OPT Environmental Attorney Jobs
Environmental Attorney jobs on OPT are available at law firms, government agencies, and nonprofits working on climate, land use, and regulatory compliance. Most roles require a J.D. and bar admission, so confirm your OPT end date aligns with any bar exam timeline before applying.
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Get Access To All JobsJoin a Team of Difference Makers
Joining Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (QPWB) means becoming part of a team of difference-makers who are passionate about making a positive impact in the legal profession. Our commitment to excellence, diversity, and innovation extends to every aspect of the firm.
Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (QPWB), a multi-office national law firm and the largest minority owned law firm in the United States, is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our New York City office. This position will work with attorneys handling corporate, securities, business, and related legal matters.
Candidates are not required to have prior corporate or securities experience. We are seeking a motivated attorney who is admitted to practice in New York and interested in developing their experience within these areas of law.
About the Role
The Associate Attorney will work closely with experienced attorneys on a variety of corporate, securities, business, and litigation-related matters. The role offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a diverse practice while developing substantive legal, research, writing, and advocacy skills.
There is no minimum number of years of experience required for this position. We welcome applications from newly admitted attorneys as well as candidates with prior legal experience who are interested in expanding their practice.
The position requires the ability to travel throughout the tri-state area for court appearances and other case-related matters as needed.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with corporate, securities, business, and related legal matters
- Conduct legal research and analyze applicable statutes, regulations, case law, and regulatory guidance
- Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, motions, correspondence, agreements, and other legal documents
- Assist with case and matter strategy, preparation, and management
- Attend court appearances, hearings, conferences, and other proceedings throughout the tri-state area
- Assist with discovery, document review, and preparation of case materials as applicable
- Communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, courts, regulatory bodies, and other parties
- Work closely with partners and senior attorneys on ongoing matters and special projects
- Maintain deadlines and ensure timely completion of assignments
- Perform additional attorney responsibilities as needed based on the needs of the practice
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
- Active admission to the New York State Bar required
- Connecticut Bar admission is a plus, but not required
- No minimum number of years of experience required
- Prior corporate, securities, or business law experience is a plus, but not required
- Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines
- Willingness and ability to travel for court appearances and other matters throughout the tri-state area
- Professional, dependable, and interested in developing within a collaborative legal environment
Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated salary for this position is $85,000, with flexibility based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
QPWB offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid life insurance and short-term disability
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid vacation, holidays, and personal time off
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a national law firm
To Apply
For immediate consideration, qualified candidates should submit their resume. Compensation is negotiable and commensurate with experience.
QPWB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#LI-AR1
Join a Team of Difference Makers
Joining Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (QPWB) means becoming part of a team of difference-makers who are passionate about making a positive impact in the legal profession. Our commitment to excellence, diversity, and innovation extends to every aspect of the firm.
Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (QPWB), a multi-office national law firm and the largest minority owned law firm in the United States, is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our New York City office. This position will work with attorneys handling corporate, securities, business, and related legal matters.
Candidates are not required to have prior corporate or securities experience. We are seeking a motivated attorney who is admitted to practice in New York and interested in developing their experience within these areas of law.
About the Role
The Associate Attorney will work closely with experienced attorneys on a variety of corporate, securities, business, and litigation-related matters. The role offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a diverse practice while developing substantive legal, research, writing, and advocacy skills.
There is no minimum number of years of experience required for this position. We welcome applications from newly admitted attorneys as well as candidates with prior legal experience who are interested in expanding their practice.
