'The Fine Line Between Bravery and Stupidity' and climate career changes with Nicole DeNamur
Hi! I’m Matthew Karmel, founder of the planetary lawyer project and Chair of the Environmental and Sustainability Law Group at Offit Kurman.
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, interesting legal developments, and relevant job opportunities. Any views expressed are my own. Nothing here is legal advice.
Sustainability and law often overlap, as Nicole DeNamur knows well.
She’s combined her extensive experience with sustainable spaces with real estate law.
She understands the power of growing a niche-based practice at the intersection of sustainability and law.
Are you ready to stop competing and become the go-to in a specific area?
Enjoy Nicole’s unique perspective on being “annoying enough” to get a sustainability teaching job, why specialization is the key to career development, and the risk of lawyer greenwashing…
Matthew Karmel: Thanks for joining us, Nicole. Can you tell us about being CEO of both Sustainable Strategies and Climate Aligned Law and what those entities do?
Nicole DeNamur: Sustainable Strategies is a sustainability consulting company with a focus on creating safe and inclusive spaces supporting health and wellness. Our ethos is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the chance to excel in their work, even beyond the limitations of traditional office spaces that may not work for many users. Our scope extends into ESG alignment and intersects with the built environment. While we delve into discussions like the work-from-home trend, our primary focus remains on sustainability and its integration with the built environment.
On the other hand, Climate Aligned Law operates as a separate law firm, specializing in a narrow practice area. We primarily assist building owners in revising lease language to align with building performance standards, voluntary climate disclosures, and other sustainability and ESG metrics. Additionally, we engage in some work related to supply chain agreements, aiming to align them with similar sustainability goals. It's a focused, transactional approach within this specific niche.
Matthew Karmel: Let’s take a step back; how did you get to where you are? What was your journey like?
Nicole DeNamur: I stumbled into practicing law with an environmental science background. I grew up in rural Wisconsin in Aldo Leopold Country. My journey involved getting an environmental science degree which eventually led me into construction litigation. For about 13 years, I represented owners and large subcontractors and worked on insurance coverage. In the latter half of those 13 years, I developed a keen interest in sustainability related to construction and design, building a skill set to support it.
This includes maintaining various sustainable building credentials, such as being a well-app and faculty-led Green Associate Football Ambassador and Ecodistrict AP. Additionally, I serve on the board of the American Institute of Architects in Seattle and teach a sustainable development class at the University of Washington. I started developing this skill set while litigating construction cases, aiming for a broader impact on climate work beyond the litigation space.
As my career progressed, I reached a point where I had the flexibility to make a change. Considering the political climate and having built a network that encouraged consulting, I decided to launch Sustainable Strategies in January 2020. This move, just before the world shut down, presented its challenges, but we're still here, and I'm grateful for the journey.
Matthew Karmel: One thing I gather from your story is that, while having the stability of a full-time legal position, you actively curated various experiences and credentials to facilitate a career transition. Can you elaborate on whether your focus was on accumulating specific credentials or more on strategically building a resume tailored for opportunities in this new space?
Nicole DeNamur: Yeah, I probably wasn't as strategic about it as I could have been. For me, it was about skilling up and gaining knowledge and credibility in the sustainability space, often through obtaining various credentials. Another aspect was a sense of frustration with what felt like an inability to drive positive climate and sustainability change from my current position. So, I saw teaching as my best opportunity to share what I knew.
This journey led to an unexpected pivot. I didn't know that's where I was headed initially. The two significant aspects were skilling up and leveraging teaching to bring about change. I was fortunate to have a supportive firm at the time, allowing me flexibility to work on these pursuits. I always encourage others to ask for support and consider flexible work arrangements when pursuing passion projects. I recognize that having this support is a privilege that enabled me to pursue these endeavors.
Matthew Karmel: Yeah, but I think your story is crucial because many people feel the need to make an instant leap without realizing there are checkpoints along the way. Would you say you were driven by your passion and a willingness to learn, not necessarily having a clear roadmap but embracing the journey?
