Entry-Level or Junior Associate Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources Associate

Stoel Rives is seeking a recent graduate or junior associate to join its Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources practice group in the Sacramento office.

Our Environmental Land Use & Natural Resources Team

The Stoel Rives Environmental, Land Use, and Natural Resources team represents major businesses in the fisheries, forest products, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy industries. We deliver effective representation on the full spectrum of environmental and related issues, including regulatory compliance, permitting, legislative affairs and policy development, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.

Qualifications

Below are the skills and experience necessary for this role. Candidates might not have all these skills and experiences, but if you have many of them and are enthusiastic about developing others, we encourage you to apply.

We are looking for a recent graduate or junior associate who has a deep interest in Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources and wants to practice in Sacramento starting in the fall of 2026:

• JD from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials.
• Active membership with the California Bar, or a recent JD law school graduate who passed the February 2026 California Bar Exam or who is registered to take the July 2026 exam.
• Coursework or experience in Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources, and a demonstrated interest in building a long-term practice in this area.
• Experience prior to or during law school that might include professional work experience, participation in environmental law school organizations, law review, mock trial, or moot court.
• Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, responsiveness, initiative, and perseverance, and commitment to client service and team success.
• Strong client-service orientation, sound judgment, and professional communication skills.

Hours Expectations & Compensation Stoel Rives: Part of Our Team

The hours expectation for this position is 1,800 billable hours and an “all-in” hours expectation of 2,050 or 2,150, depending on seniority. The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. All-in hours include the billable hours expectation as well as any additional billable hours, additional pro bono hours, and investment hours. Investment activities include business development, professional development, mentoring and coaching, recruiting, contributing to the firm’s workplace culture, and civic and community activities.

To be eligible for a bonus, associates must reach or exceed 1,850 billable hours (inclusive of up to 50 pro bono hours) and meet or exceed the all-in hours expectation.

The base compensation range for this position is $180,000, inclusive of salaries in all listed markets. Base compensation presented to an individual candidate may vary based on skills, overall experience, and market location.

Developing & Retaining Talent

Stoel Rives places a high priority on attracting, developing, and retaining lawyers and business professionals.

We offer a variety of training programs and retreats addressing practice area topics and skills at all levels, as well as legal and professional skills generally. We have a coaching and mentoring program, and our new lawyer integration program provides new lawyers with the resources and information necessary to succeed after they join the firm. Finally, we have a core competency model which is a roadmap of the practical skills, abilities, and client service techniques needed for long-term success at the firm.

We value lawyers and business professionals who bring to the firm different backgrounds and experiences. Our people bring a variety of educational backgrounds, unique career experiences, bodies of knowledge, technical abilities, and community involvement. This variety makes us better at advising and serving our clients and it ensures a positive and supportive workplace for everyone.

We are proud participants in the ABA Well-Being Pledge, strongly believing that the well-being of our people is paramount to the success of the firm.

To learn more about the benefits of working as an attorney at Stoel Rives, click here. 

Principals only, no recruiters, please.