Meet Erin Pennell
Legal Interests: Energy, Environmental, and Public Interest Law
USD School of Law Graduation Year: 2023
Bachelor's Degree: B.A. Environmental Studies from University of California Santa Barbara
Current Job: Senior Compliance Analyst, San Diego Community Power
I wanted a career in energy/environmental work, and didn't know how to break into that industry. I was deciding between getting a Masters degree or a JD, when I got a job as an administrative assistant at a law firm. I decided to go the legal route because it seemed the most interesting.
I had already been living in San Diego for about 4 years and I didn't want to relocate. USD was the only school I applied to.
I studied Environmental Studies in undergrad and always wanted to pursue a career that helped people with the clean energy transition. I saw that USD had an environmental and energy concentration, and the Energy Clinic, and saw that as my way into this industry.
I have worked at San Diego Community Power as a compliance analyst since graduating. I am responsible for tracking regulatory compliance requirements, submitting all compliance reports, and working in strategic planning to meet compliance mandates.
I participated in the Energy Clinic, which gave me great experience working in California's regulatory energy space and understanding the legal framework that shapes the power given to agencies to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Thanks to Joe Kaatz, I connected with Ty Tosdal at Tosdal APC and began working for local energy clients including San Diego Community Power. It was a great pivot to then work in-house for SDCP because I had already been working with them for over a year before I graduated and took the bar.
I recommend that you take opportunities across many different types of law while in law school. Take an internship with Legal Aid/San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, participate in a clinic, join a journal, etc. BUT do not do all these things at once. Pace yourself. You have 6 semesters and 2 summers to do these things and burning out will get you nowhere. (Do as I say, not as I do).
I was the Managing Editor of JCEL (where I also had an article published), participated in the Energy Clinic, interned with San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, interned with San Diego Unified School District, research assistant for Professor Dov Fox, worked a few part time jobs - admin assistant at a law firm, assistant at a property management firm, and law clerk for Tosdal APC. I also was a member of the Environmental Law Society and Women's Law Caucus.
The friends I made along the way.