Job Posting: Environmental/Regulatory Counsel - Path to Partnership
*Confidential application process*
Location: Richmond, Virginia (Fully In-Office)
Our prominent Richmond-based law firm is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Environmental/Regulatory Counsel to join our established practice. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with significant government experience looking for a direct path to law firm partnership.
Key Highlights
- Role: Counsel, with a clear 4-year partnership track.
- Location: Fully in-office position in our Richmond office.
- Experience Focus: We highly encourage candidates with experience from local, state, or federal government to apply. Law firm experience is not required.
- Billable Hour Requirement: 1,800 hours annually.
- Compensation: Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience), 12% annual bonus for meeting billable hours, plus discretionary bonuses.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will take on a crucial role, advising clients on a broad range of matters, including:
- Providing regulatory counsel on state and federal environmental laws (e.g., air, water quality, waste management). Experience with Virginia agencies like the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is a strong plus.
- Handling complex land use and zoning issues, including permitting, development, and administrative appeals before local and state bodies.
- Representing clients in administrative enforcement actions and litigation related to environmental and land use compliance.
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating documents related to environmental compliance, real estate transactions, and corporate due diligence.
- Developing and maintaining client relationships and contributing to the firm’s business development efforts.
Qualifications
- Required Experience: A minimum of 5-6 years of focused experience in environmental law, regulatory compliance, and/or land use.
- Bar Membership: Must be an active member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar (or eligible for immediate admission).
- Government Experience: Prior experience working for a local, state, or federal government agency, particularly in a regulatory or legal capacity, is highly valued.
- Skills: Exceptional legal research, writing, and communication skills; a proven ability to manage complex cases independently; and a commitment to professional excellence.
Compensation and Career Path Details
This is a direct path designed for an experienced and talented attorney ready to transition into a leadership role within a private practice.
- Initial Title: Counsel
- Partnership Eligibility: 4 years from start date.
- Annual Billable Requirement: 1,800 hours.
- Bonus: A guaranteed 12% of base salary upon meeting the billable requirement, supplemented by added discretionary bonuses.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and retirement plans.
If you are passionate about environmental and regulatory law and prepared to join a collegial and demanding firm environment, we encourage you to apply.
Please send your confidential resume to Spencer McAdoo at spencer.mcadoo@gogpac.com or call/text 605-705-2943 to discuss this in more detail.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