Nicole DeNamur: Yeah, I think that's accurate. Over the years, I've used various phrases to describe it, it's more of a calling for me, perhaps a calling back. Growing up in rural areas, my love for the outdoors has always been a part of my personality. When working on construction cases and litigating, observing the trajectory of the climate, I started building towards this shift around 2015-2016.
I wish I could say I had a well-thought-out plan, but I didn't. Maybe this lack of a structured plan could be helpful for others listening, encouraging them to trust their instincts and keep skilling up. I believe there's always room for people to teach, and it's a genuine opportunity to share knowledge. I developed a syllabus for a course, realizing I could teach about 50% of it. The other 50% involved bringing in guest lecturers, friends, professionals from my network who donated their time. Teaching became a way for me to share what I knew, and if that insight helps someone else, that's something I'd appreciate too.
Insights and Sponsors
Look no further for insights on all things climate, as well as resources from our sponsors! If you would like to discuss sponsorship, just reply to this email.
Now onto this week’s opportunities.
Have a lead on a job opening? Share it 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 sign up here to get SMS job alerts based on your practice area(s) and location(s).
Junior/Mid-Level Associate, Land Use. Allen Matkins. Los Angeles Area, CA. https://lateralhub.com/job/137-0016/. No salary listed, looking for 2-3 years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will have experience with land use due diligence, processing entitlements, and environmental review under CEQA is required.
Junior/Mid-Level Associate, Environmental Litigation. Shartsis Friese LLP. San Francisco, CA. https://lateralhub.com/job/121-0007/. No salary listed, seeking 3+ years of experience. The attorney will work on environmental litigation, administrative enforcement matters, and counseling regarding environmental permitting, due diligence, and compliance.
Mid-Level Associate, Tax – Energy and Infrastructure. Latham & Watkins. New York, NY | Washington, DC. https://lateralhub.com/job/143-0017/. Salary ranges are listed on the posting site, looking for minimum 3+ years of experience. Looking for an attorney with experience in renewable energy tax credits, including financings and M&A pertaining to wind energy, solar energy projects, carbon capture and sequestration and other major energy transition projects.
Associate, Energy Regulatory & Markets Group. Latham & Watkins. Washington, DC. https://lateralhub.com/job/143-0033/. Salary ranges are listed on the posting site, looking for minimum 3+ years of experience. Seeking an attorney to work with the Energy Regulatory and Markets Group within the Project Development & Finance practice of the Washington, D.C. office.
Junior/Mid-Level Associate, Environmental. Proskauer. New York, NY. https://lateralhub.com/job/146-0003/. $215,000-$415,000. Looking for an attorney with 2- 4 years of relevant experience. The position duties largely entail handling the environmental transactional aspects of complex M&A, private equity, financing, capital markets, bankruptcy, and real estate matters.
Tax & Benefits Energy Associate. Troutman Pepper. Atlanta, GA | New York, NY | Philadelphia, PA | Portland, OR | Richmond, VA | Washington, DC. https://lateralhub.com/job/110-0070/. $215,000 to $275,000. 1-4 years of relevant experience needed. Troutman Pepper is seeking an associate to join its transactional tax team at any of the listed US locations.
Mid-Level Associate, Capital Projects + Infrastructure. Troutman Pepper. Atlanta, GA | New York, NY | Washington, DC. https://lateralhub.com/job/110-0066/. $275,000 – $330,000. 4 to 6 years of project development experience with renewable energy projects and M&A transactions. Duties will include representing clients in a national project development practice.
Mid-Level Associate, Energy (FERC). Troutman Pepper. Washington, DC. https://lateralhub.com/job/110-0060/. No salary listed, looking for 3-5 years of relevant experience. The position will be focused on electric and energy regulatory matters, and the candidate will work primarily with the FERC team based in Washington.
