Land Use/CEQA Associate Position

Boutique law firm specializing in California municipal and local government law seeks an attorney with 2-5 years of experience, preferably with a background in land use and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

A demonstrated interest in municipal law is preferred, as the position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge legal issues in the field. This role will include handling all aspects of land use and CEQA litigation including administrative record preparation, procedural steps, and briefing. The candidate will also be expected to analyze and advise on draft environmental impact reports, general plan amendments, zoning ordinances, affordable housing agreements, subdivision maps and related documents for legal sufficiency. The position also would involve advisory work, representing cities and special districts on traditional municipal law matters such as the Brown Act, Public Records Act, and conflicts of interest.

Applicants must have strong research and writing skills, the ability to approach legal questions creatively and critically, and the capacity to proactively manage multiple projects at the same time. The ideal candidate will be inquisitive, detail-oriented, and a good listener. The candidate should have strong public speaking skills and professional judgment, because the role will grow into a client-facing position.

Our firm is located in downtown Oakland, near BART and other public transportation.  This opportunity would also allow for remote work, depending on qualifications. We maintain a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, but require a high level of professionalism.  Compensation is competitive and based on experience, but more flexible than typical attorney-compensation schemes.  Attorneys have a billing target of 1,500 hours per year, plus a guaranteed bonus for each hour billed above the target. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Interested individuals are invited to submit a cover letter (optional), resume, three current references, and at least one writing sample that demonstrates objective legal analysis (for example, a memo analyzing a particular legal issue) or persuasive legal advocacy (such as a brief). Applicants who have both objective and persuasive writing samples are encouraged to submit one.  Application materials may be submitted to jarvis.fay@jarvisfay.com.