Environmental Law Specialist (Remote)

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Environmental Law Specialist to join a remote team advising on South African and international environmental regulation. You will interpret EIAs, assist with permitting, and help design compliance programs for diverse clients.

The role emphasizes autonomous work from a remote location, with collaboration across geographic locations and ongoing policy advocacy efforts in a growing environmental sector.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with at least 5 years of dedicated experience in environmental law.
• Proven track record advising on environmental regulations (e.g., NEMA, MPRDA, water use licensing).
• Strong understanding of environmental impact assessment processes and permitting.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on environmental laws, regulations, and compliance matters.
• Review and interpret EIAs and related documentation.
• Advise clients on permitting, licensing, and regulatory approvals for projects.
• Develop and implement environmental compliance programs and strategies.
• Represent clients in administrative proceedings, negotiations, and litigation.
• Conduct legal research on emerging environmental trends and implications.

Skills

Environmental law

Legal research

Regulatory compliance

Remote collaboration

Education

Admitted Attorney

Tools

Legal research databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental consultancy and advocacy group, is seeking a highly specialized Environmental Law Specialist to join their team on a fully remote basis. This position is critical for advising on the complex and ever-evolving landscape of environmental legislation within South Africa and internationally. You will be working from your own location, contributing to impactful projects that aim to promote sustainable practices and ensure regulatory compliance for a diverse clientele. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of environmental statutes, regulations, and case law, coupled with exceptional research and analytical skills. This remote-first role requires a self-disciplined and communicative professional who can effectively collaborate with team members and clients across different geographic locations. You will play a key role in providing expert legal counsel, developing compliance strategies, and contributing to policy advocacy, all within a flexible and independent work structure. Our client is committed to fostering a remote work culture that empowers its legal experts.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on environmental laws, regulations, and compliance matters.
• Review and interpret environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and related documentation.
• Advise clients on permitting, licensing, and regulatory approvals required for projects.
• Assist in developing and implementing environmental compliance programs and strategies.
• Represent clients in administrative proceedings, negotiations, and litigation related to environmental issues.
• Conduct legal research on emerging environmental legal trends and their implications.
• Draft and review environmental agreements, policies, and contractual clauses.
• Stay abreast of changes in environmental legislation at national, provincial, and local levels.
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, engineers, and other consultants on multidisciplinary projects.
• Provide training and awareness sessions on environmental legal obligations.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in environmental law.
• Proven track record of advising on environmental regulations (e.g., NEMA, MPRDA, water use licensing).
• Strong understanding of environmental impact assessment processes and permitting.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and environmental legislation.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, essential for remote client and stakeholder interaction.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects effectively from a remote location.
• Experience with environmental litigation or administrative appeals is a significant advantage.
• A passion for environmental protection and sustainability.
• Must be able to work remotely and be available for virtual meetings as needed.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a competitive salary and the ultimate flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa . You will have the opportunity to work on significant environmental projects and make a meaningful impact. Our client provides a supportive virtual team environment and opportunities for professional development in a growing field. This role is ideal for a self-starter seeking autonomy and challenging legal work. Further details on benefits will be discussed during the interview process.