Environmental Attorney

Environmental Attorney

We are working with a prominent, regional firm seeking an Environmental Attorney with at least eight years of U.S. environmental law experience to join their Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, Rochester or Syracuse office.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in environmental regulatory compliance and litigation, coupled with a strong background in commercial real estate transactions and land use and development. They will advise clients on federal and state environmental regulations (e.g., CERCLA, CAA, RCRA, ECL, SEQRA, NAV); represent clients in environmental litigation, permitting, and regulatory compliance matters; structure, negotiate, and close complex commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, leasing, and development; lead environmental due diligence for M&A and project finance transactions; draft and negotiate environmental provisions in purchase and financing agreements; manage permitting processes related to air, water, wetlands, and offshore infrastructure; support remediation and risk mitigation strategies for contaminated sites, including Brownfields redevelopment; collaborate with developers, sponsors, lenders, and attorneys to evaluate environmental risks and bankability; review and assess third-party environmental reports (e.g., Phase I/II ESAs); counsel on ESA compliance, land use law, utility commission processes, and habitat conservation planning; analyze title and survey documents for environmental restrictions and lender-related conditions; offer strategic insight on NYC Local Law 97, CLCPA, CCS projects, carbon markets, and energy transition initiatives; and collaborate with other practice groups on real estate, energy, land use, and infrastructure projects.

The candidate must have extensive involvement with federal and state permitting, regulatory compliance, and transactional environmental issues; demonstrated experience supporting energy, infrastructure, or large-scale development projects; proven ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and with multiple stakeholders; a strong understanding of environmental risk and legal frameworks impacting deal structure and finance; in-depth knowledge of NEPA, CEQA, CERCLA, RCRA, UIC, ESA, and relevant permitting regulations; expertise in drafting and negotiating complex environmental contracts and provisions; proficiency in analyzing technical environmental data and legal implications; the ability to manage legal timelines and coordinate with regulatory agencies and consultants; familiarity with carbon-related legal frameworks and environmental impacts in international infrastructure projects; and excellent communication and client service skills, particularly in high-stakes matters. A portable book of business is a plus, but not required. New York Bar admission is required. Admission to the Connecticut and/or Massachusetts Bar is a plus!

The firm offers a competitive base salary commensurate with experience, and a wide array of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, long term disability, short term disability, and a 401(k) plan. In addition, they provide a collaborative and supportive work environment; encourage and support integrity, diversity, collaboration, and professional growth; and provide the foundation and support for their attorneys to succeed such as mentoring relationships, comprehensive training and continuing education opportunities, the ability to work directly with partners and clients, and recognition for contributions to the firm's success.

To be considered, please provide a resume, and law school transcript. Writing samples or deal sheets and cover letters are not required but are appreciated. All applications are confidential and NOT shared with employers without the candidate's permission.

Oak Ridge Legal Search and the clients we work with are equal opportunity employers and provide equal opportunity to qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class in accordance with all applicable laws. If a level of experience is indicated, this is a guideline only and does not preclude applications from candidates with more or less experience.