Experienced Attorney - Environmental & Commercial Real Estate

Location: All NY and CT offices (Hybrid opportunity)

Description: Harris Beach Murtha seeks a highly experienced commercial real estate and environmental attorney - ideally with substantial experience leading permitting and entitlements for complex development projects - to join our firm as a Partner or Senior Counsel in our Environmental and Commercial Real Estate Practice Groups.

While experience in traditional transactional real estate is valuable and preferred, it is not required. Candidates with strong backgrounds in environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and large-scale project development are encouraged to apply.

This Attorney will have the opportunity to:
Environmental, Permitting & Large-Scale Project Development (Enhanced Focus)
• Lead and manage permitting and entitlement processes for major infrastructure and development projects, including:
◦ Utility installations and transmission/distribution infrastructure
◦ Energy and renewable energy facilities
◦ Manufacturing and industrial facilities
◦ Municipal and State Agency facilities and public infrastructure projects
• Interface directly with regulatory agencies to obtain federal, state, and local approvals
• Guide clients through environmental review frameworks (SEQRA/NEPA) and land-use, zoning, and municipal approval processes
• Support project teams in navigating wetlands, water, air, wildlife, cultural resources, historic preservation, and coastal zone permitting
• Coordinate with engineers, environmental consultants, planners, and municipal officials to advance large project timelines
• Develop permitting strategies that enhance project viability, bankability, and regulatory defensibility
• Advise on compliance with CERCLA, CAA, RCRA, ESA, UIC, ECL, and other environmental regulatory regimes
• Evaluate environmental constraints on sites, analyze risk, and support mitigation strategies including Brownfields redevelopment
• Represent clients in environmental permitting, enforcement actions, administrative proceedings, and regulatory compliance matters
• Provide guidance on emerging policy areas such as NYC Local Law 97, CLCPA mandates, carbon management, CCS projects, and energy transition initiatives

(Optional) Commercial Real Estate Transactional Work
Candidates with experience in traditional real estate transactions may also:
• Draft and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, letters of intent, deeds, and related commercial real estate documentation
• Review due diligence, including title, survey, environmental reports, and financing contingencies
• Coordinate title commitments, UCC/judgment searches, and closing workflows
• Manage pre- and post-closing matters, recording/filing processes, and communications with lenders and counterparties
• Review and negotiate commercial leases and leasing documentation as needed
• Support development agreements, draw approvals, and developer payment processes

Applications are encouraged and desired if you have:
• 8+ years of U.S. environmental law experience, with strong involvement in permitting and regulatory compliance for large-scale development projects (Commercial real estate experience is a plus but not required)
• Juris Doctorate from ABA-accredited law school
• Admission to New York bar (or ability to waive in) required
• Admission to Connecticut or Massachusetts (or ability to waive in) preferred
• Demonstrated experience coordinating with regulatory agencies and multidisciplinary project teams
• Strong understanding of environmental risk, permitting strategies, and legal frameworks affecting project development and finance
• In-depth knowledge of NEPA, CEQA, CERCLA, RCRA, UIC, ESA, SEQRA, and relevant permitting regulations
• Experience supporting energy, infrastructure, industrial, or municipal projects from planning through implementation
• Ability to assess complex environmental reports and technical data
• Familiarity with carbon-related regulatory frameworks and environmental considerations in large infrastructure projects (domestic or international)
• Excellent communication skills and a commitment to outstanding client service
• Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Corporate experience desirable
• Military experience welcome

Salary information below will vary depending upon relevant experience for the position, book of business, and geographic locations. This role also offers an opportunity for performance-based bonus eligibility.
Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, Rochester, Syracuse, NY: $160,000 - $250,000
Long Island (Uniondale) and White Plains, NY: $170,000 - $250,000
New York, NY: $180,000 - $250,000