Environmental Associate

Our client is a top 100 Am law firm, they have offices globally and a strong reputation in the market. They have an immediate need for an Environmental Associate to join the team in either Richmond, VA, Los Angeles, CA, or Washington, DC office. This partnership-track position offers the chance to work alongside a highly regarded team on complex and precedent-setting environmental matters for established clients across a range of industries.

The successful candidate will work on a broad spectrum of environmental law issues, including regulatory compliance, enforcement defence, litigation, permitting, agency rulemaking, and environmental authorisations. This role is ideal for an attorney who is passionate about environmental law and is looking to develop their career within a collaborative team that values mentorship, direct client engagement, and long-term professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on environmental compliance obligations under federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks.
• Represent clients in environmental enforcement actions, investigations, and regulatory proceedings.
• Assist clients with environmental permitting and obtaining regulatory authorisations.
• Support environmental litigation matters and administrative proceedings.
• Analyse and advise on agency rulemaking and regulatory developments.
• Provide strategic environmental counselling to clients across a range of industries.
• Draft legal memoranda, regulatory filings, permit applications, and client communications.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues on complex environmental matters and long-term client projects.
• Engage directly with clients and regulatory agencies to develop practical legal solutions.
• Monitor emerging environmental issues and regulatory trends affecting client operations.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in California is required.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience practising environmental law.
• Experience with environmental compliance counselling, enforcement defence, litigation, permitting, or agency rulemaking.
• Experience gained in private practice, a trade association, government agency, or a combination thereof is preferred.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulatory frameworks and administrative processes.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding written and oral communication abilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to the practice of environmental law.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple matters effectively.
• Self-motivated with excellent judgment, intellectual curiosity, and a collaborative approach to practice.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from $260,000 - $435,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Partnership-track career progression opportunity.
• Exposure to high-profile and precedent-setting environmental matters.
• Direct client contact and meaningful responsibility from an early stage.
• Comprehensive mentoring and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Opportunity to work alongside nationally recognised environmental law practitioners.
• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Retirement savings benefits.
• Inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, teamwork, and professional growth.

If you are interested in this position, and you meet the requirements of the role, please click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your resume. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Siobhan Murray for a confidential discussion.

Our advertisements use salary and experience as a guide only. Interlink Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.