Hi! I’m Matthew Karmel, founder of the planetary lawyer project and Chair of the Environmental and Sustainability Law Group at Offit Kurman. (Any views expressed are my own. Nothing here is legal advice.)
I started my career as an associate with a single pro bono climate client and am now the head of a cutting edge climate-focused practice group at a full-service AMLaw 200 law firm.
I started this newsletter to help you build your own climate-friendly legal career by sharing hard-won lessons from my own career, short interviews with other climate-focused lawyers, legal developments, and relevant job opportunities.
We’re all for big ideas and being part of something bigger than ourselves.
We believe that ALL lawyers to do climate work after all, right?
Who would have thought that after only 2 years we would be a community of 1,200 lawyers across the world trying to do more climate work. right?
So we are fully committed to GivingTuesday, which is billed as a “global giving movement that unleashes the potential of individuals and organizations to impact their communities and the globe.”
No matter where you are on your climate journey, donating to climate organizations can make us feel like we’re having an immediate impact.
We’ll be making our own donations tomorrow on GivingTuesday, focusing on our favorite climate and climate law organizations.
Here are a few:
(PS - If you want to see how to support this newsletter, scroll to the end of the email!)
1. Green Pro Bono
Green Pro Bono offers pro bono legal services to environmental organizations, social enterprises, and grassroots movements. By connecting underserved groups with skilled lawyers, Green Pro Bono amplifies the impact of those fighting for climate justice.
Why donate here?
Funds help connect legal professionals with environmental causes that might otherwise lack representation.
Your contribution helps fund crucial litigation and policy work that empowers local communities and activists.
Green Pro Bono partners with the planetary lawyer project to host the Climate Pro Bono Bootcamp, our now annual signature event! If you want to weigh in on our keynote speaker for 2025, click here.
2. Earthjustice
Earthjustice uses the law to defend the environment and public health, fighting major environmental battles in courts across the U.S. Their strategic litigation efforts are key to securing protections against pollution, advocating for clean energy, and ensuring the rights of vulnerable populations are upheld.
Why donate here?
Earthjustice has successfully advocated for landmark policies and litigation, including cases related to air pollution, water rights, and fossil fuel industries.
Donations support ongoing and high-impact cases that safeguard the environment and ensure sustainable solutions.
3. Law Students for Climate Accountability (LS4CA)
Lawyers for Climate Action (LS4CA) is a student-led organization building towards climate justice. It is committed to raising awareness, as well as sparking initiative and commanding change in the legal industry and beyond. Each year, it publishes a scorecard evaluating the climate activity of top law firms.
Why donate here?
LSCA is working to develop additional resources, both in the US and abroad. Your donation will help support additional student research and organizing, and the staff that support the students' work.
Additionally, LSCA aims to host the organization's first international gathering in August. Donations will help create opportunities to bring additional people to the table to build a strategy for 2025 and beyond.
4. Environmental Law Institute (ELI)
The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is a leading institution in environmental law research, policy analysis, and education. ELI provides critical resources to legal professionals, helping them understand the complex challenges of climate change and develop effective solutions.
Why donate here?
Donations help create resources that aid legal professionals in shaping impactful climate legislation and policies.
ELI’s educational programs train new generations of lawyers and engage them in groundbreaking environmental work.
5. Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)
CIEL is an international organization that uses law and policy to protect the environment and promote human rights. CIEL advocates for transformative change in climate governance by supporting litigation and policy work aimed at addressing the climate crisis at a global scale.
Why donate here?
CIEL is instrumental in pushing for accountability from governments and corporations that are contributors to climate change.
Donations fund research, advocacy, and litigation efforts that promote a climate-safe world.
6. The Sierra Club Environmental Law Program
The Sierra Club Environmental Law Program is part of one of the largest and most influential environmental organizations in the U.S. This program uses strategic legal campaigns to fight climate change, to protect clean air, water and wilderness, and to promote justice for communities threatened by pollution
Why donate here?
