Environmental Attorney Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Environmental attorneys handle regulatory compliance, environmental litigation, and permitting for corporations and government agencies. Most positions qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring a law degree, with strong demand from consulting firms, energy companies, and federal contractors that regularly sponsor international talent. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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INTRODUCTION
Most environmental attorneys handle one framework. This practice handles all of them — and has for nearly 40 years. 20 attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers. A partner just appointed to the LA County Superior Court by Governor Newsom.
This Jobot Job is hosted by: Stanton Sikorski
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SALARY
Salary: $180,000 - $275,000 per year
About us
Founded over 70 years ago, this California-based firm has built one of the most respected environmental and public law practices in the region — backed by a full-service platform of 90+ attorneys and growing across 7 offices and 27 practice groups. The Environmental, Land & Resources Group is among the most experienced environmental and public law practices in California, with attorneys handling matters from initial investigation through trial and appellate review across local, state, and federal forums. 20 attorneys recognized as "Best Lawyers in America." A partner recently appointed to the LA County Superior Court by Governor Newsom. Member of Ally Law — an exclusive global alliance giving attorneys the reach of an international firm with the culture of a regional one.
LOCATION
Hiring across any of the following locations:
- Los Angeles
- Costa Mesa
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- Westlake Village
WHY JOIN US?
- Base salary: $180k–$275k DOE + bonus
- Full benefits — medical, dental, vision, 401(k), commuter benefits, paid paternity leave, generous PTO, sick leave, and paid holidays
- Hybrid remote — 3 days onsite / 2 days remote
- Full lifecycle litigation ownership from day one — investigation through trial and appeal, never handed off mid-matter
- One of the most experienced environmental and public law practices in California — nearly 40 years handling matters other firms refer out
- Clients span public agencies, municipalities, energy companies, manufacturers, developers, and trade associations — one of the broadest environmental client bases in the state
- 27 practice groups under one roof — cross-referral pipeline into real estate, water law, oil & gas, renewable energy, and construction
- Firm promotes from within — partnership track is real and active
JOB DETAILS
The Environmental, Land & Resources Group handles complex environmental litigation across every major regulatory framework — representing public agencies, municipalities, energy companies, manufacturers, developers, and trade associations when the stakes are highest.
What you'll work on:
- Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) litigation — defense and cost recovery
- Toxic tort and hazardous materials litigation under CERCLA/Superfund and state analogues
- Civil and criminal environmental enforcement defense — USEPA, DTSC, Cal-OSHA, CARB, Regional Water Quality Control Boards
- Air pollution litigation — toxic air contaminants, asbestos, diesel particulates, greenhouse gases
- Hazardous waste violations — storage, disposal, treatment, transportation under RCRA and California HWCA
- Water pollution defense — Clean Water Act, Porter-Cologne, storm water, groundwater, oil spills
- CEQA and NEPA litigation — entitlement challenges and environmental review defense
- Contaminated soil and groundwater — investigation, remediation, and cost recovery actions
- Proposition 65 and community right-to-know enforcement defense
- Internal investigations and administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement actions at all levels of government
LOOKING FOR:
- California Bar admitted
- Environmental litigation experience
- Asbestos or toxic tort litigation background preferred
- Open to 2nd Year Associates to Of Counsel
You should know some of the following:
- Asbestos Litigation
- Toxic Tort Defense
- CERCLA / Superfund
- Environmental Enforcement Defense
- Hazardous Waste Litigation
- Clean Air Act
- Clean Water Act
- CEQA / NEPA Litigation
- Cal-OSHA Defense
- Proposition 65 Defense
- Cost Recovery Actions
- Criminal Environmental Defense
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Environmental Attorney
Target environmental consulting firms and energy companies
Large consulting firms like ERM, AECOM, and CH2M regularly sponsor H-1B visas for environmental attorneys. Energy companies including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and renewable energy developers also have established sponsorship programs for legal roles.
Highlight regulatory expertise in your applications
Emphasize experience with EPA regulations, NEPA compliance, Clean Water Act, or Clean Air Act. Specialized environmental law knowledge strengthens your H-1B specialty occupation argument and appeals to employers handling complex regulatory matters.
Consider federal contractor positions
Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Booz Allen Hamilton employ environmental attorneys for compliance work. These large contractors have dedicated immigration teams and established processes for sponsoring international attorneys.
Apply to law firms with environmental practices
Major law firms including Latham & Watkins, Arnold & Porter, and Hunton Andrews Kurth have substantial environmental practices. Big law firms typically have immigration specialists and sponsor international associates regularly.
Leverage your technical background if applicable
Environmental attorneys with engineering, science, or technical degrees can target positions requiring both legal and technical expertise. This dual background strengthens specialty occupation arguments and appeals to technical consulting firms.
Network through environmental law associations
Join the American Bar Association's Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources and state environmental law sections. These organizations host networking events where you can connect with potential sponsors and learn about opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do environmental attorney positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, environmental attorney positions typically qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupations. The role requires a law degree and specialized knowledge of environmental regulations. USCIS generally approves H-1B petitions for attorney positions when the employer demonstrates the need for legal expertise in environmental law and regulatory compliance.
What degree requirements do employers have for environmental attorney H-1B sponsorship?
Employers require a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and bar admission for environmental attorney H-1B sponsorship. Some positions also prefer or require technical undergraduate degrees in environmental science, engineering, or related fields. The J.D. must be from an accredited law school, and you'll need to pass the bar exam in the relevant state.
Which types of employers sponsor environmental attorneys for H-1B visas?
Large law firms, environmental consulting companies, energy corporations, and federal contractors commonly sponsor environmental attorneys. Major consulting firms like ERM and AECOM, energy companies including Chevron and Shell, and law firms with environmental practices regularly file H-1B petitions for qualified international attorneys with environmental law expertise.
Can environmental attorneys on other visas transition to H-1B status?
Yes, environmental attorneys can transition from F-1 OPT, TN visa, or other work-authorized status to H-1B. F-1 graduates often use OPT to gain experience at firms that later sponsor their H-1B. TN holders (Canadian/Mexican lawyers) can also transition to H-1B for longer-term status with the same employer.
What are common reasons H-1B petitions get denied for environmental attorneys?
Common denial reasons include insufficient evidence that the position requires a law degree, inadequate documentation of the employer's need for environmental legal expertise, or failure to demonstrate the attorney's qualifications match the role's requirements. Employers must clearly show the position involves complex environmental law requiring specialized legal knowledge.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Environmental Attorney jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
How to find Environmental Attorney jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Environmental Attorney positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international legal professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on large law firms, environmental consulting companies, government agencies, and corporations in heavily regulated industries like energy and manufacturing. Common visa options include H-1B, O-1 visa for exceptional ability, and EB-2 for advanced degree holders.