What you need to ask potential employers about climate...
At least according to one climate-friendly lawyer
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.
There are a lot of questions you could ask prospective employer about climate issues and initiatives.
One person might ask if the employer has any clients in the fossil fuel industry.
Another might ask if there are employee green teams.
Another might ask if they will get the chance to work on renewable energy projects.
Thankfully, Law Students for Climate Accountability is putting together a list of questions that law students can ask prospective employers about climate issues and initiatives.
(LSCA is a student-led organization building towards climate justice. If you’re not familiar with their work, which includes the Law Firm Climate Change Scorecard, you should check them out here!)
I’ve gotten a sneak peek at the questions prepared by LSCA, which are going to be launched in connection with the Global Day of Action on Climate Justice.
These questions are applicable to any lawyer considering a new position, even if they are more targeted to young lawyers looking for law firm positions.
As I read through the questions, I was really glad to see questions about how the employer can support a lawyer that wants to develop their own climate practice.
Would the firm support me in building a personal climate practice? If so, what kind of support would be available?
In other words, regardless of the initiatives in place at the company, will there be an opportunity for you to find your own path to working on climate?
I think this is the most important question to ask a prospective employer.
I believe that every lawyer, no matter their role or experience, can do climate-friendly work, if they have the drive and initiative to build their own personal climate practice.
And, there are very few employers, especially in the legal space, where you can walk into an established climate practice.
So building on your own is really important, and it is so much easier to build if you have support from your employer.
So, for anyone that wants to build their own climate career in the legal space, find out what your employer will do to support you.
That doesn’t mean that your employer needs to have climate programs though.
You can (and should) use all resources at your disposal, so think broadly.
Does the employer pay for CLEs? Conference attendance? Networking events? If so, you can attend climate-focused events and build your practice using a program that never mentions climate.
How does the employer deal with employee-created content, such as social media, articles, etc.? How does the employer view employee volunteering with climate NGOs and causes? You want to get a sense for whether the employer places restrictions on types of content created, or the groups that you can be involved in. This can be overt, or it can be that there are multiple lawyers of review/approval, such that you will be overly restricted even if that restriction is not overt.
What is the firm’s pro bono policy? Do they let lawyers bring in their own pro bono clients, including environmental NGOs?
What is the firm’s new client / new matter policy? Is it easy for lawyers to bring in new clients under the policy? Are the criteria for new matters objective or subjective?
Does the firm value individual practice development activities? What resources are provided to help build a book of business?
Remember, there are a ton of resources for lawyers to build climate practices, so get creative, figure out what resources you might want to use, and then see how you can ask the firm about the support it provides, and any restrictions/oversight that might be in place. Don’t miss out on generic resources that might have nothing to do with climate, but that you could use to build a climate-friendly practice.
ICYMI: Green Pro Bono, Offit Kurman and the planetary lawyer project are planning a second Climate Pro Bono Bootcamp in Spring 2025.
Building on last year’s success, which drew more than 700 attorneys from across the world, this virtual training series will equip attorneys with the skills to support climate-focused organizations and businesses.
How You Can Get Involved: We are looking for attorneys to present and share their expertise on a variety of topics ranging from balancing pro bono with billable work to climate-contracting for nonprofits.
If you have an idea for a training or would like to join our event planning committee, please let us know using this form! We are also looking for firms and organizations to act as sponsors and partners, and we welcome any support or suggestions!
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, FERC. Blank Rome. Washington, DC. https://lateralhub.com/job/161-0005 Candidates should have 1-4 years’ experience, either exposure to federal energy regulatory laws affecting the natural gas, oil, or electric power industries, including Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Department of Energy compliance, to energy transactions, or to energy enforcement and litigation involving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or Commodity Futures Trading Commission or an interest in developing that expertise in detail. Salary Range: $215,000 - $250,000.
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 & Natural Resources. Troutman Pepper. Richmond VA. https://lateralhub.com/job/110-0113. Mid-level associate with 4-5 years’ experience. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of all aspects of environmental law, including regulatory compliance and enforcement defense. Additionally, experience in state energy regulatory proceedings before state public utility commissions (primarily Virginia and Maryland), including administrative litigation and related appeals to civil courts, is preferred. Salary Range: $275,000 - $305,000.
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. 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. https://lateralhub.com/job/122-0044
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
Sr Paralegal. Rubicon Carbon. Hybrid or Remote (within one hour of New York City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco). https://climatebase.org/job/53054388/sr-paralegal?utm_source=jobs_directory&queryID=d0fe82a37220a22fc507fabc14732ed7. $100,000-$150,000. Bachelor’s degree required with 3-5 years of paralegal experience in trading, commodities, or banking industries. Expertise in ISDA documentation essential. Responsibilities include drafting and negotiating legal documents, managing document workflows, conducting industry-related legal research, and supporting sales and legal teams.
Junior Attorney. SOLV Energy. San Diego, CA. https://solvenergy.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SOLV_External_Career/details/Junior-Attorney_J10720?q=attorney. $115,770 - $153,975. 2+ years of experience. The Junior Attorney will manage legal affairs, focusing on construction and procurement contracts within the renewable energy sector, advising on transactions, claims, and regulatory matters to mitigate legal risks for the company.
