Nina Wu, 3L, will serve as the student representative to the Energy Bar Association's (EBA) Board of Directors for 2021-2022. EBA is an international, non-profit association of attorneys, energy professionals, and students active in all areas of energy law. EBA works to promote professional excellence in the practice of energy law through educational programs and networking opportunities.
For Ms. Wu, who is pursuing a career in energy law, with a focus on renewables and project development, serving on EBA’s board allows her to learn more about the energy industry and the various practice areas, while gaining professional development and building her professional network.
“I get to meet amazing professionals from across the energy industry and work with them to develop programs and initiatives for EBA,” said Ms. Wu. “It's a real privilege to be the sole student member on the Board. I really appreciate the opportunity to share my student perspective and help EBA find ways to better serve students and universities.”
Her interest in the field was sparked by a GW Law seminar with Professor Donna Attanasio, former president of EBA and Senior Advisor for GW’s Energy Law Programs.
“That's when I fell in love with the subject of energy law,” said Ms. Wu. “It was the culmination of [Professor Attanasio’s] encouragement, my energy law courses, and my participation on the GW Journal of Energy and Environmental Law that really deepened my passion for and knowledge of [the field].”
At GW Law, Ms. Wu served as a Research Assistant for Professor Jeffrey Manns. She was a Summer Associate with Duncan, Weinberg, Genzer & Pembroke, P.C., and she served remotely as a Judicial Extern to the Honorable Todd W. Eddins of the Hawai’i Supreme Court.
As she looks to the future, Ms. Wu feels excited about her potential to make a difference. “Energy is such an exciting area of law that has the power to change people's lives on a huge scale, and I just feel really grateful to have found my passion in this space,” Ms. Wu said.
She also encourages more students to pursue board service while still in law school. “I think many students don't think about joining professional associations until post-graduation, but it's never too early to join,” she said. “[Board service] allows you to connect with practicing attorneys and gives you further insight into various career paths within your interested practice area.”