Our client is seeking a California-admitted associate with 4–7 years of experience to help developers and sponsors advance major infrastructure initiatives. The work combines complex environmental and regulatory approvals, direct client engagement, and opportunities to defend consequential project decisions in court.
The Work
- Advise utilities, energy companies, and infrastructure developers on federal, state, and local approvals, with substantial work under CEQA, NEPA, FLPMA, NFMA, and OCSLA.
- Represent clients in proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, California Coastal Commission, State Lands Commission, water boards, and local governments.
- Help advance electric transmission, renewable and conventional generation, offshore and onshore wind, solar, battery storage, water infrastructure, geothermal, and carbon capture projects.
- Defend project approvals against collateral challenges and handle environmental defense and administrative claims in federal and state courts.
- Guide clients through natural-resource consultation, permitting, and mitigation involving endangered species, clean water, coastal development, historic preservation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Conduct environmental and regulatory due diligence and support drafting for energy and infrastructure acquisitions, divestitures, project financings, and real estate transactions.
- Translate complex scientific and engineering information into practical advice for clients, regulators, and decision-makers, while coordinating teams and mentoring junior colleagues.
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 familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, and related natural-resource laws.
- Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
- Experience independently managing matters, maintaining client relationships, and driving work to completion.
- Excellent legal research, analytical, drafting, counseling, and communication skills.
- Ability to interpret technical or scientific material and communicate it clearly to clients, regulators, and decision-makers.
- Experience with project sponsors in areas such as transmission, wind, solar, storage, water, geothermal, or carbon capture is valued; CAISO planning-process experience is especially valuable.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor or supervise junior associates and paralegals in a collaborative, client-focused practice.
Why Consider It
Join a Chambers-ranked California team advising on major infrastructure and energy-transition matters, with work spanning project development, agency proceedings, litigation, and transactions.
The broader global practice connects colleagues across 52 offices in 20 countries.
The role offers hands-on mentorship from experienced practitioners and real responsibility on significant projects.
Compensation & Benefits
The stated annual compensation range is $310,000–$420,000, with eligibility for a discretionary bonus, 401(k), medical, dental and vision insurance, 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.