research, analytical, and legal writing skills.
• Excellent academic credentials.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to professional excellence and client service.
• Candidates seeking the California opportunity must be admitted to the California Bar.
• Candidates must be admitted to practice law in the United States.

Compensation

The expected base salary range for this position is $235,000 to $310,000 per year.

This position is also eligible for additional compensation, which may include annual performance bonuses and discretionary bonus opportunities. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors.

Benefits & Professional Development

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Additional benefits may include relocation assistance where applicable. Attorneys benefit from hands-on mentorship, substantive client exposure, and opportunities to work on sophisticated environmental matters with an experienced national team.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our client is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law.

Application Requirements

Qualified candidates should submit:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Law school transcript
• Cover letter (encouraged)
• Any additional materials requested during the hiring process

Locations: San Francisco, California or Washington, DC