Environmental Litigation Attorney Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the role of environmental litigation attorneys has never been more vital.

As climate change accelerates and environmental regulations tighten, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, advocate, and protect our environmental legal landscape.

But what exactly is expected from an environmental litigation attorney?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring attorney looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A law firm striving to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of environmental litigation,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive environmental litigation attorney job description template, crafted for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Environmental Litigation Attorney Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Litigation Attorneys are legal professionals who focus on disputes and cases relating to environmental law.

They work to protect environmental rights and ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Representing clients in court cases relating to environmental issues
• Researching and interpreting environmental laws and regulations
• Preparing and drafting legal documents such as pleadings, briefs, and appeals
• Advising clients on the potential implications of current and proposed environmental laws
• Negotiating settlements for disputes related to environmental issues
• Working with experts to understand the technical aspects of cases, such as the environmental impact of certain actions
• Conducting depositions of witnesses and experts
• Working with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with environmental laws
• Participating in public hearings and meetings about environmental regulations
• Keeping up-to-date with current environmental laws and regulations, as well as emerging trends in environmental law

 

Environmental Litigation Attorney Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Environmental Litigation Attorney to join our legal team.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in environmental law, with a primary focus on litigation related to environmental issues.

The Environmental Litigation Attorney will be responsible for providing legal advice on a range of environmental issues, represent clients in court, and contribute to policy development.

Proficiency in areas such as clean air and water laws, hazardous waste, oil and gas, climate change, and land use is required.

 

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in court or before government agencies on environmental litigation cases
• Prepare and draft legal documents, such as pleadings, briefs, motions, and appeals
• Conduct legal research and analysis on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles
• Provide advice on compliance with environmental laws and regulations
• Conduct settlement negotiations in environmental litigation matters
• Coordinate with expert witnesses and consultants
• Engage in policy development and legislative advocacy
• Keep updated with environmental legislation changes

 

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school
• Admission to the state bar
• Proven experience as an Environmental Litigation Attorney
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and public speaking skills
• Proficient in legal research and writing
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Environmental Litigation Attorney
• Work Environment: Office setting with some travel required for court appearances and meetings
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Attorney or Legal Department Head
• Salary: Salary is based on candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $175,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a writing sample to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Environmental Litigation Attorney Do?

Environmental Litigation Attorneys are specialized legal professionals who represent clients in environmental law cases.

These attorneys can work for law firms, government bodies, or non-profit organizations, and sometimes as private practitioners.

They primarily deal with cases related to environmental issues, such as pollution, land use, wildlife protection, and water rights.

They work on behalf of companies, government agencies, or individuals who may be accused of violating environmental laws or regulations.

Their tasks involve researching and understanding various environmental laws and regulations, preparing legal documents, and representing clients in court.

They might also negotiate settlements or plea deals on behalf of their clients.

Environmental Litigation Attorneys also provide advice to their clients on how to comply with environmental laws and avoid litigation.

They are involved in the drafting and reviewing of environmental impact statements and permits, and they often work closely with environmental consultants and experts.

In addition, they play a crucial role in shaping environmental policies by participating in legislative and regulatory proceedings.

They are often consulted during the development of new environmental laws or regulations.

 

Environmental Litigation Attorney Qualifications and Skills

An accomplished Environmental Litigation Attorney should have the skills and qualifications that align with the expectations and needs of your law firm, including:

• Strong knowledge of environmental laws and regulations to provide sound legal advice and build solid cases for clients.
• Exceptional research abilities to gather, analyze and interpret complex legal and environmental data relevant to cases.
• Persuasive negotiation and advocacy skills to effectively represent clients in court and settlement discussions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to maintain client relationships, provide legal counsel, and explain complex legal matters in a clear and straightforward manner.
• Outstanding critical thinking and problem-solving skills for devising strategies and solutions to address legal challenges in environmental law.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail, which are essential when preparing legal documents, managing case files, and meeting court deadlines.
• A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and a license to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Experience or interest in environmental issues, science, or policy may be beneficial.

