Environmental Attorney

Senior Environmental & Commercial Real Estate Attorney

Locations: Multiple offices throughout New York State (Hybrid Work Options Available) Salary: Starting at $160,000+ (commensurate with experience, location, and book of business) Employment Type: Full-Time | Partner / Senior Counsel Level

Join a leading practice at the intersection of law, development, and environmental strategy

Our highly regarded and growing legal client is seeking an experienced Environmental & Commercial Real Estate Attorney to join its expanding practice. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex, high-profile development projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across the region.

This position is ideal for a seasoned legal professional who brings deep expertise in environmental law, permitting, and regulatory compliance-particularly in connection with large-scale infrastructure and development initiatives.

Position Overview

This role focuses heavily on environmental permitting, regulatory strategy, and project development, with optional involvement in commercial real estate transactions. You will advise clients on navigating complex regulatory frameworks, securing approvals, and managing environmental risk across a wide range of industries.

Core Responsibilities

Environmental Law & Project Development

• Lead permitting and entitlement processes for major development and infrastructure projects
• Advise clients on environmental compliance across federal, state, and local regulations
• Guide projects through environmental review processes (e.g., SEQRA, NEPA) and zoning/land-use approvals
• Interface directly with regulatory agencies and governmental bodies to secure approvals
• Support projects involving:
  • Energy and renewable energy facilities
  • Utility infrastructure and transmission systems
  • Industrial and manufacturing developments
  • Public sector and municipal projects
• Coordinate with engineers, consultants, and planners to move projects from concept through execution
• Develop strategic permitting approaches that optimize project timelines and regulatory outcomes
• Evaluate environmental risks, site constraints, and mitigation strategies, including brownfield redevelopment
• Represent clients in enforcement actions, administrative proceedings, and compliance matters
• Advise on evolving regulatory areas such as climate legislation, carbon reduction initiatives, and energy transition policies

(Optional) Commercial Real Estate Transactions

• Draft and negotiate real estate agreements, including purchase/sale contracts, leases, and development agreements
• Conduct due diligence reviews (title, environmental reports, surveys, financing structures)
• Support transaction closings and post-closing activities
• Coordinate with lenders, developers, and stakeholders throughout the transaction lifecycle