Law professionals, regardless of their practice area or role, can make a significant contribution to climate-related companies and causes, leading not only to a more meaningful career, but also a more sustainable future. Perhaps you may have thoughts about building a legal practice that caters to clients in the field of climate change and the increasingly important environmental sector.
Frequently, a lawyer interested in working on climate issues might begin their journey focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, sustainability plans, and climate change litigation. Although these sectors might seem the most relevant or appealing, the opportunities within them for lawyers can be limited. Instead, a broader view of climate-specific law, focusing on a variety of industries relevant to the environment, can be pursued.
Take for instance, food waste reduction and recycling. According to a 2022 report by Project Drawdown, food waste reduction is identified as the highest impact solution to limit temperature rise to 2°C by 2100. Stakeholders in the food waste industry, ranging from small and medium-sized businesses to investors, private equity firms, and environmental NGOs, require comprehensive legal advice that merges insights about food waste with subject matters like mergers and acquisitions, labor and employment, intellectual property, environmental permitting, and compliance, and real estate.
Yet the focus shouldn’t lie solely on these areas. Aspiring climate lawyers should not limit their contributions to renewable energy either. A more holistic approach is to find a sphere of climate work that truly resonates with the individual’s passion and interest. Renewables may be a major focal point, but a balanced view of other sectors is also essential.
The traditional perspective on the practice of environmental law has significantly changed in recent years. No longer must you choose to work for private practices backing ‘the opposition’ or earn a pittance in government or NGO roles. By embracing a multi-faceted view of climate work, numerous avenues open up for attorneys, not only in private practice but also in-house roles.
To overcome stumbling blocks in incorporating climate-related work into your legal practice, it is advisable to commence with pro-bono work, a step that most firms inherently support. This can make a significant difference and serve as a stepping stone for embarking on your journey as a lawyer for the environment.
Joining industry-specific groups, attending courses or certifications related to climate law, writing articles and generally advancing your knowledge will all contribute to your growth within the sector. Despite the competitive job market, making the transition from a non-climate to a climate environment may not be as challenging as it seems. For further tips, you can refer here.
In conclusion, every lawyer can have an impact on our planet with their legal skills by understanding the multitude of climate-related fields that are available to them. Your career can become more fulfilling, whilst at the same time contributing positively to the environment.
For those interested, Matthew Karmel, chair of the environmental and sustainability law group at Offit Kurman and founder of the Planetary Lawyer Project talks about his experience on the subject here and via his newsletter.