The position requires the ability to travel throughout the tri-state area for court appearances and other case-related matters as needed.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with corporate, securities, business, and related legal matters
- Conduct legal research and analyze applicable statutes, regulations, case law, and regulatory guidance
- Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, motions, correspondence, agreements, and other legal documents
- Assist with case and matter strategy, preparation, and management
- Attend court appearances, hearings, conferences, and other proceedings throughout the tri-state area
- Assist with discovery, document review, and preparation of case materials as applicable
- Communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, courts, regulatory bodies, and other parties
- Work closely with partners and senior attorneys on ongoing matters and special projects
- Maintain deadlines and ensure timely completion of assignments
- Perform additional attorney responsibilities as needed based on the needs of the practice
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
- Active admission to the New York State Bar required
- Connecticut Bar admission is a plus, but not required
- No minimum number of years of experience required
- Prior corporate, securities, or business law experience is a plus, but not required
- Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines
- Willingness and ability to travel for court appearances and other matters throughout the tri-state area
- Professional, dependable, and interested in developing within a collaborative legal environment
Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated salary for this position is $85,000, with flexibility based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
QPWB offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid life insurance and short-term disability
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid vacation, holidays, and personal time off
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a national law firm
To Apply
For immediate consideration, qualified candidates should submit their resume. Compensation is negotiable and commensurate with experience.
QPWB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#LI-AR1
See all 361+ OPT Environmental Attorney Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Environmental Attorney Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Environmental Attorney
Target employers with active environmental dockets
Law firms and agencies handling EPA enforcement, NEPA compliance, or clean energy litigation hire attorneys regularly. Employers with ongoing regulatory work are more likely to extend OPT students into H-1B visa sponsorship than boutique firms with sporadic caseloads.
Confirm bar admission compatibility with your OPT timeline
Most Environmental Attorney roles require bar admission in the relevant state. Check when you can sit for the bar exam and whether your OPT authorization period covers the months between passing and starting full-time employment.
Prioritize government agencies and large environmental nonprofits
Federal agencies like the EPA and DOJ Environment Division, along with nonprofits such as Earthjustice, regularly hire attorneys. These employers often have established OPT and immigration processes compared to smaller regional practices.
Apply for STEM OPT if your J.D. qualifies
If your law degree included a qualifying STEM component or dual degree, verify with your DSO whether you may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, which significantly extends your authorized work period.
Lead with specialized environmental coursework and clinic experience
Employers weigh environmental law clinic work, NEPA or Clean Water Act coursework, and regulatory agency internships heavily. Highlight these directly on your resume to demonstrate readiness for compliance or litigation work from day one.
Ask about sponsorship early in the interview process
Environmental law is a specialized field with a smaller hiring pool, giving candidates more leverage to raise visa questions. Ask during the second interview stage whether the firm or agency has previously sponsored attorneys for H-1B status.
Environmental Attorney OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Environmental Attorney on OPT?
Yes, if your J.D. is from an accredited U.S. law school and you have valid OPT authorization, you can work as an Environmental Attorney. Your employment must be directly related to your legal education. Bar admission is required by most employers, so your OPT timeline needs to account for exam preparation and results.
Do Environmental Attorney employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Sponsorship rates vary by employer type. Large law firms with established immigration practices, federal agencies, and major environmental nonprofits are the most consistent sponsors. Smaller regional firms or solo practices often lack the infrastructure to support H-1B petitions. Searching Migrate Mate for Environmental Attorney roles lets you filter for OPT-friendly and sponsoring employers directly.
Does Environmental Attorney work qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. Legal practice, including environmental law, consistently meets the H-1B specialty occupation standard because it requires at minimum a J.D. degree in a specific field. USCIS has routinely approved H-1B petitions for attorneys. Your employer will need to file a Labor Condition Application and demonstrate the role requires a law degree.
How does the bar exam timeline interact with my OPT period?
This is one of the most common OPT complications for law graduates. Bar exams are typically offered in February and July, with results released two to four months later. If your OPT start date precedes bar admission, some employers will hire you in a law clerk or junior associate capacity while you await results, provided your authorization period covers it.
What types of Environmental Attorney roles are most accessible on OPT?
Regulatory compliance positions at corporations, staff attorney roles at environmental nonprofits, and agency positions with the EPA or state environmental departments are among the most accessible for OPT students. These employers often have defined hiring cycles and clearer immigration policies than private litigation boutiques. Fellowship programs at advocacy organizations are also worth pursuing during your OPT period.