Our client is seeking an experienced associate to help advance major energy and infrastructure projects across California and the Western United States. This opportunity brings together environmental permitting, agency advocacy, litigation, and transactional support in a collaborative practice focused on the complexities of the energy transition.
The Work
- Advise utilities, energy companies, and project developers on federal, state, and local approvals, with substantial work involving CEQA, NEPA, and other environmental and natural-resources laws.
- Represent project sponsors in complex proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission, federal agencies, coastal and lands commissions, water boards, and local governments.
- Help develop and permit electric transmission, renewable and conventional generation, offshore and onshore wind, solar, battery storage, water infrastructure, geothermal, carbon capture, and data center projects.
- Defend project approvals against collateral challenges and handle environmental defense and administrative claims in federal and state courts.
- Counsel clients on species and resource consultations, mitigation, coastal development, historic preservation, and tribal and stakeholder engagement.
- Provide environmental and regulatory due diligence and transactional drafting for energy and infrastructure acquisitions, divestitures, project financings, and real estate transactions.
- Manage matters and client relationships, coordinate technical and scientific input, and supervise or mentor junior associates and paralegals on project teams.
What You Bring
- Four to seven years of environmental, land use, or energy regulatory experience at a major law firm, relevant government agency, or highly regarded environmental boutique.
- Strong working knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and related natural-resources laws and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience representing project sponsors in energy or infrastructure development is valued, including transmission, wind, solar, battery storage, water, geothermal, or carbon capture projects.
- Experience with the California Independent System Operator planning process is highly valued.
- Ability to run matters independently, manage client relationships, and move complex work and deliverables forward efficiently.
- Excellent analytical, legal research, drafting, and counseling skills, including the ability to translate technical or scientific information for clients, regulators, and decision-makers.
- Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California, along with the ability to contribute to a collaborative, high-performance team.
Why Consider It
Join a collaborative California practice connected to a global Projects, Energy, Environment and Resources platform, with hands-on mentorship and real responsibility on significant projects.
The work offers breadth across project development, regulatory proceedings, litigation, and transactions, alongside exposure to issues shaping the energy transition.
Compensation & Benefits
The stated annual compensation range is $310,000–$420,000, depending on qualifications and experience; the role is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and includes 401(k), medical, dental and vision coverage, personal medical and parental leave, paid holidays, and family care benefits.
Confidentiality
This is a confidential opportunity. Contact Advocates Legal Recruiting to discuss the role and receive additional details about the client and team. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.