Land Use Associate

Permanent Placements LLC; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 285,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Permanent Placements LLC is partnering with a California-based law firm to recruit a Land Use Associate in San Francisco. The ideal candidate has 4-5 years of land use, environmental, or natural resources experience and will advise on regulatory approvals and environmental compliance.

The role emphasizes collaboration with seasoned land use attorneys and engagement with complex entitlement matters, with a base salary opportunity in the high six-figures and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the California Bar.
• 4-5 years of land use, environmental, or natural resources experience.
• Experience with environmental review processes and regulatory compliance matters.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on land use, planning, and environmental matters.
• Assist developers, property owners, and investors with regulatory approvals and compliance issues.
• Analyze environmental review requirements and compliance obligations.
• Support projects through local, regional, and state approval processes.
• Draft and review entitlement applications and related documentation.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on land use, environmental, and development issues.
• Collaborate with attorneys, consultants, and governmental agencies throughout project development.
• Assist with land use and environmental disputes when applicable.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Project-management

Independent worker

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Our client, a highly respected California-based law firm, is seeking a Land Use Associate with 4-5 years of experience to join its San Francisco office.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney interested in representing developers, property owners, investors, and other stakeholders on sophisticated land use, environmental, and entitlement matters. The successful candidate will work closely with experienced land use attorneys guiding projects through complex regulatory, environmental, and governmental approval processes.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a broad range of land use, planning, and environmental matters
• Assist developers, property owners, and investors with:
• Regulatory approvals
• Development‑related compliance issues
• Analyze and advise on environmental review requirements and compliance obligations
• Support projects through local, regional, and state approval processes
• Draft and review entitlement applications, regulatory submissions, and other project‑related documentation
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda relating to land use, environmental, and development issues
• Collaborate with attorneys, consultants, project teams, and governmental agencies throughout project development
• Assist with land use and environmental disputes when applicable

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active membership in good standing with the California Bar
• 4-5 years of land use, environmental, or natural resources experience
• Experience with:
• Environmental review processes
• Regulatory compliance matters
• Strong analytical, research, and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Strong organizational and project‑management skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
• Strong academic credentials

Preferred Qualifications

• Major law firm experience
• Experience with environmental review and entitlement processes
• Land use litigation experience
• Experience handling development projects from acquisition through approval

Why This Opportunity

Our client offers attorneys the opportunity to work on some of the most significant development and land use matters in California while benefiting from:

• Significant client interaction and responsibility
• Collaboration with highly regarded land use attorneys
• Exposure to sophisticated entitlement and environmental matters
• Strong mentorship and professional development opportunities
• Long‑term career growth within a leading real estate and land use practice
• Base Salary: $285,000 - $325,000 annually
• Compensation based on experience, qualifications, and relevant skills
• Competitive bonus opportunities and comprehensive benefits package