California Projects, Energy, Environment & Resources Associate Attorney - Midlevel to Senior
$310,000–$420,000 year
HybridSan Francisco, California, United States or Los Angeles, California, United States
Job Summary
Advise utilities, energy companies, and infrastructure developers on federal, state, and local regulatory approvals, with a heavy focus on CEQA, NEPA, FLMPA, NFMA, and OCSLA. Represent clients in complex proceedings before the CPUC, CEC, BOEM, CCC, CLSC, and State/Regional Water Boards, as well as local cities and counties. Defend project approvals against collateral attacks and handle environmental defense and administrative claims in federal and state courts. Counsel clients through resource consultation, permitting, and mitigation frameworks involving the Endangered Species Acts, Clean Water Act, coastal development, and tribal engagement. Conduct environmental and regulatory due diligence and draft transactional documents for acquisitions, divestitures, project financing, and real estate transactions. Mentor junior associates and paralegals to ensure top-tier legal delivery.
Required Qualifications
- 4–7 years of environmental, land use, or energy regulatory experience
- Experience at a major Am Law firm, relevant government agency, or highly regarded environmental boutique
- Deep familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, and related natural resource laws
- Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California
- Experience running matters independently
- Managing client relationships
- Driving deliverables across the finish line
- Exceptional analytical skills
- Exceptional legal research skills
- Exceptional drafting skills
- Exceptional counseling skills
- A demonstrated ability to translate complex technical/scientific data (from environmental or engineering experts) to clients, regulators, and decisionmakers
- Mentor, supervise, and review the work product of junior associates and paralegals on project teams to ensure top-tier, efficient legal delivery
Desired Qualifications
- Experience representing project sponsors of electric transmission, offshore/onshore wind, solar, battery storage, water infrastructure, geothermal, and/or carbon capture and storage projects
- Experience with the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) planning process
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