Jeshica Patel, a 2017 graduate of Pace Haub Law, described on March 31 how her early interest in law and science led her to a career focused on environmental policy. Patel said she knew from middle school that she wanted to become a lawyer, but it was during college that she discovered the connection between legal work and environmental issues.
Patel’s experience highlights the diverse opportunities available for students interested in combining science with legal practice. She explained that after taking an environmental law class in college, she changed her major from biology to environmental science and policy. This shift ultimately guided her toward Pace Haub Law due to its strong reputation in environmental law and its location near New York City and family.
At Pace Haub Law, Patel immersed herself in extracurricular activities related to environmental law. “I think my experience at the Law School was so great because I got out of it what I put in,” she said. She credited courses like Professor Coplan’s Environmental Skills class for providing practical insight into how laws are applied. Her involvement included volunteering at the Land Use Law Center, interning at various organizations such as EPA Region 2 and Riverkeeper, participating in externship programs, working at the Pace Energy and Climate Center, attending international conferences like the IUCN World Conservation Congress, and joining clinics focused on litigation.
After graduation, Patel began her professional journey through the Excelsior Service Fellowship Program with a placement at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Office of Legislative Affairs. “That placement set my career up for a trajectory I never could have envisioned for myself in the best way possible,” she said.
Currently an associate at Greenberg Traurig LLP, Patel combines legal research with policy analysis and client advocacy. She emphasized that each day brings new challenges: “Every day is different,” she said. “Some days I’m deep in legal research and memo drafting, while other days I’m working with clients to advance their priorities with various government entities.” One significant milestone was serving as Governor Hochul’s assistant counsel for environment, energy, and agriculture—a role allowing direct impact on state policy.
Patel remains engaged with alumni activities through the Pace Environmental Law Alumni Association and mentors students pursuing similar paths. Her advice is: “Keep an open mind. You never know what will happen when you say yes to an opportunity you didn’t expect.”