 

Environmental Litigation Attorney Experience Requirements

Aspiring Environmental Litigation Attorneys often begin their journey by completing a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Political Science, or Pre-Law studies.

This is followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Candidates should then pass the Bar Examination in their respective state and gain admission to the Bar.

Although not a requirement, a Master of Law (LLM) in Environmental Law can provide an edge in the competitive market.

At the entry-level, attorneys may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time positions at law firms, or through working as a legal assistant or paralegal.

Professionals with over 3 years of experience may have honed their skills through working on cases related to environmental laws, regulations, and policies, and may have a record of representing clients in court, negotiations, and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies.

Attorneys with more than 5 years of experience in environmental litigation may have a proven track record of successfully advising clients on the environmental aspects of transactional matters such as mergers, acquisitions, and real estate.

They may also have experience leading a legal team and managing complex litigation.

Advanced roles may require specialized experience in areas like climate change, biodiversity, or natural resources, as well as skills in complex litigation, class action lawsuits, and regulatory enforcement.

 

Environmental Litigation Attorney Education and Training Requirements

Environmental Litigation Attorneys usually begin their career path with a bachelor’s degree in an area such as environmental science, political science, or pre-law studies.

However, the key requirement is a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which is attained after graduating from law school.

To get admitted into law school, a bachelor’s degree and a passing score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) are needed.

During law school, prospective Environmental Litigation Attorneys should focus their coursework on environmental law, land use, natural resources law, and legal research.

Participating in internships or clinical experiences in environmental law can provide valuable real-world experience.

After obtaining a J.D. degree, every state requires lawyers to pass a written bar examination to be licensed to practice.

Depending on the state, there may also be an ethics examination.

As Environmental Litigation Attorneys must keep up with changing legislation and regulations, ongoing education is critical.

This can be accomplished through attending legal seminars and workshops, earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental Law, or obtaining certification from a professional organization such as the National Association of Environmental Law Societies.

While not required, a background or additional degree in environmental science or policy can be beneficial in understanding the complexities of environmental issues.

 

Environmental Litigation Attorney Salary Expectations

An Environmental Litigation Attorney can expect to earn an average salary of $114,970 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can differ based on factors such as experience, education, location, and the nature of the employing firm.

 

Environmental Litigation Attorney Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Environmental Litigation Attorney need?

Environmental Litigation Attorneys should have a strong understanding of environmental law and regulations.

They should have excellent legal research, analytical, negotiation, and written and verbal communication skills.

They should also have the ability to manage complex cases and work within strict deadlines.

 

Do Environmental Litigation Attorneys need a specific degree?

Yes, Environmental Litigation Attorneys must have a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

They must also have passed the bar examination.

A degree or additional courses in environmental science or a related field can also be beneficial for understanding complex environmental issues.

 

What should you look for in an Environmental Litigation Attorney’s resume?

An Environmental Litigation Attorney’s resume should include their Juris Doctorate (JD) degree and bar admission.

Experience in environmental law, particularly with litigation, is also essential.

Look for involvement in environmental cases, regulatory proceedings, and administrative hearings.

Any additional education or experience in environmental science or policy can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Environmental Litigation Attorney?

A good Environmental Litigation Attorney should be passionate about environmental issues and committed to achieving justice in their cases.

They should be detail-oriented, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and capable of managing complex cases.

Excellent communication skills are crucial as they will need to argue cases in court, negotiate settlements, and explain complex legal matters to clients.

 

Is it challenging to hire Environmental Litigation Attorneys?

Hiring Environmental Litigation Attorneys can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the field.

These attorneys need to have a strong legal background, as well as an understanding of environmental law and often complex scientific concepts.

However, the demand for these lawyers is growing as environmental issues become more prominent, leading to increased interest in the field.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an environmental litigation attorney.

Guess what?

It’s not just about arguing cases.

It’s about safeguarding our planet, one legal action at a time.

With our detailed environmental litigation attorney job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to resource for crafting precision-based listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every legal action you take is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s protect our environment. Together.

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