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Siana Law
Associate Attorney - Municipal/Land Use
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What they do
A Lawyer represents clients in legal matters or court proceedings, provides legal advice and draws up legal documents. Works on criminal or civil cases, and either specializes in one area or practices broadly across all areas of law.
$131,632 / year median in Pennsylvania
+2% projected growth
Job Description
Associate Attorney - Municipal/Land UsePosition OverviewWe are seeking an Associate Attorney to join our land use and municipal practice group to advise clients on zoning, land development, and local government matters in Pennsylvania. The successful candidate will conduct legal research and analysis, represent clients in administrative hearings and court, draft agreements and ordinances, and work closely with planners, engineers, and municipal officials to secure approvals and resolve land use disputes. A strong working knowledge of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, municipal law, and civil litigation is essential.
Key ResponsibilitiesCounsel municipalities, developers, property owners, and boards on zoning, land development, subdivision, conditional use, variances, and other land use matters.
Represent clients at zoning hearing board meetings, planning commission hearings, municipal council meetings, and in administrative appeals and litigation in Commonwealth and trial courts.
Prepare and file land development submissions, zoning applications, subdivision plans, and permit appeals; draft legal memoranda, motions, briefs, and administrative comments.
Draft and review land use agreements, development agreements, easements, covenants, municipal ordinances, resolutions, and conditions of approval.
Advise on compliance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, local ordinances, and applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.
Conduct factual and legal research, prepare closing binders, hearing exhibits, pre-hearing statements, and legal opinions for clients and boards.
Negotiate settlements, conditions of approval, and development terms with opposing counsel, developers, municipal staff, and third parties.
Coordinate with planners, engineers, surveyors, and other consultants to evaluate technical reports and integrate legal strategy with project requirements.
Manage a caseload, maintain client communications, meet deadlines, and supervise/paralegal staff as needed.
Support business development efforts by preparing pitch materials, participating in client meetings, and contributing to practice-group marketing initiatives.
QualificationsJuris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to the Pennsylvania bar (or eligibility to waive and obtain admission shortly after hire).2+ years of experience practicing municipal law, land use, zoning, and/or local government law; experience representing clients in zoning hearings and land development matters strongly preferred.
Demonstrated familiarity with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code and experience applying it to real-world land use and development projects.
Proven civil litigation skills, including drafting briefs, motions, and pleadings, and experience in administrative appeals and court proceedings.
Experience with real estate development matters, including drafting and negotiating development agreements, easements, covenants, and related documents.
Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to prepare clear legal analysis, persuasive hearing presentations, and client-facing memoranda.
Comfortable working with municipal officials, planning commissions, zoning hearing boards, engineers, and planners; ability to translate technical information for legal strategy.
Excellent project management skills, attention to detail, ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines, and a collaborative team approach.
Proficiency with legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis) and common office software; familiarity with municipal permitting and project-tracking systems a plus.
Key ResponsibilitiesCounsel municipalities, developers, property owners, and boards on zoning, land development, subdivision, conditional use, variances, and other land use matters.
Represent clients at zoning hearing board meetings, planning commission hearings, municipal council meetings, and in administrative appeals and litigation in Commonwealth and trial courts.
Prepare and file land development submissions, zoning applications, subdivision plans, and permit appeals; draft legal memoranda, motions, briefs, and administrative comments.
Draft and review land use agreements, development agreements, easements, covenants, municipal ordinances, resolutions, and conditions of approval.
Advise on compliance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, local ordinances, and applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.
Conduct factual and legal research, prepare closing binders, hearing exhibits, pre-hearing statements, and legal opinions for clients and boards.
Negotiate settlements, conditions of approval, and development terms with opposing counsel, developers, municipal staff, and third parties.
Coordinate with planners, engineers, surveyors, and other consultants to evaluate technical reports and integrate legal strategy with project requirements.
Manage a caseload, maintain client communications, meet deadlines, and supervise/paralegal staff as needed.
Support business development efforts by preparing pitch materials, participating in client meetings, and contributing to practice-group marketing initiatives.
QualificationsJuris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to the Pennsylvania bar (or eligibility to waive and obtain admission shortly after hire).2+ years of experience practicing municipal law, land use, zoning, and/or local government law; experience representing clients in zoning hearings and land development matters strongly preferred.
Demonstrated familiarity with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code and experience applying it to real-world land use and development projects.
Proven civil litigation skills, including drafting briefs, motions, and pleadings, and experience in administrative appeals and court proceedings.
Experience with real estate development matters, including drafting and negotiating development agreements, easements, covenants, and related documents.
Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to prepare clear legal analysis, persuasive hearing presentations, and client-facing memoranda.
Comfortable working with municipal officials, planning commissions, zoning hearing boards, engineers, and planners; ability to translate technical information for legal strategy.
Excellent project management skills, attention to detail, ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines, and a collaborative team approach.
Proficiency with legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis) and common office software; familiarity with municipal permitting and project-tracking systems a plus.