Mid-to-Senior Level Associate Attorney – Land Use (Sacramento or San Francisco)
About the Role
As a key member of our team, you will play an integral role in representing a diverse range of clients statewide in land use, CEQA/NEPA, and other environmental matters. Your responsibilities will include:
• Advising clients on land use permitting and approvals, ensuring regulatory compliance, and addressing permit issues.
• Conducting due diligence for project acquisitions and financing.
• Supporting litigation efforts to defend land use project approvals.
• Developing creative legal strategies in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will bring strong interpersonal and communication skills, a keen analytical mindset, and a meticulous eye for detail. We are seeking someone who is a self-starter, eager to take on client-facing responsibilities, and ready to contribute to challenging and impactful work. A track record of success in environmental and natural resources law, along with a distinguished academic record, exceptional research, and writing skills, are essential. Must be a current, active member of the California State Bar.
Compensation & Benefits
We recognize the importance of investing in our team members’ professional development. You’ll receive robust mentorship, hands-on training, and opportunities for growth within a collaborative and dynamic environment. Our associate base compensation is lockstep, determined by your class year, substantive experience, and geographic location, with bonus consideration based on performance and productivity:
• Sacramento: $160,000 – $207,000
• San Francisco: $191,000 – $239,000
We are open to candidates outside the Sacramento and San Francisco areas and offer a relocation bonus to help with the transition. The firm also provides a comprehensive benefits package. At Downey Brand, we understand the importance of a balanced professional and personal life. We offer a hybrid work environment with flexibility to work remotely part of the time, ensuring you can excel in your role while maintaining personal well-being.
Why Downey Brand?
Joining Downey Brand means becoming part of a dynamic and highly respected firm with one of the largest Natural Resources practices in the state. Our attorneys counsel clients on critical compliance strategies and regularly handle some of the most complex disputes in the west. You will have the opportunity to work with top professionals in the field, gain exposure to a wide variety of legal matters, and contribute to shaping the future of environmental law – in an environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to do their best work.
Application Process
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to an outstanding practice, we invite you to submit your cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a recent writing sample to Maureen Cooper, Recruiting Director.
Downey Brand LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All inquiries will be kept confidential. Please, no telephone calls.