Caitlin Stern

Caitlin Stern draws on strong experience analyzing emerging issues in environmental law; developing recommendations for key strategic decisions; and interfacing with local, state, and federal agencies. Her practice spans the full lifecycle of energy and infrastructure projects.

Caitlin advises on environmental reports, navigates municipal land use regulations, and handles matters related to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). She regularly advises on “new energies” projects in California, including carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), clean hydrogen, renewable natural gas, and enhanced geothermal projects.

Caitlin’s transactional experience includes negotiating physical and virtual power purchase agreements and energy storage service agreements, including for first-of-a-kind technologies and hyperscalers securing carbon-free energy and capacity. She also reviews the environmental aspects of corporate transactions, conducts due diligence for large-scale renewable energy portfolios, and advises clients on state regulatory frameworks.

In addition, Caitlin litigates environmental issues, including water law and challenges to project approvals brought under CEQA. She also advises electric utilities and other stakeholders on the environmental and regulatory aspects of catastrophic wildfire risk mitigation.

Caitlin maintains an active pro bono practice focused on transgender rights, housing rights, and post-conviction relief. While earning her J.D. from the University of California, Irvine School of Law, Caitlin worked as a summer associate at the firm. She also served as an associate editor of the UC Irvine Law Review; participated in the pro bono Transgender Legal Assistance Clinic, Clean Slate Clinic, and Startup & Small Business Clinic; and held leadership positions in several student organizations.