Week of 2/11 - Renewable Energy is NOT the only option
Renewable energy is NOT the only option for lawyers to work on climate
When I do coaching sessions with law students and lawyers, I almost always hear about the student/lawyers passion for the renewable energy industry.
But then I push a little bit, and it turns out that the person just thinks that their best shot at doing climate-friendly legal work is in the renewable energy industry.
They aren’t thinking about any other industries or opportunities.
Now, don’t get me wrong.
Renewable energy is a huge opportunity.
In fact, I may have a big announcement about my involvement with the renewable energy industry in the near future.
But I found it really difficult to break into the renewable energy sector as a young attorney building a practice.
And my path to building a practice that involves solar, renewable natural gas, and alternative fuels took several twists and turns through other industries.
I was able to get a foothold in those other industries, and then jump into the renewable energy industry.
So don’t worry about getting pigeon-hold.
Just find the niche that is the right fit for your skills and true passion.
And that niche will be big enough to allow you to grow, and then maybe to expand into the renewable energy industry as well.
Still don’t believe me?
Maybe you're interested in food and food waste, which according to ReFED represents an $18.2 billion opportunity.
The recycling and re-use movement is similarly massive, with $36.6 billion in wages every year, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Reducing this to simple steps:
Pick 1-3 niche industries that really interest you
Join industry groups that focus on those industries
Get involved, write blog posts, talk to journalists, join committees and task forces
Let the clients come to you as the “expert” in that niche industry
So, if renewable energy is really your thing, go for it.
But if not...
Why compete with EVERYONE ELSE who thinks that renewable energy is the only option?
Maybe you should think about what really drives you to work on climate.
I bet there is an industry that is just right for your interests and skills.
Where you'll find less competition...
And more than enough opportunities...
Not to mention that your passion for the industry will help you stand out and get hired, whether you're looking for clients or your next job.
Hi! I’m Matthew, the head of the Environmental and Sustainability Law Group at Offit Kurman, a full-service AMLaw 200 law firm, and the founder of the planetary lawyer project.
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Here’s what I’ve been up to recently:
My next speaking engagement has been announced! I’ll be speaking about the impact of the FTC Green Guides on waste and recycling. This will be a virtual event on 5/4 from 10AM-12PM ET. Register here.
I also recently published some example environmental justice policies to guide companies interested in putting a policy in place. This is something that anyone can do, and you can download the policies here.
Reach out by email or LinkedIn if you’re interested in any of the following:
Sponsoring this newsletter
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Referring a legal matter
Any views expressed are my own. Nothing here is legal advice.
Now onto this week’s opportunities.
Have a lead on a job opening? Share it here.
Associate Attorney. Earthjustice Oceans Program. San Francisco, CA. https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/42933/associate-attorney-oceans. $92,700 - $112,000. 0-4 years of experience. Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. The Oceans Program works to protect oceans and ocean wildlife from threats such as overfishing, oil and gas drilling, and habitat degradation. The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position, and Oceans is seeking a candidate who is available to start in April, June, or September 2023. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by February 26, 2023.
Associate Attorney, Fossil Fuel Program. EarthJustice. New Orleans, Louisiana Texas Houston, Texas. https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/42943/associate-attorney-fossil-fuels-program. 0-5 years of post-graduate litigation and/or clerkship experience. $78,800 - $102,900. Earthjustice is a nonprofit public interest organization based in the United States dedicated to litigating environmental issues.
Staff Attorney. Climate Jobs National Resource Center. Remote. https://www.cjnrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Attorney-Job-Description-February-2023.pdf. $85,000 - $125,000. 2-10 years of experience. The Climate Jobs National Resource Center (CJNRC) is a labor-led organization at the forefront of the fight to combat the climate crisis and reverse racial and economic inequality. CJNRC is the hub of a growing network of union-led, state-based climate jobs coalitions, providing unions with the information, support, and expertise to lead on climate action. Looking for
Corporate Counsel. AMP Robotics. Louisville, CO. https://www.amprobotics.com/careers-open-positions?gh_jid=5495082003. $150,000 - $180,000. 5+ years of experience. AMP Robotics is a pioneer and industry leader in artificial intelligence, robotics, and infrastructure for the waste and recycling industry. Looking for
Contract and Grants Attorney. Sila Nanotechnologies. Alameda, CA. https://www.silanano.com/careers/job-application/4844773. $196,000 - $247,750. 5+ years experience. Sila Nanotechnologies is a next-generation battery materials company, with a goal to power the world’s transition to clean energy by building a better lithium-ion battery from the inside out. Looking for an attorney with 5+ years of relevant contract and grant administration experience, preferably at a technology company (start-up or highly-technical environment a plus).
