Closing Date: 30th March, 2031

Description:

Smith Anderson is the largest business and litigation law firm headquartered in North Carolina's Research Triangle—one of the Southeast's most vibrant regions for business growth, innovation, and technology‑driven industries. For more than 100 years, the firm has served as a trusted advisor to dynamic regional, national, and global companies, earning a strong reputation for legal excellence, thoughtful client service, and practical, business‑oriented counsel. Smith Anderson combines sophisticated legal capabilities with a collaborative culture that values long‑term relationships, professional growth, and strategic thinking.

Smith Anderson's Environmental Practice advises national and regional companies on the environmental, regulatory, compliance, remediation, permitting, and litigation matters that affect their business operations and strategic objectives. Working across a broad range of industries, our attorneys help clients navigate complex environmental laws and regulations, manage environmental risk, advise on regulatory compliance, respond to enforcement actions, support business transactions and real estate acquisitions, and address environmental issues arising from redevelopment, industrial operations, and infrastructure projects. The practice is recognized for its experience in environmental compliance, permitting, Brownfields redevelopment, contaminated property transactions, environmental due diligence, remediation, and environmental litigation.

This is an opportunity to join one of North Carolina's leading environmental law practices, which is led by two former NCDEQ attorneys, and work on sophisticated regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters. The position will work closely with clients, regulators, consultants, and colleagues across the firm to provide practical, business-focused counsel on environmental compliance, permitting, remediation, enforcement, due diligence, and risk management issues. The role includes advising clients on federal and state environmental laws and regulations, supporting environmental aspects of business and real estate transactions, responding to agency inquiries and enforcement actions, and assisting with environmental litigation and administrative proceedings.

The ideal candidate will have at least three years of environmental law experience in a law firm setting and a strong background in environmental regulatory compliance, permitting, enforcement, remediation, and environmental due diligence. Experience with environmental litigation, administrative proceedings, or enforcement defense is highly desirable, as is experience involving soil and groundwater contamination, remediation projects, Brownfields redevelopment, and related environmental matters. Candidates should possess excellent analytical, research, writing, and advocacy skills, along with a practical, client-focused approach to problem-solving and relationship management.

An educational or professional background in relevant fields, including environmental engineering, engineering, geology, environmental science, or another technical discipline is strongly preferred, with prior agency and/or environmental engineering experience viewed as a significant plus. Experience with OSHA compliance, workplace safety matters, investigations, or enforcement proceedings is also desirable. Candidates may have experience in government, private practice, or both; however, prior law firm experience is required. Smith Anderson offers associates meaningful responsibility, direct client contact, and the opportunity to work on complex environmental matters within a collaborative environment that emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and long-term career growth.

Additionally, the candidate should exhibit the following skills and characteristics:

Practical, solution‑oriented, and collaborative practice style
Ability to interact directly with clients, and work independently and as part of team
Exercise of judgment, use of practice problem solving, and willingness to take a leadership role in managing cases and other projects
Willingness to help continue to build a long‑term practice
Strong academic credentials and writing skills
Excellent communication skills
Commitment to provide highest quality service to our clients