Hi! I just passed the bar and I’m passionate to become an environmental attorney. The problem is I don’t have much experience because I took an accelerated edu track where I was still taking classes in the summers instead of getting experience. I’ve been focusing on applying to enviro positions in nonprofits and fed/state governments. Is this hopeless? Is it possible to start in an enviro attorney position straight after law school? Should I give up and just succumb to a big law tort firm? Thxs!

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There’s a ton to unpack here. More so than could be addressed in a comment. You should talk to your school’s career services dept

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Thank you!

Based on your post, I doubt you can consider BigLaw your “back up” option. Good luck though.

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OP didn’t say big law per se though. He or she said big law tort firm — a bit different. The fact that OP took the bar without a job lined up says something too. @OP—have you thought about clerking? Also, what does an “environmental attorney” mean anyway? One could work for Greenpeace or Exxon and still be considered an “environmental attorney.” Or work for a real estate developer. The term itself is rather vague.

I mean you’ll probably end up working for Exxon but this is nice.

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We all start somewhere. If you don’t have a lot of other experience but took courses that confirmed your interest in the topic that can be helpful for your first jobs. I don’t think it ever becomes “hopeless” but may be more difficult to accomplish after a few years of not doing anything related to the practice area. I’d also echo what SC1 said about connecting with career services for additional guidance and support as you navigate this.

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I'd say state environmental/energy/utilities commission would be ideal. Though it depends on which division you end up at.

I've not done it but have interned for state energy commission during law school & know some friends who's done it.

Maybe consider those law school career launch programs, which gives you 3/4 month of grants to intern for a public interest org or govt. Friend of mine did it at the public utilities commission and was offered to join full time after he passed the bar. Great place to start your legal careers, will learn a lot, and open up tons of options.

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A2: Awesome! I hope to work for a state regulatory commission soon. Imo you cannot be a serious environmental lawyer without some experience with the state/feds, but then again I'm no expert on this..

If I were in your shoes, I’d take any job. You’ll want to make your resume appealing/gain experience before getting picky.

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Keep an open mind and apply broadly. If you have options to explore a more general area of the law in your first job you should consider it. You could always work to pivot to a more niche position later in your career.

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Apply everywhere. And don’t be picky at this point

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Are you at Vermont law?

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