The Sierra Club has led numerous campaigns to stop destructive projects like coal plants and pipelines through legal action.
Your donation helps fund litigation and advocacy that secures clean air, water, and land for future generations.
7. ClientEarth
ClientEarth is an environmental law nonprofit with a mission to protect the planet through legal action. Their lawyers work globally to tackle climate change, pushing for laws that promote clean energy, protect biodiversity, and reduce pollution.
Why donate here?
ClientEarth’s team of legal experts provides the legal backbone to some of the most important climate cases in Europe, Africa, and beyond.
Contributions support cutting-edge legal work that shapes environmental policies and challenges corporations damaging the environment.
8. Grist
Grist is an independent nonprofit media organization that provides insightful journalism on climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice. While not a traditional legal advocacy organization, Grist often highlights the work of climate lawyers and legal initiatives, shining a spotlight on critical legal cases that impact the environment.
Why donate here?
Grist’s journalism informs and amplifies the voices of those fighting for climate justice, including legal experts and advocates.
Donations support in-depth coverage of environmental issues, helping to push for public awareness and policy change, which in turn strengthens the efforts of climate lawyers in the courtroom.
Grist published a piece by Matthew Karmel on climate pro bono, which you can read here.
Now onto this week’s opportunities.
Have a lead on a job opening? Share it here.
Did you miss an issue? Want to see all the current job postings? Check out our job board here!
Private Practice
Lateral Hub powers this week's private practice opportunities! Lateral Hub is the online lateral job board for where top-tier large, midsize, and boutique law firms publish openings so you can browse and apply directly - it's free to use, no account required.
You can even get SMS job alerts from Lateral Hub tailored to your practice area and location.
Associate, Energy/FERC. Thompson Coburn, Washington, DC. https://lateralhub.com/job/162-0008. Candidates should have 1-4 years of experience with FERC practice, knowledge of oil/natural gas pipeline regulation, and/or knowledge of the regulated energy markets, including ISO/RTO market stakeholder proceedings. Salary range: $185,000 – 220,000.
Associate, Land Use. Cox Castle. Orange County. https://lateralhub.com/job/117-0010 Cox Castle is seeking a land use associate (2-4 yrs) with experience in land use (project entitlements, administrative proceedings, and litigation), including environmental review under CEQA, the Coastal Act, the Map Act. Salary range: $210,000-$240,000.
Associate, Energy Regulatory & Markets Group. Latham & Watkins, Washington DC. https://lateralhub.com/job/143-0033/. Latham is seeking an associate with a minimum of 3 years of federal energy regulatory experience, including experience practicing before FERC with respect to power and/or natural gas. Salary range: $260,000 – 365,000.
Associate, Environmental Litigation. Shartsis Friese, San Francisco. https://lateralhub.com/job/121-0007/ Shartsis Friese, a top midsize firm in San Francisco, is seeking an associate with 3+ years of solid environmental litigation and counseling experience. Candidates should have experience assisting clients in environmental matters involving state and federal environmental laws, including laws regulating hazardous and solid waste, water, air and endangered species, as well as California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) issues. Experience with land use litigation is a plus. Salary range: $ 235,000 - 265,000.
Associate, Environmental Litigation. Blank Rome. Any BR Office. https://lateralhub.com/job/161-0007. Candidates must have in-depth exposure (min 2-3 years’ experience) to state and federal environmental laws, including environmental compliance and regulations, environmental transactions, as well as environmental enforcement and litigation. The ability to manage representation of clients in connection with sites requiring remedial action under state and federal laws, particularly CERCLA, is required. Salary range: $225,000 - $250,000.
Associate, Environmental Transactional. Proskauer, New York. https://lateralhub.com/job/146-0003. Proskauer is seeking a jr./mid-level associate (2-4 yrs) with experience at a large firm in handling the environmental transactional aspects of complex M&A, private equity, financing, and real estate matters. Experience with environmental regulatory compliance matters, brownfield clean-up and other remedial matters, and matters relating to sustainability, climate change and renewable energy is preferred. Salary Range: $215,000- 415,000.
