Chance to make a difference drew Westerberg to environmental law

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Christa Westerberg was interested in environmental causes, but knew she didn’t want to be a scientist.

“I realized going to law school was the best way to work on environmental issues. I could see myself making a difference,” said Westerberg, a partner in the litigation practice group of Pines Bach in Madison.

Westerberg represents private citizens, non-profit groups, businesses, municipalities and others in their attempts to protect environmental resources in venues ranging from administrative agencies to federal court.

“I enjoy helping my clients by thinking of solutions for my clients and problem-solve for them,” she said.

Westerberg initially became interested in environmental issues after learning about climate change while in a high school science class.

“Environmental law is so regulated and I knew that filing FOIAs or open-record requests that I could help clients get information they need that could help their case,” she said. “Everyone should have access to information from regular citizens to the media. I also work with different government entities to get information from other entities. It is not a right or left issue since everyone is interested in open government.”

Dealing with zoning and permitting issues can be puzzling. Westerberg views her role as “demystifying the process.”

“People hear some news that could potentially affect them and want to make sure they understand it and know about potential options,” she said.

Federal and state environmental regulations change over time. To stay up-to-date, Westerberg relies on news summaries sent by emails and presentations that can witness in person. Federal rules have undergone a great deal of change in the past year, as have state rules in the past decade.

“There is a lot of interest right now in the different regulations and seeing what may change and what may stay the same,” Westerberg said.

Wisconsin Law Journal: What makes your work important to you?
Christa Westerberg: Working with my clients to improve the environment, access to government information and achieve other important objectives through the law. I also like the intellectual challenge of practicing law.

WLJ: Who is your hero in the legal field?
Westerberg: My clients and other people who are willing to engage in litigation and expend their resources to protect resources and make positive change. I have really come to appreciate their commitment and our partnership.

WLJ: What do you do outside of work to deal with stress from the office?
Westerberg: I spend time with my family, play ultimate Frisbee and try to get outside as much as possible. I’m not immune to the occasional Netflix binge.

WLJ: What’s one thing many people get wrong about what you do?
Westerberg: Practicing environmental law doesn’t just mean litigating big toxic tort or federal statutory cases. It can also mean participating in local zoning decisions and what might seem like insignificant administrative or regulatory proceedings. Either way, you are making a difference for your community and developing the law.

WLJ: What’s your favorite memory from law school?
Westerberg: I have many, owing to a great small section and overall graduating class. We participated in the Dean’s Cup every fall, where the law school students compete against the medical school students in variety of events and raise money for charity. We usually managed to win the bar games, but lose the athletics competitions.

WLJ: Is there a certain case that stands out to you?
Westerberg: Long story, but I once took the depositions of several former Harlem Globetrotters. That definitely stands out.