Description:

A Northeast Legal Powerhouse 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. 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.

The Environmental Attorney will have the opportunity to:

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
Collaborate with other practice groups on real estate, energy, land use, and infrastructure projects
The firm requires a minimum of 1800 billable hours annually

Applications are encouraged and desired if you have:

Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing U.S. environmental law
Juris Doctorate from ABA-accredited law school
Admitted to New York State Bar; admission to Connecticut or Massachusetts (or ability to waive in) is beneficial
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
Strong understanding of environmental risk and legal frameworks impacting deal structure and finance
Portable book of business a plus, but not required
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
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
Excellent communication and client service skills, particularly in high-stakes matters
Military experience welcome