Senior Assistant Attorney General, Environment Section

State role located in the Office of the Attorney General, providing high-quality legal services to the Commonwealth’s natural resources agencies.

About the role

Provide legal advice and litigation services to ensure the Commonwealth’s natural resources agencies operate within state laws while enforcing environmental regulations. Serve as lead counsel in environmental matters before administrative and judicial forums, handling all aspects of litigation, including discovery, expert consultation, witness examination, and preparation of legal briefs. Act as the primary legal adviser to natural resources agencies, boards, and authorities, analyzing statutory and regulatory authority. Monitor and analyze state and federal environmental regulatory developments and perform bill reviews during General Assembly sessions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead counsel in environmental litigation, including issue identification, discovery, expert collaboration, witness examination, and preparation of legal pleadings.
• Advise Commonwealth natural resources agencies, boards, and authorities on statutory and regulatory matters.
• Monitor and analyze state and federal developments in environmental regulatory areas through industry reports, conferences, and regulatory issuances.
• Conduct bill reviews during sessions of the General Assembly.
• Represent complex legal and political interests while building consensus and resolving conflicts.

Requirements

• Ability to quickly understand complex legal matters and factual scenarios related to natural resources agencies.
• Knowledge of the Virginia Administrative Process Act, Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and Conflicts of Interest Act.
• Familiarity with state and federal court rules for civil litigation, evidence, and administrative law procedures.
• Proficiency in legal research and preparation of briefs for state and federal courts.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to analyze and present legal conclusions clearly.
• Ability to organize work, establish priorities, and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, opposing counsel, and the public.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, NetDocuments, LawBase, Adobe Acrobat DC, Google Earth, and Google Maps.

Qualifications

• Member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar.
• Admission to the bars for the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is highly beneficial.

Pay

Hiring range: $110,000–$130,000.