James Birkelund, Adjunct Professor

Adjunct Professor James Birkelund is an environmental attorney with a successful solo practice here in San Francisco.

Professor Birkelund has extensive negotiation experience with complex environmental matters involving non-profit organizations, government entities, and private developers. He has successfully negotiated several landmark deals to protect historic natural resources and parklands throughout California and in San Francisco.

Prior to starting his own firm, Professor Birkelund practiced environmental law with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), with Morrison & Foerster in San Francisco, and as in-house counsel for a major electricity utility in Australia. His expertise includes advising clients on climate change, clean energy, and natural resource matters, and he has engaged in both litigation and transactional matters.

Professor Birkelund received a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, a M.S. in Resource Policy from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources, and a B.A. in Geology from Colgate University.

In his spare time, Professor Birkelund enjoys surfing, skiing, and mountain biking. He also is an avid international traveller.