Principal Counsel, Environmental Law

Berkeley Lab is hiring a Principal Counsel, Environmental Law to join their Office of Laboratory Counsel.

In this role, you will provide comprehensive legal services under the direction of the Chief Counsel covering areas such as land use, environmental law, health & safety, procurement, FOIA/CPRA, business transactions, and general law, including employment and labor law. 

Your key responsibilities include offering expertise in land use projects and compliance with environmental laws (Endangered Species Acts, NEPA, CEQA), managing CEQA and land use litigation, negotiating with government agencies, and developing compliance and risk mitigation strategies. Additionally, this position will defend enforcement actions related to water quality, air quality, hazardous materials, waste disposal, and workplace safety (CAA, CERCLA, CWA, EPCRA, ESA, OSHA, RCRA, TSCA, and state laws), advising on federal and state permitting, and representing the Lab before enforcement agencies. We are looking for a successful candidate who will interpret complex legal issues, provide functional advice, and manage outside counsel.

What You Will Do:

• Advise Berkeley Lab clients on environmental compliance and health and safety matters.
• Provide expertise in land use to navigate local jurisdictional concerns related to Lab real estate projects. 
• Advise on federal and state permitting requirements, including the Endangered Species Acts, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and hazardous waste regulations. 
• Represent the Lab before permitting and enforcement agencies. Guide Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) staff on hazardous materials, waste disposal, and safety issues. 
• Assist with general law work, including for example procurement, research agreements, public records act compliance, and labor/employment law. 
• Develop compliance and risk mitigation strategies to support the Lab’s operations. Serve as a strategic partner to business units, offering practical advice and solutions. 
• Advocate for institutional concerns with internal and external parties, understanding diverse stakeholder needs. 
• Interpret complex facts and law in ambiguous areas, providing timely legal services.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping in compliance with policies. 
• Mentor legal support staff to meet productivity and accuracy standards. 
• Support the Lab’s stewardship and inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability objectives. 
• Effectively manage outside counsel. 
• Demonstrate commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, and discretion.

What is Required:

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. 
• Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar Association.
• A minimum of 7 years (post-law degree) of relevant experience in a law firm or as in-house counsel for an academic institution, federal contractor, corporation, or other entity.
• Experience advising clients on California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance strategies.
• Significant background in environmental law, land use, and/or health & safety legal fields.
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus and engage collaboratively with clients and colleagues to contribute to the successful outcome of initiatives.
• High integrity, capable of making and communicating tough decisions, influencing consensus.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and maintain productive relationships across diverse groups.
• Strong verbal and presentation abilities, adept at clear, logical, and persuasive communication.
• Excellent written communication skills, proficient in drafting precise legal documents and briefs.
• Experience applying judgment, tact, and diplomacy to support senior teams in achieving strategic goals.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and exercise discretion effectively.
• Minimal travel as needed (inside and outside of normal business hours).

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in environmental, land use, and health & safety laws and regulations, including hazardous materials, hazardous waste, stormwater, climate change, and administrative enforcement actions within a National Laboratory or public University context.
• Experience working with public agency clients.
• Prior litigation experience in federal or state courts.
• Familiarity with federal government contracts, including knowledge of the FAR/DEAR.
• Background in labor and employment advising, including PERB, NLRB, or employment litigation.
• Legal experience in public university or National Laboratory settings.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter by August 30, 2024.
• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position is expected to pay $200,000 - $275,000 per year at the Legal Counsel 4 job classification. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience (including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications), as well as aligned with the internal leadership peer group.
• The Legal Counsel is a career position that is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director, and this appointment is at will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
• This position is subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the California Political Reform Act of 1974. The successful candidate for this position may be required to file financial interest statements upon assuming this position, annually while holding this position, and when leaving this position.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by the University of California and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have a close relationship with UC Berkeley, as well as robust partnerships with other academic institutions and industries, including those in Silicon Valley. The Laboratory conducts world-class research that supports clean energy, a healthy planet, and solution-inspired discovery science. Berkeley Lab is defined by our deeply felt sense of stewardship, which we describe as a commitment to taking care of the Laboratory's research, people, and resources that are entrusted to us. Our values of team science, innovation, service, trust, and respect knit us together as a community. We practice these values and prioritize our principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) to build highly effective teams that produce world-class science and technology and where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, can thrive.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.40.