COOPER T. SILBURN
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Knowledgeable about environmental industry practices and regulations. Attentive and exacting with demonstrated success in navigating local government regulatory and policy initiatives. Systematic and practical with sound judgment, an analytical mindset and good problem-solving skills.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Environmental Regulatory Specialist
Flaherty & Hood
, P.A.
05.2022 - Current
- Drafts legal documents including pleadings, motions, and briefs, as well as conducts legal research and analysis to support local government client representation and advocacy efforts
- Collaborates with attorneys and staff to prepare for hearings and trials, participates in client meetings and negotiations, and assists with project management and case coordination.
Legal Intern
Office of Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan
St. Paul, MN
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Provided support to the Legal Department in advising the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on a wide range of legal and policy issues
- Conducted extensive statutory, regulatory, and case law research into myriad topics affecting Minnesota
- Worked collaboratively with the Legal Department, state agency counsel, and the Minnesota Attorney General's Office on litigation preparation and administrative hearings.
Legal Intern
Parkway Law
Minneapolis, MN
01.2021 - 11.2021
- Conducted extensive research on environmental regulatory compliance issues focused on remediation and redevelopment of contaminated properties
- Prepared detailed memorandum on the subject involving thorough research of the permitting process and the Natural Resource Damage Assessment process
- Worked closely with a leading attorney representing a Minnesota City as it moved towards the redevelopment of a major Superfund site on tribal land
- Prepared a variety of legal and technical documents aimed at informing sustainable, ethical, and economically viable decision-making for the future of the site and the community it will serve.
Legal Extern
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
St. Paul, MN
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Conducted thorough analyses of complex issues related to agency compliance, enforcement, natural resource damages, and permitting requirements
- Developed written materials for the 2021 Minnesota Environmental Institute CLE; communicated legal concepts effectively to diverse audiences
- Produced high-quality written products for agency attorneys and other stakeholders
- Delivered complex analysis under tight deadlines.
Assistant Climbing Program Director and Trip Leader
University of Minnesota Outdoor Center
Minneapolis, MN
02.2016 - 05.2019
- Led and supervised a team of 10 individuals by conducting weekly training and work sessions
- Successfully restructured the program and staffing model, resulting in increased project efficiency, community engagement, and reduced workplace injuries
- Provided guidance and support to clients during backcountry expeditions, including a week-long backpacking trip in Iceland
- Coordinated logistics and facilitated group debriefings of challenging experiences
- Collaborated closely with co-guides to analyze and solve problems in high-risk situations, always ensuring the safety and well-being of clients
Communications Intern
Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters
Minneapolis, MN
02.2018 - 09.2018
- Conducted legal research and managed FOIA requests, including communications between agencies, environmental groups, and mining companies, to support the campaign's efforts in protecting the Boundary Waters area
- Developed engaging web content and media for the campaign's social media platforms and website, fostering conversation and promoting community engagement
- Collaborated with campaign staff on marketing projects to support the campaign's messaging and outreach efforts.
Education
J.D -
05.2022
Mitchell Hamline Law Journal of Public Policy & Practice, Staff Member Vol. 42 | Environmental Law Society, Treasurer | GPA: 3.15
- Fall 2020, Fall 2021 - Dean's List
B.A. - Journalism, Arts
05.2019
GPA: 3.203
04.2017
Spring Semester in Patagonia
Skills
- Analytical thinking: Ability to analyze and interpret complex data and develop strategic solutions for clients
- Communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with clients, team members, and stakeholders
- Project management: Experience in managing projects from start to finish, including scope definition, project planning, resource management, and execution
- Problem-solving: Ability to identify and solve complex problems for clients in a timely and effective manner
- Collaboration: Experience working effectively in teams, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and building consensus around solutions
- Industry knowledge: Deep knowledge of environmental regulatory governance and clean water utilities, including legislative and policy trends, competitors, and the regulatory environment
- Technical skills: Proficiency in Microsoft suite including excel, legal research tools and methodologies, and integration of AI in work processes
- Time management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to meet tight deadlines
- Attention to detail: Keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy and quality in deliverables
- Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements, timelines, and client needs
Timeline
Environmental Regulatory Specialist - Flaherty & Hood
05.2022 - Current
Legal Intern - Office of Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan
01.2022 - 06.2022
Legal Intern - Parkway Law
01.2021 - 11.2021
Legal Extern - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
01.2021 - 05.2021
Communications Intern - Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters
02.2018 - 09.2018
Assistant Climbing Program Director and Trip Leader - University of Minnesota Outdoor Center
02.2016 - 05.2019
Mitchell Hamline School of Law - J.D,
University of Minnesota Twin Cities - B.A., Journalism, Arts
National Outdoor Leadership School - ,
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