Experienced Attorney - Environmental Law

About the role

Harris Beach Murtha seeks a highly experienced environmental attorney to join our firm as a Partner or Senior Counsel in our Environmental and Commercial Real Estate Practice Groups.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on federal and state environmental regulations (e.g., CERCLA, CAA, RCRA, ECL, SEQRA, NAV)
• Represent clients in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance matters
• Structure, negotiate, and close complex commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, leasing, and development
• Lead environmental due diligence for M&A and project finance transactions
• Draft and negotiate environmental provisions in purchase and financing agreements
• Manage permitting processes related to air, water, wetlands, and offshore infrastructure
• Support remediation and risk mitigation strategies for contaminated sites, including Brownfields redevelopment
• Counsel on ESA compliance, land use law, utility commission processes, and habitat conservation planning
• Offer strategic insight on NYC Local Law 97, CLCPA, CCS projects, carbon markets, and energy transition initiatives
• Collaborate with other practice groups on real estate, energy, land use, and infrastructure projects

Requirements

• A minimum of 1800 billable hours annually
• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admission to New York State Bar (required); admission to Connecticut or Massachusetts (or ability to waive in) beneficial but not required
• Extensive involvement with federal and state permitting, regulatory compliance, and transactional environmental issues
• Demonstrated experience supporting energy, infrastructure, or large-scale development projects
• Proven ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and with multiple stakeholders
• Strong understanding of environmental risk and legal frameworks impacting deal structure and finance
• Portable book of business a plus, but not required
• In-depth knowledge of NEPA, CEQA, CERCLA, RCRA, UIC, ESA, and relevant permitting regulations
• Expertise in drafting and negotiating complex environmental contracts and provisions
• Proficiency in analyzing technical environmental data and legal implications
• Ability to manage legal timelines and coordinate with regulatory agencies and consultants
• Familiarity with carbon-related legal frameworks and environmental impacts in international infrastructure projects

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing U.S. environmental law

Skills

• Excellent communication and client service skills, particularly in high-stakes matters
• Military experience welcome

Benefits

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

Pay

• 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

Location

All NY and CT offices