Municipal Land Use Attorney - Northern California

Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP; California; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with partial match

Bonuses (discretionary & performance)

Job summary

Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP is seeking a Municipal Land Use Attorney for Northern California with 3–8 years of land use experience. The role focuses on land use due diligence, permitting strategy, CEQA/NEPA matters, and client advisement within a collaborative public law practice.

The ideal candidate will have CA Bar admission, strong writing and research skills, and the ability to navigate regulatory issues while supporting developers and public agencies.

Qualifications

• 3–8 years of land use and zoning experience.
• Experience with CEQA, NEPA and environmental laws.
• Strong writing, research and analytical abilities.
• California Bar admission is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct land use due diligence and permitting strategy for clients.
• Advise public agencies and developers on regulatory issues.
• Draft and review land use, environmental and zoning documents.
• Regularly update clients on matter progress.

Skills

Land use & zoning

CEQA/NEPA knowledge

Legal writing & research

Client advisory

Team-oriented

Education

Admitted to the State Bar of California

Job description

Municipal Land Use Attorney – Northern California

Sep 16, 2026

Burke, Williams & Sorensen is a full-service law firm with deep expertise in public law and municipal representation, advising cities, counties, special districts, and other public agencies throughout California. Burke offers a collaborative environment where attorneys work alongside seasoned practitioners to deliver effective and strategic representation. We are seeking attorneys with 3-8 years of relevant land use and zoning experience.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Land use due diligence and permitting, including assessment of options and opportunities to build new projects and redevelop sites, and setting strategy to achieve client developer goals, as well as assisting clients throughout the permitting process
• Demonstrated interest in public agency representation, with the ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory issues while providing practical, client-focused advice
• Substantive land use experience, and transactional experience is a benefit. A candidate also should have experience with CEQA, NEPA and other environmental protection laws as well as planning and zoning law
• Excellent writing, research, drafting, and analytical skills
• Strong work ethic, self-starter, and team-oriented mindset
• Regularly updating clients regarding the progress of their matters
• Admission to the State Bar of California

The anticipated base salary range for this full-time role is $150,000 – $225,000 plus annual performance-based bonuses. The actual salary within that range will depend on the selected candidate’s years of practice and experience. The firm offers a hybrid work arrangement option, reasonable billable hours requirement, annual discretionary and billable hours bonuses, competitive health insurance benefits, and 401(k) with a partial match.

We promote an environment that encourages mentoring attorneys to advance in the firm and their careers. Burke supports integrity, diversity, professional growth, and personal fulfillment for everyone working at our firm.

EOE.