Experienced Attorney - Environmental & Commercial Real Estate

About the role

Harris Beach Murtha seeks a highly experienced commercial real estate and environmental attorney - ideally with substantial experience leading permitting and entitlements for complex development projects - to join our firm as a Partner or Senior Counsel in our Environmental and Commercial Real Estate Practice Groups.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage permitting and entitlement processes for major infrastructure and development projects, including:
• Utility installations and transmission/distribution infrastructure
• Energy and renewable energy facilities
• Municipal and State Agency facilities and public infrastructure projects
• Interface directly with regulatory agencies to obtain federal, state, and local approvals
• Guide clients through environmental review frameworks (SEQRA/NEPA) and land-use, zoning, and municipal approval processes
• Support project teams in navigating wetlands, water, air, wildlife, cultural resources, historic preservation, and coastal zone permitting
• Coordinate with engineers, environmental consultants, planners, and municipal officials to advance large project timelines
• Develop permitting strategies that enhance project viability, bankability, and regulatory defensibility
• Evaluate environmental constraints on sites, analyze risk, and support mitigation strategies including Brownfields redevelopment
• Advise on compliance with CERCLA, CAA, RCRA, ESA, UIC, ECL, and other environmental regulatory regimes
• Represent clients in environmental permitting, enforcement actions, administrative proceedings, and regulatory compliance matters
• Provide guidance on emerging policy areas such as NYC Local Law 97, CLCPA mandates, carbon management, CCS projects, and energy transition initiatives

Requirements

• 8+ years of U.S. environmental law experience, with strong involvement in permitting and regulatory compliance for large-scale development projects (Commercial real estate experience is a plus but not required)
• Juris Doctorate from ABA-accredited law school
• Admission to New York bar (or ability to waive in) required
• Admission to Connecticut or Massachusetts (or ability to waive in) preferred

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience coordinating with regulatory agencies and multidisciplinary project teams
• Strong understanding of environmental risk, permitting strategies, and legal frameworks affecting project development and finance
• In-depth knowledge of NEPA, CEQA, CERCLA, RCRA, UIC, ESA, SEQRA, and relevant permitting regulations
• Experience supporting energy, infrastructure, industrial, or municipal projects from planning through implementation
• Able to assess complex environmental reports and technical data
• Familiarity with carbon-related regulatory frameworks and environmental considerations in large infrastructure projects (domestic or international)

Skills

• Excellent communication skills and a commitment to outstanding client service
• Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Corporate experience desirable
• Military experience welcome

Benefits

This role also offers an opportunity for performance-based bonus eligibility.

Pay

Salary information below will vary depending upon relevant experience for the position, book of business, and geographic locations.

• Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, Rochester, Syracuse, NY: $160,000 - $250,000
• Long Island (Uniondale) and White Plains, NY: $170,000 - $250,000
• New York, NY: $180,000 - $250,000

Schedule

The role offers a hybrid schedule.