Associate, Environmental. Duane Morris, Houston. https://lateralhub.com/job/156-0020 . Candidates should have 2-4 years of environmental law experience and will provide legal support for clients on a wide variety of transactional, commercial, regulatory, enforcement and remediation matters.
Hydropower Energy (FERC) Associate. Troutman Pepper, DC or Portland. https://lateralhub.com/job/110-0117 The firm is seeking an associate with three to six years of experience in energy regulatory matters focused on hydropower matters. Salary range: $250,000-$345,000.
Associate, Renewable Energy Project Development. Troutman Pepper, Washington, DC. https://lateralhub.com/job/110-0021 . 4-7 years of project finance and development experience, including experience with M&A, EPCs, O&M, development, supply agreements, power purchase agreements, and project finance, ideally with renewable energy and/or infrastructure projects. Salary Range: $275,000 - $370,000.
Associate, Land Use. Allen Matkins. Orange County. https://lateralhub.com/job/137-0031. Allen Matkins is seeking a land use attorney (4-7 yrs) with experience in land use due diligence, processing entitlements, and environmental review under CEQA. Salary range: $250,000 - 315,000.
Attorney, Energy & Utilities. Ice Miller. Indianapolis and Columbus. https://lateralhub.com/job/122-0044. Candidates must have 5-7 years of experience in either the public or private sector with experience in any of the following areas: energy law; utility regulatory law; and regulated industries. Experience with real property and/or contract law is preferred.
Water Litigation Sr. Associate. Downey Brand, Sacramento. https://lateralhub.com/job/164-0002. The firm seeks an attorney with 5-8 years’ experience to support its water litigation practice. Litigation experience including in both federal and state court related to a broad range of water issues is required. Salary Range: $185,000-215,000.
Sr. Attorney, Energy/FERC. Thompson Coburn, Washington, DC. https://lateralhub.com/job/162-0009. Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of experience with FERC practice, including FERC litigation and settlement, experience with and knowledge of the regulated energy markets, including ISO/RTO market stakeholder proceedings, background advising clients regarding energy and/or capacity market participation issues and power supply arrangements. Salary range: $240,000 – 280,000.
Sr. Associate, Renewable Energy Real Estate. Husch Blackwell, Any HB office, including fully virtual. https://lateralhub.com/job/159-0009. Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of experience with wind, solar, and/or battery storage real estate transactions. Salary range for select offices: $225,000 - $260,000.
Energy & Infrastructure/PPA Projects Associate. Orrick - all US office locations. https://lateralhub.com/job/116-0045. Orrick currently is seeking an associate for its market-leading Energy & Infrastructure practice, with experience in the areas of energy projects work relating to renewables and energy storage, and specifically focused on energy offtake. Salary range: $260,000 - $435,000.
Sr. Associate, Environmental Litigation. Allen Matkins. SF, LA, Orange County, or San Diego. https://lateralhub.com/job/137-0026 . Allen Matkins is seeking a senior environmental attorney (7-10 yrs) with a wide range of regulatory defense and administrative enforcement matters, including CERCLA, RCRA, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and related California statutes. Salary range: $315,000 – 345,000.
In-House
Paralegal. Energy RE. Houston, TX. https://www.energyre.com/career-listing/paralegal. No salary listed. 3+ years of experience. Energy RE seeks a Paralegal to support its Legal Department, focusing on corporate entity management, real estate, and commercial transactions. Responsibilities include managing corporate filings, assisting with real estate agreements, conducting title searches, and supporting contract negotiations.
Associate Employment Counsel. Waste Connections. Texas. https://careers.wasteconnections.com/us/en/job/R-81377/Associate-Employment-Counsel. 3+ years of experience practicing labor and employment law in a law firm or corporation. Waste Connections, Inc. (TSX/NYSE: WCN) is an integrated solid waste services company that provides non-hazardous waste collection, transfer and disposal services, including by rail, along with resource recovery primarily through recycling and renewable fuels generation.
