Environmental Attorney Jobs in California
Environmental attorney jobs in California concentrate in environmental regulation, land use, CEQA compliance, and climate litigation, making the state one of the most active markets in the country for this specialty. Most hiring clusters in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, where firms like Latham and Watkins, Morrison Foerster, and the California Department of Justice Environmental Section maintain lasting environmental law practices. The most in-demand specialties are CEQA and NEPA review, hazardous waste compliance, and environmental enforcement defense. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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The San Bernardino, CA office of Lewis Brisbois, a full-service AmLaw 100 firm, is actively seeking an attorney to join its Toxic Tort & Environmental Practice.
The ideal candidate will have strong research and writing skills and at least one (1) to seven (7) years of experience in all phases of toxic tort and environmental litigation including case management, motion practice, and discovery, as well as handling hearings, depositions, arbitrations, and trials. Admission to the California Bar is required.
Lewis Brisbois’ representation of its clients, both in toxic tort and environmental matters, extends to state, federal, and administrative hearings and trials, including Superfund multi-site litigation and coordinated Federal Multi-District Litigation. We represent generators, landowners, municipalities, and site operators, from multi-national corporations to family-owned local companies. The diversity of the firm's environmental practice is reflected in its clients. Clients range from individuals, partnerships, and closely held corporations to Fortune 500 companies. The client base includes both foreign and domestic companies, governmental agencies, manufacturing, and real estate development companies as well as foreign and domestic insurance carriers. The firm is frequently selected to represent clients as National Counsel in mass tort and products liability litigation, including asbestos cases, automotive litigation (rollover cases), dietary supplements (L-Tryptophan, ephedra), etc.
Although we would prefer that you have some experience in toxic tort and environmental law, we are also interested in working with developing talented attorneys who come to us with excellent skills in any litigation arena. If you have substantive litigation experience, a demonstrated interest in toxic tort and environmental law, and are looking for an opportunity in a growing, collaborative firm, we invite you to apply.
We offer competitive compensation and in addition, Lewis Brisbois offers a range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401k with employer match.
Qualifications:
#LI-HYBRID
#LI-RH1
Minimum Salary: USD $135,000.00/Yr. Maximum Salary: USD $180,000.00/Yr.
The San Bernardino, CA office of Lewis Brisbois, a full-service AmLaw 100 firm, is actively seeking an attorney to join its Toxic Tort & Environmental Practice.
The ideal candidate will have strong research and writing skills and at least one (1) to seven (7) years of experience in all phases of toxic tort and environmental litigation including case management, motion practice, and discovery, as well as handling hearings, depositions, arbitrations, and trials. Admission to the California Bar is required.
Lewis Brisbois’ representation of its clients, both in toxic tort and environmental matters, extends to state, federal, and administrative hearings and trials, including Superfund multi-site litigation and coordinated Federal Multi-District Litigation. We represent generators, landowners, municipalities, and site operators, from multi-national corporations to family-owned local companies. The diversity of the firm's environmental practice is reflected in its clients. Clients range from individuals, partnerships, and closely held corporations to Fortune 500 companies. The client base includes both foreign and domestic companies, governmental agencies, manufacturing, and real estate development companies as well as foreign and domestic insurance carriers. The firm is frequently selected to represent clients as National Counsel in mass tort and products liability litigation, including asbestos cases, automotive litigation (rollover cases), dietary supplements (L-Tryptophan, ephedra), etc.
Although we would prefer that you have some experience in toxic tort and environmental law, we are also interested in working with developing talented attorneys who come to us with excellent skills in any litigation arena. If you have substantive litigation experience, a demonstrated interest in toxic tort and environmental law, and are looking for an opportunity in a growing, collaborative firm, we invite you to apply.
We offer competitive compensation and in addition, Lewis Brisbois offers a range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401k with employer match.
Qualifications:
#LI-HYBRID
#LI-RH1
Minimum Salary: USD $135,000.00/Yr. Maximum Salary: USD $180,000.00/Yr.
See All 7 Environmental Attorney Jobs in California
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Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Environmental Attorney Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
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What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in environmental attorney jobs across California.
- Active membership in the State Bar of California required to practice law
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Experience with CEQA, NEPA, or California environmental regulatory frameworks
- Background in land use, hazardous materials, water rights, or air quality law
- Strong research, writing, and litigation or regulatory advocacy skills
- Experience working with California state agencies such as CalEPA or CARB preferred
Environmental Attorney Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a environmental attorney in California?
To become an environmental attorney in California, you must earn a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, pass the California State Bar Examination administered by the State Bar of California, and be admitted to the State Bar. Most candidates then gain foundational experience through clerkships, public agency positions, or associate roles at firms with active environmental practices before specializing in areas like CEQA compliance or environmental litigation.
Which companies hire environmental attorneys in California?
Companies currently hiring environmental attorneys in California include Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, Jobot, and Stoel Rives, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. California's strict environmental regulatory environment, driven by agencies like CalEPA and CARB, means both private firms and public sector employers maintain consistent demand for this specialty.
Which California cities have the most environmental attorney jobs?
Burbank, Costa Mesa, and Sacramento have the most environmental attorney openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its concentration of major law firms and industrial compliance work, San Francisco anchors the market for climate litigation and tech-sector environmental counsel, and Sacramento draws heavily from state agency hiring and regulatory advocacy given its role as the state capital and home to CalEPA.
Are there remote environmental attorney jobs in California?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely desk-based legal fields, since environmental attorneys frequently need to conduct site visits, appear before regulatory agencies, and attend state proceedings in person. About 100% of environmental attorney openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with remote work most common for research-heavy roles such as regulatory analysis, policy counsel, and environmental compliance advisory.
How can I get hired as a environmental attorney in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a public sector position or judicial clerkship, which California's large state government and federal district courts make accessible to new law graduates. The California Attorney General's office, CalEPA, and the State Water Resources Control Board all offer fellowship and entry-level counsel programs. Law school clinics focused on environmental justice, externships with California regional water boards, and associate roles at firms with defined environmental practice groups are the common lateral moves that build the credential base needed to advance.
Where can I find and apply to environmental attorney jobs in California?
You can find and apply to environmental attorney jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across law firms, corporations, and public agencies. Search the listings, identify the roles that fit your background and practice focus, and apply directly through each posting.
See All 7 Environmental Attorney Jobs in California
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