Municipal Land Use Associate Attorney

Job overview

The Municipal Land Use Associate Attorney is mainly remote for California-based attorneys, with the listing location in San Rafael, CA and work across Northern California. The stated base salary range is $165,000–$205,000 per year. Direct Counsel is recruiting for a California public law practice advising public entities. The attorney advises on land use, zoning, development, permitting, and environmental matters, guiding clients through regulatory and approval processes. The role supports public agencies’ project objectives through legal analysis, practical advice, document drafting, and matter management.

What you'll do

• Advise public agencies and clients on land use, zoning, development, and permitting
• conduct land use due diligence
• evaluate development opportunities and regulatory constraints
• develop permitting and approval strategies
• guide clients through entitlement processes
• advise on planning, zoning, CEQA, NEPA, and environmental laws
• research and analyze legal issues
• draft memoranda, agreements, resolutions, and ordinances
• communicate with clients
• manage matters independently and collaborate with public law attorneys.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

municipal land use associate attorney

land use

zoning

permitting

ceqa

nepa

public agencies

northern california

california remote

direct counsel

$165,000–$205,000/year

health insurance

401(k) match

mentorship

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Annual performance-based and discretionary bonus opportunities, health insurance, 401(k) with partial employer match, mentorship, and professional development.

Why this role

Mainly remote California practice with public agency clients and a reasonable billable-hours requirement.

About the employer

Direct Counsel is hiring for this role. Industry: Offices of Lawyers. Sector: 54.