Mid-Level Environmental Associate

Smith Anderson; Raleigh (NC); Sur place; USD 140 000 - 200 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Smith Anderson is the leading environmental law practice in North Carolina, based in Raleigh. We seek an experienced attorney to advise clients on regulatory compliance, permitting, remediation, and enforcement, and to contribute to transactional and litigation matters within our Environmental Practice.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of three years in environmental law at a law firm, with strong writing and advocacy skills, and a client-focused approach.

Qualifications

• Three years of environmental law experience in a law firm setting.
• Strong analytical, research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Experience with environmental regulatory compliance, permitting, enforcement, and remediation.

Responsabilités

• Provide practical, business-oriented environmental counsel on compliance, permits, and enforcement actions.
• Support environmental aspects of transactions and real estate deals.
• Represent clients in environmental litigation and administrative proceedings.

Connaissances

Environmental law

Regulatory compliance

Litigation

Client communication

Formation

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission

Outils

Westlaw

Discovery tools

Description du poste

Smith Anderson is the largest business and litigation law firm headquartered in North Carolina’s Research Triangle—one of the Southeast’s most vibrant regions for business growth, innovation, and technology‑driven industries. For more than 100 years, the firm has served as a trusted advisor to dynamic regional, national, and global companies, earning a strong reputation for legal excellence, thoughtful client service, and practical, business‑oriented counsel. Smith Anderson combines sophisticated legal capabilities with a collaborative culture that values long‑term relationships, professional growth, and strategic thinking.

Smith Anderson's Environmental Practice advises national and regional companies on the environmental, regulatory, compliance, remediation, permitting, and litigation matters that affect their business operations and strategic objectives. Working across a broad range of industries, our attorneys help clients navigate complex environmental laws and regulations, manage environmental risk, advise on regulatory compliance, respond to enforcement actions, support business transactions and real estate acquisitions, and address environmental issues arising from redevelopment, industrial operations, and infrastructure projects. The practice is recognized for its experience in environmental compliance, permitting, Brownfields redevelopment, contaminated property transactions, environmental due diligence, remediation, and environmental litigation.

This is an opportunity to join one of North Carolina's leading environmental law practices, which is led by two former NCDEQ attorneys, and work on sophisticated regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters. The position willwork closely with clients, regulators, consultants, and colleagues across the firm to provide practical, business‑focused counsel on environmental compliance, permitting, remediation, enforcement, due diligence, and risk management issues. The role includes advising clients on federal and state environmental laws and regulations, supporting environmental aspects of business and real estate transactions, responding to agency inquiries and enforcement actions, and assisting with environmental litigation and administrative proceedings.

The ideal candidate will have at least three years of environmental law experience in a law firm setting and a strong background in environmental regulatory compliance, permitting, enforcement, remediation, and environmental due diligence. Experience with environmental litigation, administrative proceedings, or enforcement defense is highly desirable, as is experience involving soil and groundwater contamination, remediation projects, Brownfields redevelopment, and related environmental matters. Candidates should possess excellent analytical, research, writing, and advocacy skills, along with a practical, client‑focused approach to problem‑solving and relationship management.

An educational or professional background in relevant fields, including environmental engineering, engineering, geology, environmental science, or another technical discipline is strongly preferred, with prior agency and/or environmental engineering experience viewed as a significant plus. Experience with OSHA compliance, workplace safety matters, investigations, or enforcement proceedings is also desirable. Candidates may have experience in government, private practice, or both; however, prior law firm experience is required. Smith Anderson offers associates meaningful responsibility, direct client contact, and the opportunity to work on complex environmental matters within a collaborative environment that emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and long‑term career growth.

• Practical, solution‑oriented, and collaborative practice style
• Ability to interact directly with clients, and work independently and as part of team
• Exercise of judgment, use of practice problem solving, and willingness to take a leadership role in managing cases and other projects
• Willingness to help continue to build a long‑term practice
• Strong academic credentials and writing skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Commitment to provide highest quality service to our clients

Why Raleigh / The Research Triangle

Raleigh and the broader Research Triangle offer an exceptional professional and personal environment. The region is a major center for business, education, and innovation, anchored by leading universities, a strong commercial real estate market, and sustained economic growth. Attorneys practicing in the Triangle benefit from sophisticated, high‑quality work combined with a strong sense of community, reasonable cost of living, and an excellent quality of life—making it an attractive place to both build a practice and put down roots.

Smith Anderson is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, strategy, and cohesiveness that supports both our clients and our people. We offer a supportive professional environment with robust training and mentoring programs, meaningful engagement with firm leadership, and opportunities for career growth tailored to individual goals, including alternative career path mentoring and development options.