Natural Resources Law Attorney

***Please note that the State of California requires you to complete the Civil Service application process and applying on LinkedIn does not complete this process. If you would like to complete the application process, please click on the Apply button. Your information will be sent to one of our specialized recruiters and they will contact you to discuss next steps.***

We are looking for a bright, energetic attorney to join our section to help further our client agencies’ missions of protecting and fairly managing our state’s natural resources. California state agencies manage our air, water, wildlife, forests and other natural resources, and when those agencies need advice or are in court, they turn to the Natural Resources Law Section for legal representation.

Positions may be filled in Sacramento, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Oakland. These positions allows telework. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises. California residency is required.

You will advise and represent state agencies including the Air Resources Board, the State Water Resources Control Board and the nine regional water quality control boards, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Fish and Game Commission, CAL FIRE and the Board of Forestry, and the Department of Food & Agriculture, among others. Attorneys in the section will typically handle cases involving air pollution, water rights and water supply, water quality, CEQA, endangered species, wildfire cost recovery, as well as business and corporate issues.

The position’s duties include representing state agencies in litigation matters from soup to nuts: from providing pre-litigation advice, to every aspect of pre-trial and trial litigation, through the appellate process. You will serve as plaintiff’s counsel prosecuting civil environmental enforcement cases, and as defense counsel defending state agency actions. You may also advise some boards and commissions on compliance with open meeting laws and on other issues when asked. Most of your work will be in state and federal courts in California, but some could be in courts in other states as well. Every deputy’s case load varies, and attorneys who are mission driven and welcome challenges thrive here.

Desirable Qualifications include:

• Hands-on litigation experience, such as drafting and arguing motions, taking and defending depositions, and conducting bench or jury trials.
• Ability to write clearly and persuasively.
• Experience with and/or a demonstrated interest in environmental law or policy.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Excellent communication, analytical, organization, and negotiation skills.
• Being a self-starter with a positive attitude.

Required Qualifications:

• Active membership in the California State Bar

Monthly Salary:

• Deputy Attorney General (0-5 years): $7,737.00 - $11,173.00
• Deputy Attorney General III (5+ years): $10,536.00 - $13,526.00
• Deputy Attorney General IV (6+ years): $11,644.00 - $14,954.00

Benefits of working for the State of California:

• Work-life balance
• 11 paid holidays
• Flexible paid leave options
• Consistent wage increases
• Pension retirement
• Job Stability
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• And more!