Senior Environmental Attorney - Energy, Real Estate & Projects

Location: All New York and Connecticut offices - Hybrid Work Schedule

Experience Level: Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing U.S. environmental law with significant experience in energy, infrastructure, or large-scale development projects.

About the Role: Harris Beach Murtha seeks a highly experienced environmental attorney to join our firm as a Partner or Senior Counsel in our Environmental and Commercial Real Estate Practice Groups, and Energy Industry Team.

The Environmental Attorney will have the opportunity to:

• Advise clients on federal and state environmental regulations, including CERCLA, CAA, RCRA, ECL, SEQRA, and NAV matters
• Represent clients in environmental permitting, compliance, enforcement, and regulatory matters
• Structure, negotiate, and close complex commercial real estate transactions involving acquisitions, leasing, financing, and development projects
• Lead environmental due diligence efforts for mergers and acquisitions, project finance, and real estate transactions
• Draft and negotiate environmental provisions within purchase, sale, financing, and development agreements
• Manage permitting and approval processes related to air, water, wetlands, energy, and infrastructure projects
• Advise clients on remediation and risk mitigation strategies for contaminated properties, including Brownfield redevelopment projects
• Collaborate with developers, sponsors, lenders, utilities, and project stakeholders to evaluate environmental risks and project feasibility
• Review and assess Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments and other technical environmental reports
• Counsel clients on ESA compliance, land use issues, utility commission proceedings, and habitat conservation planning
• Analyze title, survey, and environmental due diligence materials related to real estate and development projects
• Provide strategic guidance regarding NYC Local Law 97, CLCPA compliance, carbon capture and storage initiatives, carbon markets, and energy transition matters
• Work collaboratively with attorneys across the firm's Environmental, Commercial Real Estate, Energy, Land Use, and Infrastructure Practice Groups

Work Environment and Expectations:

• Hybrid work opportunity available from any Harris Beach Murtha office in New York or Connecticut
• Minimum annual billable requirement of 1800 hours
• Opportunity to advise clients on complex environmental, real estate, infrastructure, and energy-related projects throughout the region

Applications are encouraged and desired if you have:

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admission to the New York State Bar (required); Connecticut or Massachusetts admission, or ability to waive in, is a plus
• Extensive experience with environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, enforcement, and transactional environmental matters
• Significant experience supporting energy, infrastructure, and large-scale development projects, including project permitting, regulatory compliance, and transactional matters
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and with diverse stakeholders
• Strong understanding of environmental risk allocation and legal frameworks affecting deal structure and project finance transactions
• Portable book of business is welcomed but not required
• In-depth knowledge of NEPA, CERCLA, RCRA, ESA, UIC, and related environmental permitting and regulatory frameworks
• Experience drafting and negotiating sophisticated environmental contracts and transaction documents
• Ability to analyze technical environmental data and advise clients on legal and business implications
• Experience managing regulatory timelines and coordinating with governmental agencies, consultants, and project teams
• Familiarity with carbon markets, energy transition initiatives, and environmental considerations affecting domestic and international infrastructure projects
• Excellent communication, client service, and business judgment skills
• Military experience welcome

Salary information below will vary depending upon relevant experience for the position, book of business, and geographic locations. This role also offers an opportunity for performance-based bonus eligibility.

Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, Rochester, Syracuse, NY: $160,000 - $250,000
Long Island (Uniondale) and White Plains, NY: $170,000 - $250,000
New York, NY: $180,000 - $250,000

Harris Beach Murtha offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports both professional and personal well-being. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurances; health savings and flexible spending account options; life and disability insurances; retirement plan including 401(k) and profit sharing; paid leave programs; employee assistance resources; commuter and parking benefits where applicable; and professional development opportunities. Eligibility for benefits is subject to applicable plan terms and firm policies.

Harris Beach Murtha is committed to an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from diverse candidates with varied background and skills, including military experience. Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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