Associate, Energy & Infrastructure Project Development. Orrick. New York, NY | Boston, MA | Austin, TX | Houston, TX | Los Angeles, CA | Orange County, CA | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA | Silicon Valley, CA | Seattle, WA | Washington, DC | Portland, OR | Wheeling, WV. https://lateralhub.com/job/116-0027/. $310,000 and $420,000. 4-7 years of relevant experience. Seeking an associate to join Orrick’s market-leading Energy & Infrastructure practice at any of the listed US office locations.
Attorney, Energy & Infrastructure Project Development. Orrick. New York, NY | Boston, MA | Austin, TX | Houston, TX | Los Angeles, CA | Orange County, CA | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA | Silicon Valley, CA | Seattle, WA | Washington, DC | Portland, OR | Wheeling, WV. https://lateralhub.com/job/116-0025/. $310,000 and $420,000. 4-8+ years of relevant experience. Seeking an attorney with experience in the areas of energy project work.
Environmental Litigation Attorney. Best Best & Krieger. California (Remote). https://lateralhub.com/job/133-0019/. $150,000 – $190,000. 6+ years of relevant experience. Looking for an attorney with the experience to handle environmental matters including water rights, water availability, water quality, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, land use, and toxics litigation, including CERCLA and RCRA cases.
In-House
Attorney - Corporate, In-House. Trinity Solar. Wall Township, NJ. https://climatebase.org/job/48540999/attorney---corporate-in-house?utm_source=jobs_directory&queryID=74cd6232462423c28256e66b1e456607. $120,000 - $140,000. Seeking an attorney with 2-7 years of relevant experience. Trinity Solar, the Northeast's largest privately-owned solar integrator, is seeking a full-time in-house corporate lawyer to join its Legal Department at its Headquarters location in NJ.
Sr. Associate Legal Counsel - Regulatory. Blue Origin. Space Coast, FL. https://boards.greenhouse.io/blueoriginllc/jobs/4340887006?gh_jid=4340887006. 3 to 7+ years of combined broad legal experience with a corporation, law firm, and/or a government entity. At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth.
Senior Counsel. Qcells. Remote, USA / San Francisco, CA / Irvine, CA / New Jersey. https://jobs.lever.co/qcells/ac11647f-436b-4f6a-83ba-6e1071fde8d2. 5+ years of relevant experience; $164,000 - $208,000 a year. Qcell's solar modules are among the most powerful and high-yielding on the market worldwide.
Contracts Manager. Moran Environmental Recovery. Seattle. https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c116ec3-ef0f-42e8-8bf0-491739a45ba3&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&jobId=492429. 5-7 years of experience. MER began its long legacy of performance-driven delivery of service in Environmental Services.
Corporate Counsel. Enterprise Mobility. St. Louis. https://careers.enterprise.com/job/st-louis/corporate-counsel/430/62246740768. Seven (7) or more years of relevant experience. This new Corporate Counsel position will have the opportunity to provide critical support to various aspects of the business, focusing on Enterprise Mobility’s North American Rental Operations, global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability related efforts as well as support for Supply Chain Management.
Assistant General Counsel. Qcells. Irvine, CA / San Francisco, CA / New Jersey / Remote, USA. https://jobs.lever.co/qcells/81260c3b-41bb-466a-a9a6-0b2462d0c454. 10+ years experience; $200,000 - $250,000 a year. Qcell's solar modules are among the most powerful and high-yielding on the market worldwide.
General Counsel. Redaptive. Colorado. https://jobs.lever.co/redaptiveinc/047e6422-c2a3-46ae-8a04-10d017991ef2. Minimum of 10 years of experience practicing law, with a focus on corporate law and securities; Expected annual salary: 300K (subject to adjustment for relevant experience, skills, geo location). Redaptive is an Energy-as-a-Service and technology provider that funds and installs energy-saving and energy-generating equipment.
