Associate - Land Use & Environmental
Job Description
The Associate - Land Use & Environmental Attorney is responsible for advising clients on zoning laws, environmental compliance, land development approvals, and regulatory permitting processes. The role ensures the successful execution of due diligence reviews, administrative hearings, and environmental impact assessments under local, state, and federal laws while shielding developers, corporations, and landowners from legal and regulatory liabilities.
Required Qualifications * Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-approved and credentialed law school.
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Active membership and good standing with the State Bar association.
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2–5 years of dedicated law practice focused explicitly on environmental regulations (e.g., CEQA, NEPA, Clean Water Act) or municipal land use and zoning law.
Preferred Skills * Masterful statutory analysis, regulatory compliance navigation, and draft agreement tailoring capabilities.
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Outstanding public speaking, negotiation, and interpersonal communication talents for interfacing with public officials and agency representatives.
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Strong organizational and multitasking skills to manage multiple project files and administrative deadlines simultaneously.
Experience Required 2–5 years of relevant experience within an active real estate/environmental practice group, firm, or relevant government agency handling entitlements and zoning approvals.
Responsibilities Duties:
Key Responsibilities * Coordinate and execute legal workflows for securing zoning variances, conditional use permits, and environmental clearances for commercial and residential developments.
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Prepare comprehensive legal land-use applications, environmental compliance memoranda, and appellate briefs for administrative boards.
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Review environmental impact statements, site surveys, and phase assessments to identify latent regulatory or developmental risks.
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Coordinate with real estate developers, municipal planning boards, regulatory agencies, and environmental technical experts.
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Monitor shifting environmental protection acts, local ordinances, and clean water/air regulations to promptly adjust development strategies.
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Assist with representing clients in litigation and public hearings regarding land use disputes, condemnation defense, or regulatory enforcement actions.