Natural Resources Law Attorney

California Department of Justice; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Natural Resources Law Attorney to join their team. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to work with various California state agencies, advising on critical environmental issues such as air pollution and water rights. You will represent these agencies in court, including the US Supreme Court, making a significant impact on the management and protection of the state’s natural resources. If you are a self-starter with a strong litigation background and a commitment to environmental law, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Membership in the California State Bar is mandatory.
• Hands-on litigation experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent state agencies in environmental law cases.
• Handle litigation from pre-litigation to trial and appeals.

Skills

Litigation experience

Environmental law

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Education

Membership in the California State Bar

Job description

Natural Resources Law Attorney

The California Department of Justice is hiring an experienced Natural Resources Law Attorney.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

California state agencies manage our air, water, wildlife, forests, and other natural resources. When these agencies need legal advice or representation in court, they turn to the Natural Resources Law Section. We seek a bright, energetic attorney to help further our client agencies’ missions of protecting and managing our state’s natural resources fairly.

You will advise and represent agencies such as the Air Resources Board, the State Water Resources Control Board, regional water quality control boards, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, CAL FIRE, the Board of Forestry, and the Department of Food & Agriculture. Your work will involve cases related to air pollution, water rights, water quality, CEQA, hazardous substances, endangered species, wildfire cost recovery, timber harvest plans, and business issues.

Your duties include representing state agencies in litigation from pre-litigation advice through trial and appeals, including cases in the US Supreme Court. You will serve as plaintiff’s counsel in civil environmental enforcement and as defense counsel for agency actions. Some work may involve compliance advice on open meeting laws and other issues. Most cases will be in California courts, with some in other states. Success in this role requires a mission-driven attitude and a readiness for challenges.

Working Conditions:

This is a hybrid position under current DOJ telework policy, allowing remote or in-office work most days, with some in-office attendance required. Travel and in-person court appearances may also be necessary.

Classifications Considered:

Deputy Attorney General - Deputy Attorney General V

Required Qualifications:

• Membership in the California State Bar
• Hands-on litigation experience, including motions, depositions, and trials
• Interest or experience in environmental law or policy
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and negotiation skills
• Self-starter with a positive attitude

Additional Details:

Position Type: Permanent

Monthly Salary Range: $11,644.00 - $15,627.00

We are an equal opportunity employer, providing employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.