Natural Resources Law Attorney

The California Department of Justice is seeking a Natural Resources Law Attorney in Los Angeles, CA. The role involves advising and representing state agencies on legal matters related to natural resources, including litigation and compliance issues. Candidates should have litigation experience and an interest in environmental law. This is a hybrid position allowing for remote work, with some in-office attendance required.
Please note that the State of California requires you to complete the Civil Service application process and applying here does not complete this process. If you would like to complete the application process, please click Apply button. Your information will be sent to one of our specialized recruiters and they will contact you to discuss next steps.

Natural Resources Law Attorney

The California Department of Justice is hiring an experienced Natural Resources Law Attorney.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

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. 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.

You will be asked to 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, hazardous substances, endangered species, wildfire cost recovery, and timber harvest plans, 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, to appeals all the way to the US Supreme Court. You will serve as plaintiff's counsel prosecuting civil environmental enforcement cases, and as defense counsel defending state agency actions. We 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.

Working Conditions:

This is a hybrid position under current DOJ telework policy, that is subject to modification. The position provides the opportunity to work remotely or in-office most days, but some in-office attendance could be required. Travel and additional in-person attendance may be required for court appearances, meetings or other occasional operational needs.

Classifications Considered:

Deputy Attorney General - Deputy Attorney General V

Required Qualification:

Membership in the California State Bar

Required Qualifications:

Applicants should have:
• Hands-on litigation experience, such as drafting and arguing motions, taking and defending depositions, and conducting bench or jury trials
• 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

Permanent

Monthly Salary Range: $11,644.00 - 15,627.00

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