Description

Senior Associate Attorney – Energy & Utilities (Sacramento or San Francisco)

Date Posted: January 16, 2026

Downey Brand, one of California’s leading law firms in water, environmental, energy, and natural resources law, is seeking a talented senior associate attorney with 5 to 8 years of experience to join our Natural Resources Department. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven attorney who thrives in complex, high-stakes matters and wants to work on cutting-edge legal issues in both the public and private sectors.

About the Role
As a key member of our team, you will play an integral role in representing a diverse range of clients statewide on energy regulatory proceedings, energy-related contracts, energy project permitting and development, and other environmental matters. Your responsibilities will include:

• Representing clients in a wide array of regulatory proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission, on energy, communications, water, and transportation issues such as regulated utility ratemaking, regulatory compliance, energy market design policy and mechanics, procurement obligations for reliability and renewable resources, purchase and sale of utility assets, wildfire safety and mitigation, and other cutting-edge topics.
• Representing clients in matters before the California Energy Commission, the California Independent System Operator, the Office of Energy Infrastructure and Safety, and the California Air Resources Board.
• Negotiating a broad spectrum of energy-related contracts, including power purchase agreements and interconnection agreements.
• Advising developers of generation, storage, and transmission projects.
• Identifying and anticipating developments involving complex utilities regulations and changed regulatory requirements.

What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will bring strong interpersonal and communication skills, a keen analytical mindset, and a meticulous eye for detail. We are seeking someone who is a self-starter, eager to take on client-facing responsibilities, and ready to contribute to challenging and impactful work. A track record of success in energy and utilities law, along with a distinguished academic record, exceptional research, and writing skills, are essential. Experience in proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission is a valuable attribute. Must be a current, active member of the California State Bar.

Compensation & Benefits
We recognize the importance of investing in our team members’ professional development. You’ll receive robust mentorship, hands-on training, and opportunities for growth within a collaborative and dynamic environment. Our associate base compensation is lockstep, determined by your class year, substantive experience, and geographic location, with bonus consideration based on performance and productivity:

• Sacramento: $185,000 – $215,000
• San Francisco: $223,000 – $246,000

We are open to candidates outside the Sacramento and San Francisco areas and offer a relocation bonus to help with the transition. The firm also provides a comprehensive benefits package. At Downey Brand, we understand the importance of a balanced professional and personal life. We offer a hybrid work environment with flexibility to work remotely part of the time, ensuring you can excel in your role while maintaining personal well-being.

Why Downey Brand?
Joining Downey Brand means becoming part of a dynamic and highly respected firm with one of the largest Natural Resources practices in the state. Our attorneys counsel clients on critical compliance strategies and regularly handle some of the most complex disputes in the west. You will have the opportunity to work with top professionals in the field, gain exposure to a wide variety of legal matters, and contribute to shaping the future of environmental law – in an environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to do their best work.

Application Process
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to an outstanding practice, we invite you to submit your cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a recent writing sample to Maureen Cooper, Recruiting Director.

Downey Brand LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All inquiries will be kept confidential. Please, no telephone calls.

Apply URL : https://lawcruit.micronapps.com/sup/ApplicationForm.aspx?lawfirm=169&id=71