Karen Chen Email & Phone Number

San Francisco, California, United States

Fall externship with the Public Utilities Team

Legal Research and Writing for LL.M. Students (Fall 2021)Written and Oral Advocacy (Spring 2022)Environmental Law Writing Seminar (Fall 2022)

Summer clerkship with the Environment and Natural Resources Division, Environmental Enforcement Section

San Francisco, California, United States

Summer internship with Region 9 Office of Regional Counsel

Washington, DC

• Served as lead paralegal on matters including:
• Oversight of lead water service line replacement and related programs resulting from settlement agreement in citizen lawsuit in Flint, MI
• Public Utility Commission proceedings on lead water service line replacement program in Pittsburgh, PA
• Challenge to permits issued for oil and gas exploration using seismic airgun blasting in the Atlantic Ocean

Washington, DC

• Proofread, fact-checked, and formatted briefs; conducted factual research and analysis; interviewed members and drafted standing declarations; prepared and sent courtesy and service copies to parties in litigation
• Oversaw summer legal intern recruitment team of ten attorneys and seven assistants; assisted with hiring litigation staff at all levels; assessed and implemented institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
• Supported daily operations of team: scheduled and set up meetings; organized travel logistics; took notes on calls and meetings; provided IT support; served as liaison to other NRDC departments, coalition partners.

Washington, DC

• Formatted, copy-edited, and summarized discussion papers and other publications in line with RFF style
• Drafted over twenty blogposts for RFF's website; wrote pieces for Resources (No. 192); compiled RFF Connection Newsletter
• Staffed public events regarding various environmental economics topics

Washington, DC

• Provided data collection and writing support to Dr. Rémi Jedwab on various projects addressing economic development in the Global South, specifically regarding urbanization in mega cities

Washington, DC

• Provided research, writing, and editing assistance on projects involving various issues such as floodplain management, green infrastructure, natural disaster risk reduction, climate resilient finance
• Managed logistics for, attended, and took notes at meetings with other Federal agencies, nonprofits, and various stakeholders regarding climate adaptation
• Compiled weekly reports, wrote memos, and formatted newsletters in support of Climate Preparedness team efforts
• Maintained a database of executive orders and White House fact sheets pertaining to Obama Administration climate resilience initiatives

Washington, DC

• Pitched, researched, wrote, fact-checked and edited seven blog posts on various issues and DC events

Washington, DC

• Coordinated with and provided logistical support to facilities services team, housing office, and University Police department; resolved customer service and campus security issues
• Utilized specialized housing databases to verify student information and create work orders
• Issued keys to students; answered phone and email inquiries from residents and summer conference guests

Washington, DC

• Served as first point of contact for team of over twenty counselors, directors, and Associate Dean
• Answered phone inquiries, handled disputes, and provided information and directions to current and prospective students, employers, guest speakers, alumni, and visitors
• Coordinated meetings for students, counselors, and faculty by updating and syncing GW Law career services management system with Google Calendar

Washington, DC

• Conducted research on topics including indoor air quality, big data, livestock management, renewable energy
• Wrote summaries of online webinars hosted by ELI to post to Ocean Program website
• Edited and copy-edited article summaries for Environmental Law and Policy Annual Review
• Set up and provided technical support during various ELI workshops and meetings

Doctor Of Law - Jd

Activities and Societies: California Law Review (Articles & Essays Editor), Ecology Law Quarterly (Publishing Editor), Womxn of Color.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), International Affairs

Activities and Societies: Delta Phi Epsilon Professional Foreign Service Sorority, Student Admissions Representative, Feminist Student.

Semester Exchange, July-December 2014