Senior Associate Attorney, Energy and Land Use

The Company

Our client is a well-established law firm with a national practice spanning real estate, energy, and complex commercial transactions. The firm is known for its collaborative culture, entrepreneurial platform, and strong client relationships across the energy and infrastructure sectors. Attorneys work directly with clients on high-value matters while benefiting from mentorship, autonomy, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth.

Role Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced attorney to join its energy law group, focusing on land use, zoning, and permitting for renewable energy and battery storage projects. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex, high-impact transactions while contributing to the growth of Illinois' clean energy sector. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative yet entrepreneurial environment with meaningful responsibility and strong support from firm leadership.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Advise clients on all phases of permitting and entitlements before local governments, including the City of Chicago and surrounding counties
• Draft and negotiate agreements related to renewable energy development, including community benefits, development, annexation, and road use agreements
• Support land use and zoning matters for clean energy and battery storage projects
• Manage sophisticated transactions with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating with partners and team members
• Serve as a key contributor to the Firm's real estate and energy law groups
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through high quality service and responsiveness
• Participate in business development efforts and support practice group growth initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum of six years of experience in land use, zoning, and local government permitting
• Experience working with municipalities, particularly in the City of Chicago and surrounding counties, strongly preferred
• Familiarity with agreements related to renewable energy development (e.g., community benefits, annexation, development, road use) preferred
• Admission to the Illinois Bar and in good standing required
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and writing skills
• Excellent academic credentials
• Demonstrated commitment to client service and collaborative team environments
• Interest in business development and growing a practice within an entrepreneurial firm setting