Chiara Pappalardo

Professor Pappalardo teaches courses on property and climate change law, and co-directs the Environmental Law and Sustainability Center. Her research focuses on sustainable development and the energy transition, and has appeared in (or is forthcoming from), among others, the Georgetown Environmental Law Review, the Michigan Journal of Environmental and Administrative Law, the proceedings of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law Annual Colloquium, and the American Bar Association, Environment, Energy and Resources Section.

Professor Pappalardo studies how laws and regulations often hinder rather than facilitate the adoption of innovative solutions towards decarbonization and ecosystem restoration. She is passionate about showcasing how, under differently designed, better coordinated and more enabling legal frameworks, decentralized systems such as renewable energy microgrids and regenerative buildings can not only enhance environmental quality but improve economic and social outcomes for the individuals and communities that adopt them. 

Professor Pappalardo began her legal career in Italy where she practiced civil, commercial and corporate law assisting both national and foreign clients before pivoting to energy and environmental law. Outside of private practice, both in Italy and in the United States, she has worked with multiple organizations in a variety of roles including in the fields including human rights and historic preservation. She is excited to share her experience with students, and discuss the different careers path that a law degree opens to them.