Environmental Counsel. SpaceX. Washington, D.C. https://boards.greenhouse.io/spacex/jobs/6565134002?gh_jid=6565134002 $190,000.00 - $230,000.00. 5+ years of experience. SpaceX is a technology company that specializes in outer space exploration, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. Counseil will provide expert and guidance on U.S. federal environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Clean Air Act (CAA).
Policy and Engagement Manager. Ecosystem Services Market Consortium. Washington, DC Metro region. https://ecosystemservicesmarket.org/get-involved/job-opportunities/. 5+ years professional experience in public policy role including relevant experience in the US Senate, US House of Representatives and/or US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Some knowledge/experience with US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) policies and programs impacting US agriculture is desirable.ESMC is a non-profit that works to compensate farmers and ranchers who improve the environment through their agricultural practices.
Senior Attorney, Clean Transportation. The Environmental Defense Fund. Remote. https://www.edf.org/jobs/senior-attorney-clean-transportation. At least 6+ years professional experience in the practice area and a history of achieving policy reforms through litigation, administrative advocacy, and/or legislative efforts.The pay range for this role is 118,000 - 128,000 USD. DF is a United States-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group.
Senior Legal Counsel. South Pole. Remote. https://careers.southpole.com/jobs/2400221-senior-legal-counsel-north-america?promotion=575580-trackable-share-link-b-work. No specific compensation or experience noted, but several years experience requested. South Pole is a Certified B Corporation that develops and implements comprehensive emission reduction projects and strategies that turn climate action into long-term business opportunities for companies, governments and organisations around the world.
Employment Counsel. planet. Remote. https://boards.greenhouse.io/planetlabs/jobs/4743537. $164,600 - $270,600. 7-10 years of experience. Planet provides daily satellite data that helps businesses, governments, researchers, and journalists understand the physical world and take action. Planet technologies deliver an unprecedented dataset of empirical information to key figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. Looking for an attorney who is either member of the California Bar (in good standing) or eligible to register as a California Registered In-House Counsel.
Corporate Counsel - SEC & Corporate Governance. Beyond Meat. El Segundo, CA. https://jobs.lever.co/beyondmeat/c1f3b5c9-5a53-4874-96e6-0a74d4526ccd. No specific compensation noted. 8+ years of experience. Beyond Meat, Inc. is a Los Angeles–based producer of plant-based meat substitutes, and they are seeking an attorney to provide advice and guidance on corporate, capital markets, securities, SEC and NASDAQ reporting and compliance, and corporate governance matters, and to support the legal team in other areas including transactions, operations, and commercial matters.
Director, Power Sector Policy & Strategy, U.S. Region. The Environmental Defense Fund. Remote. https://www.edf.org/jobs/director-power-sector-policy-strategy-us-region. 10+ years professional experience in climate and/or energy policy, meaningful expertise in advocacy or campaigns.The pay range for this role is 125,000 - 136,000 USD. EDF is a United States-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group.
VP, Policy. Sealed. Remote. https://boards.greenhouse.io/sealed/jobs/6586005002. $187,500-$250,000. 10+ years of leadership experience in clean tech policy and regulatory, advocacy, government, or corporate affairs leadership roles at federal or state levels, and within the private sector. Sealed is a climate tech company on a mission to stop home energy waste and electrify all homes.
Corporate Counsel - IP, Marketing & Brand Management. Beyond Meat. El Segundo, CA. https://jobs.lever.co/beyondmeat/41c7d08c-c5cf-47fe-80e6-061de05da53c. $185,000 - $205,000. 10-12 years of experience. Beyond Meat, Inc. is a Los Angeles–based producer of plant-based meat substitutes, and they are seeking a marketing, advertising, regulatory, and trademark attorney.
Associate General Counsel. United States Environmental Protection Agency - Solid Waste and Emergency Response Law Office. Washington, D.C. https://www.usajobs.gov/job/705256900. $183,501 - $212,100. No specific experience requirement, but “significant experience” requested. This position is in the Office of General Counsel, Solid Waste and Emergency Response Law Office (SWERLO). SWERLO provides legal support for the Agency's hazardous and solid waste programs and cleanup initiatives.
Corporate Legal Counsel. U.S. Green Building Council - Green Business Certification Inc. Hybrid - Washington, D.C. https://careercenter.usgbc.org/job/corporate-counsel/68009097/. $160,000 - $200,000. 15+ years of experience. USGBC is a D.C. based nonprofit organization focused on proving better buildings equals better lives. Must have admission to the DC Bar.
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