Environmental Attorney

Position: Environmental Attorney

Company: Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC

Location: Buffalo, NY (preferred) - also considering Albany, Rochester, and Syracuse, NY

Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC seeks a talented Environmental Attorney at the senior associate or junior partner level to join and help grow our environmental, land use, and project development practice.

About Us: Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC is a fully integrated law firm providing comprehensive legal services and outstanding advocacy. Our attorneys represent clients in complex and high-impact matters, including environmental compliance, project development, regulatory proceedings, and related litigation. We take pride in combining deep legal knowledge with practical insight to achieve meaningful results for our clients.

Responsibilities:

• Advise clients on environmental and land use issues, including regulatory compliance, permitting, enforcement actions, and project development.
• Represent clients before administrative agencies, such as the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and federal environmental bodies.
• Handle or oversee environmental litigation, including Article 78 proceedings, declaratory judgment actions, and enforcement defense.
• Provide counsel on environmental aspects of real estate and business transactions.
• Support development and execution of strategic growth initiatives within the firm’s environmental and regulatory practice areas.
• Stay current on changes in environmental law, energy regulation, and land use policy affecting clients and projects.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the New York State Bar.
• 4-10 years of experience in environmental law, administrative and regulatory practice, or related litigation.
• Experience with state and federal environmental statutes, including SEQRA/NEPA, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, RCRA, and CERCLA.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with clients and agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters and work collaboratively across practice groups.

What We Offer:

• Significant opportunity for practice growth and client development within an expanding regional environmental law group.
• Collaboration with highly experienced attorneys in complementary areas, including litigation, construction, real estate, and insurance law.
• Professional development opportunities, in-house CLEs, and firm-paid bar association dues.
• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.
• Inclusive and supportive work environment focused on professional excellence and innovation.
• Access to cutting-edge legal resources and technology.

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or domestic violence victim status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $130,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• environmental law: 4 years (Required)

Work Location: In person