Associate Attorney - Water Law - 7-10 Years

Locations: San Francisco or Los Angeles, CA

About the role

A well-established law firm is seeking an Associate Attorney with 7-10 years of Water Law and/or Environmental Law experience to join its Water Practice Group. This position offers the opportunity to represent public and private sector clients in complex water resources, environmental, regulatory, and litigation matters. The ideal candidate will have strong litigation experience, a demonstrated ability to manage sophisticated matters, and experience handling all phases of litigation in state and federal courts. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking significant responsibility, client engagement, and long-term growth within a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in water law, environmental law, and related regulatory matters
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents in state and federal court
• Manage all phases of discovery, including written discovery, depositions, and motion practice
• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies for complex litigation matters
• Advise clients on water rights, environmental compliance, regulatory requirements, and related legal issues
• Collaborate with attorneys and clients on multiple high-priority matters and case management responsibilities

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active membership in the California State Bar
• 7-10 years of experience in water law, environmental law, or related litigation
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Significant experience drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, and other substantive legal filings
• Experience taking and defending depositions and arguing motions
• Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive matters independently and collaboratively

Qualifications

• Experience with water rights, environmental compliance, administrative proceedings, regulatory matters, natural resources, public agency law, CEQA, NEPA, or related environmental and water law matters is preferred
• Strong project management skills and ability to take ownership of significant matters

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation Package
• Base Salary: $240,000 - $305,000, depending on experience and qualifications
• Eligible for annual bonus opportunities
• Associates who meet the annual billable expectation may earn a bonus equal to 15% of base salary
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Bar Dues and CLE Reimbursement
• In-House Mentorship Program

Schedule

1,850 annual billable hours, including up to 100 hours of approved pro bono work.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a respected water and environmental law practice, working on complex and impactful matters while collaborating with experienced attorneys in a collegial, hybrid work environment.

For this position, you must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship for a non-immigrant visa.