Jennifer Novak, Class of '96

Jennifer Novak ’96 founded her law firm, the Law Office of Jennifer F. Novak, Environmental Law, to represent clients who value environmental laws and take compliance seriously but want to keep the regulatory process fair. Her clients include small businesses, individual property owners, and Fortune 500 companies. Previously, she was a Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice for nine years. An active volunteer, she has worked with students, cleaned up beaches, sorted food donations, and led the California Lawyers Association’s Environmental Law Section.

What attracted you to environmental law?

Truthfully, I came into environmental law by accident but have stayed in the field by choice. I happened to apply for a position at the California Department of Justice just as its Natural Resources Section needed a litigator more than someone who knew environmental laws. It was a really steep learning curve to understand the policy, science, and shift of burdens of proof that we have in this field. Compared to other areas of law, we don’t have the same body of precedent to draw upon, and because it’s so steeped in science, it’s constantly changing. This is especially so in California. I like to remind people that an environmental law affects everything we do in our lives: the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, where we live, our health. It’s heavy in administrative law, straddles federal and state court jurisdictions, and a variety of state, local, and federal agencies can all have jurisdiction over a given issue. It’s a gift to be able to help people understand their place in that regulatory world.

Are there things you wish you had known before starting your own law firm?

Of course. Probably the most important lesson for any business owner is that you are at the heart of the best and worst decisions your business will make. Your fears, your flaws, your ignorance, your attitude and emotions, your entire personality will become the foundation for the business. You need to recognize and accept that. By understanding yourself, and more importantly, by accepting advice and help, you can improve both yourself and the footing for your business, whether it’s a law firm or anything else.

Why is it important to you to make time for volunteer activities?

I’m a big believer that life can be “win-win.” It not only feels good to create personal connections that have nothing to do with legal conflicts or problems, but there are so many ways in which any individual, trying to improve the world slightly, can make a big impact. I’m grateful to be in a position where I can do my part. Having my own firm has provided me the time and flexibility to sit on non-profit boards, to participate in volunteer events, and to mentor students and young lawyers. That has improved my life and even helped my career.

Why did you choose to attend King Hall?

It was a variety of factors. I actually had committed to attend USC but was admitted to King Hall off the wait list at the last minute. I didn’t know anyone at the school and I’d never visited the school before I came up to see if I could even find a place to live. Once there, I loved the vibe of the school and Davis as a city. And while I don’t usually make snap decisions, being in Davis felt right, and I never looked back. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What is your favorite King Hall memory?

There are many, with shout-outs to Professors Feeney and Imwinkelried, my classmate Dan Kelleher, and my partners in crime in moot court. But since this month is my 25th wedding anniversary, I’ll pick the night at The Grad my IL year when a slightly drunk 2L tried to convince my classmate to dance with him and then settled for me instead.

How have you stayed connected to King Hall?

I’m currently serving on the Alumni Board, and over the years I’ve hired King Hall students, attended conferences at the school, written alumni updates, helped to organize our reunions, and tried to convince my classmates to keep in touch through our Facebook page.

Of what are you proudest?

My entire life, I wanted to be a lawyer and I wanted to be a mom. I’ve been able to be both and to find a way to balance them to reach a place where I am very happy with what I’ve done in both areas.

Do you have any advice for current law students?

Make the most of the opportunities available to you, so that you’re always either gaining a skill or clarifying your vision of who you want to be. The world needs lawyers, both to help avoid problems and to solve them. There are many ways to be part of that process, and you’ll be more successful and happier if you do what feels best in your heart.