Jennifer A. Smokelin Photo
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Jennifer is a bright, energetic thought-leader on environmental and emerging energy issues, greenhouse gas legislation, and related environmental issues, with a particular experience in Pennsylvania, the mid-Atlantic, Texas, California, and the European Union. She is a leading member of the Reed Smith’s global environmental, social and governance (ESG) practice with a particular focus on the environmental and governance aspects of ESG. Jennifer also serves as one of the three Sustainability Partners tasked with driving progress toward the firm’s sustainability goals – focused on reducing carbon emissions, increasing recycling and fostering internal engagement. As the U.S. Sustainability Partner – East, Jennifer oversees regional environmental sustainability initiatives across nine Reed Smith's offices in the Eastern time zone and works closely with Reed Smith’s sustainability champions to guide Reed Smith’s global efforts in this area.

Jennifer represents clients in a broad range of environmental and energy issues, including environmental civil enforcement and litigation matters, as well as regulatory and transactional issues for energy and manufacturing companies. She draws upon her experience in business and engineering to incorporate regulatory compliance into sound business strategies. Jennifer is a “people person” who is devoted to her clients, prides herself on her responsiveness to their issues, and will make her clients’ problems her own until they are successfully resolved.

Credentials

  • University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 1992, J.D., summa cum laude, Managing Editor, University of Pittsburgh Law Review; Order of the Coif
  • University of Pennsylvania, 1986, B.S.E., Systems Science and Engineering; Minor: Wharton School, Decision Sciences

  • Pennsylvania

  • Delegate to the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France, December 2015 (the "Paris Climate Talks")
  • Allegheny County Bar Association
  • Denis Theatre Foundation (a small nonprofit dedicated to renovating and revitalizing a community arts center) – Member of Advisory Board
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association – Member of the Environmental, Mineral, and Natural Resources Section
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Law – Adjunct Professor of Law, Teaching "Climate Change and the Law" (a course that is designed to help a new generation of lawyers understand the science, law, and business of climate change)
  • Delegate to the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) under the United Nations' Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen, Denmark, December 2009

Awards & Recognition

  • Ranked in Chambers USA for Pennsylvania Environment, 2017-2019, 2022-2024
  • Chambers Global – Global Market Leaders - Climate Change – Recognized as Notable Practitioner 2022

In the Press

Notable Quotes

  • 16 February 2016 "Clean Power Plan could sway on US Supreme Court appointment" ICIS
  • 11 February 2016 "Some States Halt Clean Power Plan Work In Wake of Stay but Others Forge On" Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report
  • 1 February 2016 "Pa. Methane Rules May Be Tougher Than Federal Standards" Law360
  • 14 December 2015 “Attorneys React To The Paris Climate Change Deal” Law360
  • 25 November 2015 "Global Climate Deal Would Boost CPP's Survival Chances” Law360
  • 6 November 2015 “RGGI Will Hear Input From Stakeholders On EPA’s Clean Power Plan” Bloomberg BNA’s Daily Environment Report
  • 24 March 2015 “RGGI Develops Principles for Potential of Other States to Join Regional Initiative” Bloomberg BNA’s Daily Environmental Report
  • 3 June 2014 “China Emissions Cap To Push US Toward Strict Climate Regs” Law360
  • 20 November 2013 “New Obama Climate Czar Brings Fresh Energy Perspective” Law360
  • 12 November 2013 "Typhoon Devastation Shakes Up Global Climate Talks" Law360
  • 16 October 2013 "Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Challenges to Greenhouse Gas Permitting Requirements Bloomberg BNA
  • 22 February 2011 "GHG Rules' Low Cost Won't Curtail Legal Storm" Law360