Mid-Level Environmental and Natural Resources Associate

Stoel Rives LLP is seeking an environmental and natural resources associate with three to five years of experience to join its Environmental, Land Use, and Natural Resources Practice Group in the Sacramento or San Francisco office. The associate will work on a wide variety of cases and other matters for regional and national companies, including both regulatory counseling and litigation support.

Our Environmental, Land Use, and Natural Resources Team

The Stoel Rives Environmental, Land Use, and Natural Resources team represents major businesses in the fisheries, forest products, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy industries. We deliver effective representation on the full spectrum of environmental and related issues, including regulatory compliance, permitting, legislative affairs and policy development, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.

Responsibilities

• Assist in advising clients on air quality and climate regulatory issues arising under federal and state laws, including researching applicable requirements and drafting client guidance.

• Support permitting matters (air, waste, water), by preparing and coordinating permit applications, assisting with ongoing compliance obligations (e.g., chemical reporting, stormwater management), and contributing to the development of auditing and compliance programs.

• Assist in responding to government information requests, agency investigations and enforcement actions, and citizen suits, including gathering responsive documents, drafting correspondence, and supporting case strategy.

• Support the environmental aspects of real estate and corporate transactions including reviewing environmental due diligence materials, drafting and reviewing environmental provisions of transaction documents, and assisting in the identification and preliminary analysis of environmental risks and liabilities.

• Provide litigation support, including drafting pleadings, assisting with discovery responses and document review, coordinating with expert witnesses, and organizing and managing administrative records.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials.

• 3–5 years of environmental and natural resources law and related litigation experience at an AmLaw or reputable boutique firm.

• Outstanding legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills with meticulous attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple matters, meet deadlines, and collaborate across teams in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong client-service orientation, sound judgment, and professional communication skills.

• Admission to and good standing with the California bar.

Hours Expectations & Compensation

The hours expectation for this position is 1,800 billable hours and an “all-in” hours expectation of 2,150 hours. The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. All-in hours include all billable hours, all pro bono hours, and investment hours. Investment activities include business development, professional development, mentoring and coaching, recruiting, contributing to the firm’s workplace culture, and civic and community activities.

To be eligible for a bonus, associates must reach or exceed 1,850 billable hours (inclusive of up to 50 pro bono hours) and meet or exceed the all-in hours expectation.

The base compensation for this position is $193,000 - $280,000, inclusive of salaries for preferred seniority levels in all listed markets. Base compensation presented to an individual candidate may vary based on skills and overall experience.

Developing & Retaining Talent

Stoel Rives places a high priority on attracting, developing, and retaining lawyers and business professionals.

We offer a variety of training programs and retreats addressing practice area topics and skills at all levels, as well as legal and professional skills generally. We have a coaching and mentoring program, and our new lawyer integration program provides lawyers who are new to the firm with the resources and information necessary to succeed after they join the firm. Finally, we have a core competency model which is a roadmap of the practical skills, abilities, and client service techniques needed for long-term success at the firm.

We value lawyers and business professionals who bring to the firm different backgrounds and experiences. Our people bring a variety of educational backgrounds, unique career experiences, bodies of knowledge, technical abilities, and community involvement. This variety makes us better at advising and serving our clients and it ensures a positive and supportive workplace for everyone.

We are proud participants in the ABA Well-Being Pledge, strongly believing that the well-being of our people is paramount to the success of the firm.

To learn more about the benefits of working as an attorney at Stoel Rives, click here.