Environmental Litigation Associate

Morrison Foerster; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Job summary

Morrison Foerster is seeking an experienced environmental litigator in San Diego to join our team. The role focuses on complex environmental and toxic tort matters, including CERCLA and Prop 65 issues, with emphasis on defending agencies and providing regulatory counsel.

The successful candidate will assist with discovery, depositions, and brief writing, while contributing to a collaborative, high‑performing practice focused on client excellence.

Qualifications

• Strong background in environmental/toxic tort litigation.
• Experience with agency enforcement defense and regulatory counseling.
• Knowledge of CERCLA and Prop 65.
• Environmental diligence for corporate transactions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Admission to state bar or waiver eligible.

Responsibilities

• Draft briefs, correspondence, and written discovery responses.
• Support depositions and oral arguments.
• Manage discovery and case strategy.

Skills

Environmental litigation

Agency defense

Regulatory compliance

Due diligence

Written communication

Team collaboration

Bar admission

Education

State bar admission

Job description

Overview

Who We Are

MoFo is a destination law firm for talented, ambitious attorneys who value collaboration, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. We are known around the world not only for delivering innovative yet practical client service but also for serving as an incubator for our top‑notch talent.

MoFo consistently receives top‑tier rankings from leading directories and publications, speaking to our legal capabilities, dedication to creating an inclusive workplace, and commitment to our communities.

Our Environmental Litigation Practice Group

We’re known for taking on some of the most‑complicated environmental problems our clients face—and when we go to court, we win. We also know how to litigate complex scientific and regulatory issues by recruiting superior experts and structuring complex litigation and trial testimony that is convincing and persuasive to judges and juries. Combining these skills with MoFo’s world‑class litigation department, we put together formidable trial teams that can take on any opponent. Our lawyers have litigated cases throughout the spectrum of environmental law including CERCLA/RCRA Litigation, Natural Resources and Endangered Species, and Land Use Litigation. To learn more, click here.

Who You Are

• You have a strong background in environmental / toxic tort litigation.
• You have significant experience with agency enforcement defense and regulatory compliance counseling and experience with conducting environmental diligence for corporate transactions.
• You have knowledge of federal and state environmental statutes, including CERCLA and California’s Prop 65.
• You are experienced with drafting briefs, correspondence, and written discovery responses, preparing, and supporting depositions and oral arguments, and managing discovery.
• You have excellent written and oral communication skills, strong case management skills, work ethic, and a team‑oriented attitude.
• You are admitted to the state bar in which you are practicing or are eligible to waive in.

Own Your MoFo Career

MoFo empowers its lawyers at every level to take ownership of their careers and is transparent about what it takes to succeed and advance at the firm. The firm’s commitment to our attorneys’ growth extends throughout their careers.

• MyMoFo, a best‑in‑class and transparent framework for success, provides associates with clear and consistent expectations at every experience level.
• MoFo Navigate, our mentoring and sponsorship programs, takes a holistic approach to professional growth. By encouraging collaboration and leveraging insight across departments and geography, and over the course of each attorney’s career, MoFo Navigate creates a support system dynamic enough to respond to the changing needs of all of our attorneys as they grow and develop.
• MoFo NEXT, our dedicated Center for Career Advancement, offers services such as career visioning, crafting communication materials, executive presence resources, interview techniques, and networking skills.

What We Offer

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry‑leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options, backup child and elder care, and more.
• Tax free health accounts: HSA and FSA.
• 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plans.
• Global wellness program, including free access to health care advocates, Employee Assistance Program, Talkspace, and Calm apps.
• Flex Time Away and reduced schedule arrangements.
• Paid annual fees for primary state bar registration, and up to two professional associations. Additional bar memberships may be approved on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Dedicated in‑house pro bono counsel to assist with identifying pro bono organizations and matters to work with.
• Matching gift programs for law school and charitable organization donations.

Inquiries

For questions regarding this position, please contact Amy Bradford, Attorney Recruiting Specialist.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances.

Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, health/welfare benefits (including parental, adoption, and fertility benefits), flexible time off, and paid holidays. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: market data and ranges; an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience (including class year); and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications.

San Diego, CA annual salary range: $260,000 to $365,000

San Francisco, CA annual salary range: $260,000 to $365,000

Seattle, WA annual salary range: $260,000 to $365,000