Associate Attorney – Energy, Environment & Resources

Ashurst Perkins Coie

California associate attorney advising energy and infrastructure developers on permitting, environmental regulation, litigation, and transactions. Representing clients across major projects and regulatory proceedings.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $310,000 - $420,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in environmental and energy regulatory frameworks, including CEQA and NEPA, while effectively managing client relationships and mentoring junior staff. Proficient in translating complex technical data for diverse stakeholders and driving project deliverables to completion.

Highest-signal resume keywords

CEQA ExpertiseNEPA ExpertiseEnvironmental Regulatory ExperienceClient Relationship ManagementMentoring and Supervision

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal ResearchDraftingCounselingEnvironmental Due DiligenceRegulatory Approvals

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsHigh-Performance MindsetClient-Centric Service

Certifications & Qualifications

Active Member of the State Bar of California

Industry Keywords

Energy RegulatoryLand UseNatural Resource LawsProject FinancingStakeholder Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Advise utilities, energy companies, and infrastructure project developers on federal, state, and local regulatory approvals.
Counsel clients on CEQA, NEPA, FLPMA, NFMA, OCSLA, and related permitting requirements.
Represent clients in complex proceedings before the CPUC, CEC, BOEM, CCC, CLSC, State/Regional Water Boards, cities, and counties.
Defend project approvals against collateral attacks and handle environmental defense and administrative claims in federal and state courts.
Counsel clients on resource consultation, permitting, and mitigation frameworks involving the federal and state ESAs, CWA, coastal development, NHPA, and tribal/stakeholder engagement.
Perform environmental and regulatory due diligence and transactional drafting for energy and infrastructure acquisitions, divestitures, project financing, and real estate transactions.
Run matters independently, manage client relationships, and drive deliverables to completion.
Translate complex technical and scientific data from environmental or engineering experts for clients, regulators, and decisionmakers.
Mentor, supervise, and review junior associates and paralegals on project teams.

Requirements

What you’ll need

4–7 years of environmental, land use, or energy regulatory experience at a major Am Law firm, relevant government agency, or highly regarded environmental boutique
Deep familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, and related natural resource laws
Experience representing sponsors of electric transmission, offshore/onshore wind, solar, battery storage, water infrastructure, geothermal, and/or carbon capture and storage projects highly valued
Experience with the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) planning process highly valued
Experience running matters independently, managing client relationships, and driving deliverables to completion
Exceptional analytical, legal research, drafting, and counseling skills
Ability to translate complex technical/scientific data from environmental or engineering experts to clients, regulators, and decisionmakers
Ability to mentor, supervise, and review junior associates and paralegals
Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California
High-performance mindset and passion for client-centric service
Cover letter, resume, and law school transcript required for application

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual discretionary bonus
401(k) plan
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Personal medical leave
Parental leave
Up to ten paid holidays
Family care benefits
Hands-on mentorship from industry leaders
Real responsibilities on headline-making projects