California Environmental Law & Policy Center

CELPC welcomed undergrads to King Hall for “Insights on Law School from a Student Perspective” on April 7. An outstanding panel of UC Davis Law students shared the realities of law school life, insights into the admissions process, and career paths accessible through a law degree.

Pictured: Harjass Kaur ’27, Hilary Sanders ’26, CELPC Co-Director Tracy Winsor, Caitlyn Brekke ’27, Lillian Hammerstrom ’27, and Quinn Todd ’27.

Watch the recording: https://mediasite.ucdavis.edu/Mediasite/Play/36f65a20480e48a6a1f5817b1460340a1d

For upcoming CELPC events, visit https://law.ucdavis.edu/centers/environmental/events.

Chris Moskal '19 and Yvonne West introduced students to “Environmental Lawyering at the State Water Board” today at King Hall. Moskal is an Attorney III in the State Water Resources Control Board, Office of Chief Counsel. West is Director of the Office of Enforcement and has been part of the Office since its inception in 2006.

Watch the recording: https://mediasite.ucdavis.edu/Mediasite/Play/34b80c717e8b43c3ae7d631fe79c52501d

For upcoming events, visit https://law.ucdavis.edu/centers/environmental/events.

CELPC welcomed three experienced practitioners to discuss “CEQA and Current Environmental Laws: The ‘Rough and Tumble’ of Sacramento.” Susan Brandt-Hawley ’77, Douglas Carstens, and Kevin K. Johnson ’80 shared their stories, explained CEQA’s purpose, and engaged in conversation with King Hall and undergraduate students.

Pictured: Douglas Carstens, CELPC Co-Director Tracy Winsor, and Kevin K. Johnson. (Susan Brandt-Hawley attended virtually.)

Watch the recording: https://mediasite.ucdavis.edu/Mediasite/Play/f1bf9bedc0d948f79c9cbc2a22ae704f1d

For upcoming events, visit https://law.ucdavis.edu/centers/environmental/events.

CAL FIRE Chief Counsel Kelly Welchans ’07 shared practical career advice with King Hall students today at a CELPC lunchtime event. Welchans drew on her experiences at a private firm, as a Deputy Attorney General in the Natural Resources Law Section at the Office of the California Attorney General, and now as in-house counsel for a state agency. Pictured with CELPC Co-Director Tracy Winsor (left).

For upcoming events, visit https://law.ucdavis.edu/centers/environmental/events.

CELPC presented Wildfire Resilience: California and the Modern Fire Regime at the UC Davis School of Law on Feb. 13. Experts discussed legal and policy responses to make California wildfire resilient, including new approaches to landscape management, utility regulation to reduce fire risk, wildfire resiliency projects, and steps to address the aftermath of mega-fires. Watch this fascinating conference at https://law.ucdavis.edu/celpc-conference-2026.

Look for upcoming events at https://law.ucdavis.edu/centers/environmental/events.

CELPC, the Environmental Law Society, and the Renewable Energy Law Group kicked off the Green Careers Series with “Understanding Workplace Culture: Putting You in the Driver’s Seat on the Path to a Fulfilling Career” on Nov. 12 at King Hall.

Leaders from the California Attorney General’s Office and California Air Resources Board discussed the characteristics of a healthy workplace culture and why every applicant should understand how to approach their job search with intention and discernment. They shared practical tips related to preparing for interviews, surviving a challenging workplace culture, and creating a pathway to your most fulfilling career.

We were fortunate to welcome:

Annadel Almendras ’97, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Natural Resources Law Section
Morice Mabry, Coaching and Career Development Unit Manager, Department of Justice
Abigail May, Deputy Counsel, California Air Resources Board
Elizabeth Sarine, B.S. ’01, Deputy Attorney General, Natural Resources Law Section

Watch at https://mediasite.ucdavis.edu/Mediasite/Play/79273639863d4ac7a950ddb530a7bdd71d

The Green Careers Series continues through November 20, 2025. More information at law.ucdavis.edu/centers/environmental/events.

“Backstop: State Intervention Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act,” Nov. 5, 2025, at King Hall, featured Deputy Attorney General Maggie Tides; State Water Resources Control Board Attorney Amanda Pearson ’09; CELPC Co-Director Tracy Winsor; and CELPC Advisory Board Co-Chair, State Water Resources Control Board Attorney Supervisor Tina Cannon Leahy ’98.

Watch at https://mediasite.ucdavis.edu/Mediasite/Play/56b1ac33d7aa48dbb02da321b30141a11d

Stoel Rives LLP graciously hosted CELPC’s annual reception on Oct. 14, 2025, connecting King Hall students, alumni, and friends with the Sacramento environmental law community. Enjoy these photos from multi-talented Environmental Law Society Co-Chair Quinn Todd '27.

Three environmental policy advocates from the Planning and Conservation League visited King Hall on Oct. 27, 2025, to describe “Environmental Policy Careers & the Legislative Process.” CELPC Director Tracy Winsor with PCL’s Associate Director Johnnie Carlson, Environmental Policy Associate Gabriel Tolson, and Policy Director Matt Baker.

Watch here: https://mediasite.ucdavis.edu/Mediasite/Play/d62c9da65c58418b88a73e9b9e7c04791d

Tom Bloomfield, Partner at Kaplan Kirsch (on screen); Michael Mills, B.S. ’94, J.D. ’97, Partner at Stoel Rives LLP; Mark Adams, Principal at Point Environmental; and CELPC Co-Director Tracy L. Winsor discussed the "Litigation, Negotiation, and Implementation of Long-Term Remedies at Contaminated Sites" at King Hall on October 1, 2025.

Watch here: https://mediasite.ucdavis.edu/Mediasite/Play/809d8464010a439a919a0ed02496fe291d

California Air Resources Board Chief Counsel Shannon Dilley and recently retired CARB Chief Counsel Ellen M. Peter described the history and future of "Environmental Lawyering at the California Air Resources Board" while giving UC Davis School of Law students practical career advice. CARB Deputy Counsel Abigail May and CELPC Co-Director Tracy Winsor moderated their discussion at King Hall on September 4, 2025.

Watch here: https://mediasite.ucdavis.edu/Mediasite/Play/f7b197732597456aaea85bfbe2c5c2091d