Legal Counsel – ESG. Medline. Illinois. https://medline.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/es/Medline/job/Legal-Counsel---ESG_R2403553. 4 or more years of post-law school experience at a law firm or corporation. Medline is seeking an experienced attorney to perform a variety of legal services across Medline’s business. This role will primarily be focused on compliance and regulatory counseling, corporate governance initiatives, and enterprise risk assessment.
Development Counsel. Jupiter Power. Austin, TX; Chicago, IL. https://apply.workable.com/jupiter-power/j/9E406E97F1/. 5+ years of experience. Jupiter Power, a leader in energy storage development, seeks a Development Counsel to provide legal guidance on real estate and project development. The role involves advising on permitting, interconnection, project siting, and regulatory matters; negotiating real estate documents, interconnection agreements, and permits; and supporting risk management throughout project development.
Legal Counsel. Akuo Energy. Jakarta, Indonesia (Remote work available). https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/Akuo/744000028439510-legal-counsel?trid=bdb9c488-bb74-4e91-9c97-2c00ee6bbffd. 5+ years of experience. Akuo Energy, a global leader in renewable energy, is seeking a Legal Counsel to support the development, financing, construction, and operation of projects in Indonesia. The role involves incorporating SPVs, drafting and negotiating contracts, advising on corporate and regulatory matters, securing land for projects, and assisting with insurance policies.
Environmental Counsel. American Water. Camden, NJ. https://jobs.amwater.com/job/Camden-Environmental-Counsel-NJ-08102/1202946000/. At least 7 years of experience as a licensed, practicing attorney. American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States.
Assistant General Counsel. Energy RE. Houston, TX. https://www.energyre.com/career-listing/assistant-general-counsel. No salary listed. 10+ years of experience. Energy RE, a leader in renewable energy, seeks an Assistant General Counsel to provide legal guidance on commercial contracts, M&A, real estate, regulatory, and compliance issues. Responsibilities include negotiating complex agreements, developing legal strategies for business initiatives, managing external counsel, and leading a legal team.
General Counsel. Remote. Enveritas. https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/enveritas/jobs/4131966008?gh_src=8f9104048us. Minimum of 10 years’ experience as a practicing attorney in the United States, preferably with in-house experience at a global company; Base salary for this position is between $120,000 to $165,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Enveritas, Inc. is seeking a legal expert to serve as General Counsel to help us drive impact and change for coffee and cocoa farmers around the world.
Associate General Counsel. Wing. Palo Alto. https://wing.com/careers/7337142002/. 15+ years of relevant experience with subject matter expertise in contract creation and negotiation and commercial procurement; Salary Range: $308,000—$346,000 USD. Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics
Government and Non-Profit
Legal Administrative Assistant. Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC). Atlanta, GA (Hybrid). https://www.southernenvironment.org/career/legal-administrative-assistant/. $48,000–$60,000 annually. Provide legal and administrative support to energy attorneys, including court filings, research, calendaring, and meeting coordination. Ideal candidates are organized, proficient in MS Office, and committed to diversity and environmental justice. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Legal or paralegal experience preferred. Apply by 12/11/2024, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Litigation Paralegal. Earthjustice. Washington, D.C. (In-person). https://earthjustice.org/job/litigation-paralegal-washington-dc-regional-office. $87,300–$97,000. 3+ years of experience. Earthjustice, the premier nonprofit environmental law organization, seeks a Litigation Paralegal to support litigation and advocacy efforts addressing air pollution, waterway protection, and environmental justice.
1L Legal Intern. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Boulder, CO (Hybrid). https://osv-edf.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/EDF_External_Careers/job/Boulder/XMLNAME-1L-Legal-Intern_REQ-001515?source=LinkedIn. $10,000 total for 10 weeks ($28.57/hour). No experience required (current law student). EDF is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing climate and air quality solutions; this internship supports litigation and regulatory advocacy efforts focused on environmental justice, climate, and clean air protections.