Government and Non-Profit
Environmental LLM Graduate Fellow. Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law. White Plains, NY. https://secure6.saashr.com/ta/6000630.careers?ShowJob=554052174. Compensation will be given in the form of a modest stipend and a tuition waiver for an LLM degree. The Fellow will work part-time in the Pace Environmental Law Program while working towards an LLM in Environmental Law.
Research Fellow - positions available for Climate Change Research Fellow | Climate Research Fellow – Carbon Removal | Lead Methane Research Fellow. The Center for Law, Energy & the Environment - UC Berkeley School of Law. Remote, but must be able to travel to Berkley. https://www.law.berkeley.edu/research/clee/about/employment-opportunities/#bb0-climate-change-research-fellow-0. Pay scales are available at this link: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2023-24/july-2023-acad-salary-scales/t24-b.pdf. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, March 27th, 2024.
Associate Attorney. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC). Atlanta, GA. https://www.southernenvironment.org/career/associate-attorney/. $79,000- $92,000. Looking for 0-3 years of post-graduate experience. The Associate Attorney position is an entry-level position open to recent law school graduates, attorneys completing clerkships, and practicing attorneys – the deadline to apply is Friday, March 29th, 2024!
Staff Enforcement Attorney. WECC. Salt Lake City. https://recruiting.ultipro.com/WES1020WECC/JobBoard/4c445f2c-0496-43ac-b40a-9e7cb58e87dd/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=089f2a9a-db5a-4582-9beb-979fdee7ebfa. Have two or more years of experience in energy, administrative law, regulatory law, and/or complex litigation, the base salary range for this full-time position is $81,943–$102,429 + discretionary pay + benefits. At WECC, we affect the lives of 80 million people by influencing risk monitoring and mitigation to the power system in the West.
Conservation Counsel. The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC). Bozeman, MT (exceptional remote candidates will also be considered). https://www.perc.org/careers/conservation-counsel/. No salary listed, looking for an attorney with 0-5 years of experience. This position will be a key part of PERC’s growing Conservation Law and Policy Center and will help shape environmental law and conservation policy in favor of innovative, market-oriented solutions.
Senior Attorney. The Nature Conservancy. Remote. https://careers.nature.org/psc/tnccareers/APPLICANT/APPL/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U. Seven (7) years relevant legal experience, including at least five (5) years of experience in cross border securities, project finance, structured finance, sovereign debt, or similar transactions; $160,000-$210,000 for annual base salary. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends.
Clinical Supervising Attorney and Lecturer in Law. Environmental Law Clinic - The Mills Legal Clinic - Stanford Law School. Stanford, CA. https://careersearch.stanford.edu/jobs/clinical-supervising-attorney-and-lecturer-in-law-environmental-law-clinic-stanford-law-school-24720. $110,000-$163,000. At least 5 years of relevant experience, ideally 7-10 years. The supervising attorney will have substantial responsibility for the management and litigation of clinic cases in state and federal court and before administrative agencies and will supervise Stanford Law School students enrolled in the clinic.
Adaptation Program Director. Georgetown Climate Center - Georgetown University Law Center. Washington, D.C. (hybrid). https://georgetown.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Georgetown_Admin_Careers/details/Adaption-Program-Director_JR17237. No salary listed, looking for 7+ years of experience. The Georgetown University Law Center is looking for an attorney to provide leadership and strategic direction to the adaptation program and oversee an extensive body of work on climate adaptation and resilience.
Senior Legal Counsel. Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN). Washington, D.C. (hybrid). https://www.potomacriverkeepernetwork.org/experienced-senior-legal-counsel-wanted/. $75,000-$120,000. Seeking 5+ years of experience. Seeking an experienced attorney to lead PRKN’s legal actions, including administrative proceedings, in-house counsel work, and litigation in federal and state courts, and track compliance and implementation of enforcement actions, lawsuits, and settlement agreements.