Projects Energy Environment amp Resources Associate Attorney - Midlevel to Senior

Job Overview:

A law firm is seeking a midlevel to senior associate attorney with 4 to 7 years of experience to join its California Projects, Energy, Environment & Resources practice in San Francisco, California. This role focuses on advising clients on complex energy, environmental, infrastructure, and natural resources matters, including project development, regulatory compliance, permitting, litigation, and transactional support. The position offers the opportunity to work on significant infrastructure and energy projects while collaborating with a highly experienced legal team.

Duties:

• Advise clients on federal, state, and local permitting and regulatory requirements for energy and infrastructure projects.
• Counsel clients regarding compliance with environmental laws, including CEQA, NEPA, FLPMA, NFMA, OCSLA, and other applicable regulations.
• Represent clients in administrative proceedings before regulatory agencies, commissions, and local government authorities.
• Defend project approvals and represent clients in environmental litigation and enforcement matters in state and federal courts.
• Provide guidance on natural resources, land use, permitting, mitigation strategies, and stakeholder engagement.
• Conduct environmental and regulatory due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, financing, divestitures, and real estate transactions.
• Draft and negotiate transactional documents related to energy and infrastructure projects.
• Manage legal matters independently while maintaining strong client relationships.
• Interpret technical and scientific information from environmental and engineering experts and communicate findings effectively to clients and regulatory agencies.
• Supervise, mentor, and review the work of junior attorneys and paralegals.

Requirements:

• 4 to 7 years of experience in environmental, land use, or energy regulatory law.
• Experience gained at a major law firm, government agency, or respected environmental law practice.
• Strong knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and related environmental and natural resource laws.
• Experience advising project sponsors involved in electric transmission, renewable energy, utility infrastructure, water projects, geothermal, carbon capture, offshore or onshore wind, solar, or battery storage projects is preferred.
• Familiarity with the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) planning process is advantageous.
• Ability to manage complex legal matters independently and oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in California.

Skills:

• Strong legal research, writing, drafting, and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication and client counseling skills.
• Ability to analyze and explain complex technical and scientific information.
• Experience managing client relationships and delivering high‑quality legal services.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Leadership abilities with experience mentoring junior legal professionals.
• Collaborative mindset and commitment to client‑focused service.

Benefits:

• Annual discretionary bonus eligibility.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Personal medical leave and parental leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Family care benefits.
• Opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and involvement in high‑profile energy and infrastructure matters.