Environmental Law Attorney

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Retirement annuity

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Conferences and training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Environmental Law Attorney to join the Richards Bay team in KwaZulu-Natal. You will advise on environmental legislation, coordinate EIAs, obtain authorisations, and represent clients in litigation and administrative proceedings.

The ideal candidate is admitted to the High Court of South Africa with at least five years of environmental practice, has strong research, writing and advocacy skills, and can manage complex cases independently.

Qualifications

• Strong research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for client and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex environmental cases.
• Experience in environmental litigation or administrative law is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of South African environmental legislation and policy.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on compliance with national and provincial environmental legislation, including NEMA.
• Assist clients with environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and environmental authorisations.
• Represent clients in administrative proceedings, appeals, and litigation concerning environmental matters.
• Draft and review environmental agreements, permits, and policies.
• Provide legal counsel on waste management, water use, pollution control, and biodiversity conservation.
• Conduct due diligence investigations for mergers, acquisitions, and property transactions.
• Stay abreast of evolving environmental laws, regulations, and case law.
• Develop strategies for clients to mitigate environmental risks and liabilities.
• Engage with regulatory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients.
• Contribute to the development of environmental policy and strategy for clients.

Skills

Research

Writing

Advocacy

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Environmental litigation

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Case management software

Legal research databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking law firm with a commitment to sustainability, is seeking a passionate and experienced Environmental Law Attorney to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for advising a diverse clientele on environmental legislation, regulatory compliance, and sustainability initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background and practical experience in environmental law, including permitting, compliance, litigation, and policy. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful legal work in a growing field, serving clients in industries vital to the region. We are dedicated to providing expert legal counsel that supports both business objectives and environmental stewardship. The position demands a proactive, detail-oriented professional with excellent analytical and advocacy skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise clients on compliance with national and provincial environmental legislation, including the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
• Assist clients with environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and obtaining environmental authorisations.
• Represent clients in administrative proceedings, appeals, and litigation concerning environmental matters.
• Draft and review environmental agreements, permits, and policies.
• Provide legal counsel on waste management, water use, pollution control, and biodiversity conservation.
• Conduct due diligence investigations for mergers, acquisitions, and property transactions.
• Stay abreast of evolving environmental laws, regulations, and case law.
• Develop strategies for clients to mitigate environmental risks and liabilities.
• Engage with regulatory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients.
• Contribute to the development of environmental policy and strategy for clients.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience practicing environmental law.
• In-depth knowledge of South African environmental legislation and policy.
• Demonstrated experience in advising on EIA processes and environmental permitting.
• Strong research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex environmental cases.
• Experience in environmental litigation or administrative law is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for client and stakeholder engagement.
• Commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development principles.
• Proficiency in legal research and case management software.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a performance bonus structure. Employees are provided with a comprehensive private medical aid plan, a retirement annuity, and ample paid time off. There are significant opportunities for professional development, including attendance at industry conferences and specialized training programs. The firm fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment, prioritizing employee well-being. This role is based in the strategic industrial and port city of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , offering unique legal challenges and opportunities.