Associate Attorney – Environmental & Water Law

Company Background

A prominent California-based law firm with a strong legacy and multiple offices across the state. For several decades, it has provided full-spectrum legal counsel to a diverse mix of public agencies and private organizations. The firm’s core practice areas include labor and employment law, education law, construction matters, and complex litigation. Known for its deep institutional knowledge and long-standing client relationships, the firm is a trusted legal partner for both government entities and corporate clients alike.

Job Description

Our client, a rapidly growing law firm in Sacramento, is seeking a dedicated attorney to join their environmental and water law practice. The practice provides legal services to public agencies, agricultural clients, and tribal organizations, offering a blend of advisory, transactional, and litigation support. This role presents an excellent opportunity for a legal professional ready to take ownership of their work and contribute meaningfully to impactful matters.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal support and counsel on environmental and water law matters for public and private sector clients.
• Assist in preparing discovery responses and pleadings for litigation and administrative proceedings.
• Represent clients before state regulatory bodies, including the State Water Resources Control Board. Draft a variety of legal documents including client memoranda, legal briefs, and motion work in adversarial settings.
• Conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis, often under tight deadlines. Independently handle the drafting and responding to written discovery with minimal oversight.
• Interface professionally with clients, communicating strategic legal advice with clarity and confidence.
• Develop and execute legal strategies and action plans for assigned matters.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across transactional and litigation practices.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in the California State Bar.
• Minimum 3 years of legal experience in environmental and/or water law.
• Demonstrated experience working with or representing public entities such as cities, counties, and special districts.
• Solid understanding of public sector laws, including the Brown Act, Public Records Act, and conflict of interest regulations.
• Experience participating in litigation or administrative hearings, particularly those involving state water or environmental agencies. Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills across varied formats and case types.
• Ability to manage deadlines, respond to discovery, and contribute to litigation strategy with limited supervision.
• Proven ability to work effectively with clients and internal teams, showcasing professionalism and responsiveness.
• Preferred personal qualities include being a self-starter, excellent communicator, hard-working, possessing sound judgment, and having an entrepreneurial spirit.