Energy Law in the Pacific Northwest? Forum

[fatjimmorrison]

I'll be attending the University of Texas this fall where I want to focus on oil/energy work. However, I'd like to find legal employment in the pacific northwest, specifically Seattle/Portland. I have Texas ties to fall back on, but I'm targeting the PNW really heavily. I know the general rule of thumb is to attend school in the area you want to practice, but UT gave me a deal that was too good to pass up and I know they are well regarded for Energy Law.

I know that Stoel Rives has a good practice up there...assuming I do well at Texas (big assumption, I know) will there be any market for what I want to do in PNW?

Thanks in advance.

[cwid1391]

I'll be attending the University of Texas this fall where I want to focus on oil/energy work. However, I'd like to find legal employment in the pacific northwest, specifically Seattle/Portland. I have Texas ties to fall back on, but I'm targeting the PNW really heavily. I know the general rule of thumb is to attend school in the area you want to practice, but UT gave me a deal that was too good to pass up and I know they are well regarded for Energy Law.

I know that Stoel Rives has a good practice up there...assuming I do well at Texas (big assumption, I know) will there be any market for what I want to do in PNW?

Thanks in advance.

Go into bird law instead.

[Sea Urchin Ceviche]

Previous poster is not being constructive.

You're going to face two major problems. First, the PNW is an extremely insular and territorial market. Ties are paramount. Even people from higher-ranked T14 schools struggle to break in to the region if they lack geographic credibility. Usually having gone to undergrad or high school in-state is enough. But "I'd love to work in PNW" standing alone won't suffice unless you're from HYS.

The second problem is that the Energy Law in the PNW is a narrow field. Perkins Coie and Davis Wright also have active practices in the region -- but I highly doubt they're each bringing on more than one entry-level associate annually -- if at all. (I speak from experience, having worked in this exact area before law school.)

There are major wind farms in the PNW. Plus you have your traditional utilities and the bread-and-butter regulatory work. And there are lots of "clean energy" startups in the region (many fledgling), so knowing some transactional basics might help you sell yourself. But in the end, you'll need to really kick ass in school AND get lucky to have this path open up. I wish you the best and hope things work out.

[cwid1391]

Previous poster is not being constructive.

Well, that depends on your definition.