Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Environmental Associate Attorney
Location Options: Austin, Dallas, Houston, or Washington, D.C.

Direct Counsel is seeking an Environmental Associate with 2–4 years of experience to join a leading law firm with a nationally regarded environmental and energy practice. The position may be based in any of the firm’s Texas offices (Austin, Dallas, or Houston) or in Washington, D.C., offering a flexible platform to build and deepen experience in complex regulatory, transactional, and litigation work.

This is an opportunity to be part of a collaborative and high-performing team that advises a broad spectrum of clients—from energy companies to developers—on cutting-edge environmental compliance, risk management, ESG matters, and administrative litigation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise on environmental aspects of corporate and real estate transactions, including due diligence and risk mitigation strategies

• Counsel clients on compliance with federal and state environmental statutes, including:

  • RCRA, CERCLA, CAA, CWA, TSCA, FIFRA, NEPA, ESA, and state equivalents

• Assist in enforcement actions, regulatory investigations, and related defense strategy

• Work on climate disclosure and ESG-related regulatory requirements

• Handle litigation and administrative challenges involving federal and state agencies, particularly under the Administrative Procedure Act and core environmental laws

• Provide industry-focused guidance to energy-sector clients, including oil & gas, renewables, and transitional energy companies

• Analyze legal implications of offshore and public land activity under OCSLA and similar frameworks (preferred but not required)

Preferred Background:

• Private practice or in-house experience representing clients in the energy industry

• Exposure to public lands and offshore regulatory issues under OCSLA or BLM guidelines

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and work across multidisciplinary teams

Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited law school

• 2–4 years of experience in environmental law

• Licensed to practice in Texas or Washington, D.C., or eligible to waive in

• Excellent academic credentials and strong legal research and writing skills

• Collaborative and proactive mindset, with a willingness to work on a variety of matters across jurisdictions

Compensation:

• This position may be filled in Washington, D.C. or Austin, TX

• Salary Range: $235,000 – $310,000/year (actual compensation will depend on experience and qualifications)

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