Senior HSE Attorney. Eastman. Kingsport, TN. https://jobs.eastman.com/job/Kingsport-Senior-HSE-Attorney-TN-37660/1220965400/. A minimum of five to ten (5-10) years’ experience with environmental laws and regulations. Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability.
Sr. Counsel, Transactions. Avantus. Remote. https://avantus.com/careers?gh_jid=7458024002. Minimum 6 years of experience with commercial transactions, construction, and/or financing for solar, storage, wind or other renewable energy related experience required; Pay Range: $211,273—$243,777 USD. Avantus is shaping the future by making reliable, low-cost clean energy a global reality.
Sr. Environmental Counsel. SI Group. TX. https://hccg.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/job/1253. Minimum of 7 years’ experience working for a national or multinational law firm. SI Group is a global leader in the innovative technology of performance additives, process solutions, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and chemical intermediates.
Corporate/Privacy Attorney. Exponent. Menlo Park, CA. https://careers-exponent.icims.com/jobs/1852/corporate-privacy-attorney/job. $185,000-$260,000. 8+ years of legal experience. Responsibilities include leading privacy and data protection initiatives, corporate governance, compliance, employment law, and risk management. Strong risk mitigation experience and the ability to adapt to new legal areas are essential. Must be a skilled user of Microsoft Office and have experience with compliance tools. In-person work is required. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are necessary.
Senior Legal Counsel Grid Integration North America. Hitachi Energy. Various Locations. https://www.hitachienergy.com/careers/open-jobs/details/JID3-103443. Minimum 8+ years of corporate in house or law firm experience. Hitachi Energy Ltd. is a technology company headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The company's products include high-voltage equipment, transformers, and services for renewable energy.
Sr Director, Legal Affairs. Plug. Capital Region, NY. https://plugpower.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Plug_Power_Inc/job/Director--Legal-Affairs_R6039-1. Sr Director level will have a minimum of fifteen (15) years’ experience in a law firm or thirteen (13) years in-house legal department of a corporation, or a combination thereof required. $153,200.00 - $245,100.00. Plug Power Inc. is an American company engaged in the development of hydrogen fuel cell systems that replace conventional batteries in equipment and vehicles powered by electricity.
Government and Non-Profit
TCEQ - Legal Support Specialist II (00043788). TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. Austin. https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/582/jobdetail.ftl?job=00043788&tz=GMT-06%3A00&tzname=America%2FCosta_Rica.Graduation from an accredited high school, plus two years of full-time experience providing clerical or administrative support. Salary (Pay Basis): 3,491.00 - 3,491.00 (Monthly). As part of TCEQ Legal Services, you would support the Executive Director in ensuring that agency decisions follow the law, and that policies we develop comply with statutes and are applied consistently.
Environmental Justice Law Fellow - Staff Attorney / Staff Attorney Trainee. Environmental Justice Law Fellowship Program. San Francisco. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/baaqmd/jobs/4679145/environmental-justice-law-fellow-staff-attorney-staff-attorney-trainee. The program is intended for new attorneys with less than two years of experience at the time of hire. The Air District’s Environmental Justice Law Fellowship program is a two-year program for new attorneys with a passion for Environmental Justice to work in the Air District’s legal office focusing on equity and EJ-related issues.
Legal Fellow, US Clean Energy. Environmental Defense Fund. Washington D.C. or U.S. Remote. https://www.edf.org/jobs/legal-fellow-us-clean-energy. $84,000-$84,000. Recent J.D. required; experience with administrative law, clean energy, climate policy, and regulatory processes preferred. Role involves legal research, drafting filings for federal agencies and courts, and contributing to publications on transmission issues. Collaborates on policy advocacy for clean energy infrastructure under IRA and BIL provisions.
Janet Quinney Lawson Endowed Chair in Colorado River Studies. Utah State University - S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources. Logan, UT. https://careers-usu.icims.com/jobs/8418/job?mobile=false&width=1290&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-300&jun1offset=-240. No minimum experience or salary listed. This tenure-track role involves directing the Center for Colorado River Studies, conducting research, teaching, and securing extramural funding to address critical issues in the Colorado River Basin.
Yale-NRDC Environmental Law Fellow. NRDC. U.S. locations (varies). https://careers-nrdc.icims.com/jobs/5632/yale-nrdc-environmental-law-fellow/job?mobile=false&width=1536&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-300&jun1offset=-240. $87,000 - $96,000. 0-3 years of minimum experience. This two-year fellowship begins at NRDC, focusing on litigation or policy initiatives to address environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, and environmental justice. In the second year, the Fellow will support Yale’s Environmental Protection Clinic, co-directing projects and mentoring students in environmental advocacy.
Attorney Adviser. Environmental Protection Agency. Chicago, IL. https://www.usajobs.gov/job/810516900. $115,439 - $177,341. Pay scale & grade: GS 13 - 14. This position is in Region 5, Office of Regional Counsel, Multi Media Branch.
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 that sounds like you, don’t feel guilty or left out! Here are a few ways you can help us…
Refer a legal matter (because every client, no matter the industry or practice area, helps me to write this newsletter)
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