Experienced Attorney - Environmental Law

Experienced Attorney - Environmental Law

New Haven, CT, USA
• White Plains, NY, USA
• Ithaca, NY, USA
• Syracuse, NY, USA
• Rochester, NY, USA
• Uniondale, NY, USA

Location: All NY and CT offices (Hybrid opportunity)

Description: 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. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in environmental regulatory compliance coupled with a strong background in commercial real estate transactions and land use and development.

The Environmental Attorney will have the opportunity to:

• 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
• Collaborate with developers, sponsors, lenders, and attorneys to evaluate environmental risks and bankability
• Review and assess third-party environmental reports (e.g., Phase I/II ESAs)
• Counsel on ESA compliance, land use law, utility commission processes, and habitat conservation planning
• Analyze title and survey documents for environmental restrictions and lender-related conditions
• 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
• The firm requires a minimum of 1800 billable hours annually

Applications are encouraged and desired if you have:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing U.S. environmental law
• Juris Doctorate from 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
• 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
• Excellent communication and client service skills, particularly in high-stakes matters
• Military experience welcome

Salary information below will vary depending upon relevant experience for the position, book of business, and geographic locations. This role also offers an opportunity for performance-based bonus eligibility.

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

Harris Beach Murtha is committed to an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from diverse candidates with varied background and skills, including military experience. Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Harris Beach Murtha formed in 2025 via the combination of Harris Beach PLLC and Murtha Cullina LLP. A forward-thinking and innovative partnership with the benefit of more than 250 years of combined history, Harris Beach Murtha’s New York roots reach back to 1856 and the firm has had ties to…