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
Cookordination with engineers, environmental consultants, planners, and municipal officials to advance large project timelines
Develop permitting strategies that enhance project viability, bankability, and regulatory defensibility
Advise on compliance with CERCLA, CAA, RCRA, ESA, UIC, ECL, and other environmental regulatory regimes
Evaluate environmental constraints on sites, analyze risk, and support mitigation strategies including Brownfields redevelopment
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
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
Ability to assess complex environmental reports and technical data
Familiarity with carbon-related regulatory frameworks and environmental considerations in large infrastructure projects (domestic or international)
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
Hybrid opportunity
Qualifications
None specified
Skills
None specified
Benefits
None specified
Application Instructions
Applications are encouraged and desired if you have 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).