Attorney. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento County. https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=456794. Salary: $7,737.00 - $10,168.00 A - $8,708.00 - $11,676.00 B. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.
Environmental Justice Law Fellow - Staff Attorney / Staff Attorney Trainee. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District. San Francisco. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/baaqmd/jobs/4679145/environmental-justice-law-fellow-staff-attorney-staff-attorney-trainee.Staff Attorney:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a law degree from an accredited law school. $102,720.40 - $186,655.57 Annually. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is launching a new Environmental Justice Law Fellowship Program to provide new attorneys with experience in the Air District’s equity and Environmental Justice work.
Attorney. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento County. https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=456794. Salary: $7,737.00 - $10,168.00 A - $8,708.00 - $11,676.00 B. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.
Environmental Justice Law Fellow - Staff Attorney / Staff Attorney Trainee. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District. San Francisco. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/baaqmd/jobs/4679145/environmental-justice-law-fellow-staff-attorney-staff-attorney-trainee.Staff Attorney:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a law degree from an accredited law school. $102,720.40 - $186,655.57 Annually. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is launching a new Environmental Justice Law Fellowship Program to provide new attorneys with experience in the Air District’s equity and Environmental Justice work.
International Legal Associate. NRDC. New York, NY; San Francisco, CA. https://careers-nrdc.icims.com/jobs/5634/international-legal-associate/job. $65,000 - $80,000. 1-3 years of experience. NRDC, a leading nonprofit environmental advocacy organization, is seeking an International Legal Associate to support the Office of General Counsel’s International team. This role involves contract lifecycle management, reviewing funding agreements, conducting legal research on Chinese and Indian law, and assisting with compliance matters for NRDC’s operations in China and India. The ideal candidate will have strong legal research skills, contract management experience, and a commitment to NRDC’s mission.
Assistant Counsel. New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC). Albany, NY (Hybrid). https://nysefc.bamboohr.com/careers/60. No salary listed. 1–3 years of experience. EFC, a public benefit corporation supporting critical water quality infrastructure projects, seeks an Assistant Counsel to provide legal support for financing transactions, contracts, and compliance, contributing to environmental and public health initiatives across New York State.
Office of the General Counsel Administrator. NRDC. New York, NY; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Santa Monica, CA; San Francisco, CA. https://careers-nrdc.icims.com/jobs/5648/office-of-the-general-counsel-administrator/job. $90,000 - $98,000. 2-4 years of experience. NRDC, a leading nonprofit environmental advocacy organization, seeks an Office of the General Counsel Administrator to manage operations and compliance tasks for its General Counsel team. Responsibilities include overseeing the contract review process, managing legal research, supporting compliance matters, handling internal inquiries, and coordinating various legal filings.
Environmental Justice Advisor. The Washington State Department of Agriculture. WA. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4719746/environmental-justice-advisor. Four (4) years of professional or lived experience with civil rights programs. Salary: $74,724 - $98,040 annually. The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment.
Deputy Director of Clean Energy and Markets (Special Assistant, NS-M6). New York State Department of Public Service. Albany, NY (Hybrid). https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4081458019/?refId=Jl28K0OLS2WwWbweNDIyHg%3D%3D&trackingId=Jl28K0OLS2WwWbweNDIyHg%3D%3D. 9+ years of experience. This leadership role oversees New York's Clean Energy and Markets Section, driving innovation, policy implementation, and regulatory efforts to achieve the state's ambitious climate goals under the CLCPA while managing technical staff and engaging with key stakeholders.
Enjoying the newsletter? Wondering how you can contribute?
As climate champions, we often have big hearts and feel best when we’re part of the solution.
If you would like to be part of what we're doing, here are a few ways you can help…
✉️ Reach out! Ask a question, send some kudos, whatever. We love hearing from you!
📣 Sponsor this newsletter! Reach 1,000+ lawyers across the world. Email for details!
💼 Work with us. By day, we provide full-service legal support to companies big and small. Check out our services.
🌎 Share this newsletter! The best thing you can do is turn someone else onto climate work.