Services & Industries
Education
J.D., cum laude, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2021
Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law
Certificate in Energy, Innovation, and Sustainability Law
M.S., Geoenvironmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2007
B.S., Civil Engineering, Rutgers University, 2006
Bar & Court Admissions
Oregon State Bar
Washinton State Bar Association
Colorado (Inactive)
U.S. District Court, District of Oregon
Jessica is an attorney in Tonkon Torp’s Environmental & Natural Resources Practice Group. Her practice focuses on providing clients with regulatory advice and representation in matters of energy and environmental law. Jessica’s environmental law expertise is bolstered by her more than 10 years of experience as an engineering consultant to private and public entities. In this capacity, she concentrated on environmental permitting and design of waste management and renewable energy development projects.
Jessica joined Tonkon Torp from McDowell Rackner Gibson, where she was a litigation associate focused on energy and environmental law. Jessica’s litigation experience includes handling contested cases before the Public Utility Commission of Oregon and the Energy Facility Siting Council, as well as advising energy utilities on general rate cases and other regulatory matters (such as rulemaking proceedings) before the OPUC. She also completed a secondment at Avangrid Renewables, LLC.
Jessica graduated cum laude from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2021 with certificates in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Energy, Innovation, and Sustainability Law. As a law student, she completed legal externships at the California Air Resources Board and Avangrid Renewables. Jessica graduated with honors from Rutgers University in New Jersey with a B.S.C.E., and holds an M.S. in geoenvironmental engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
In the community, Jessica volunteers with the Small Business Legal Clinic and the Victim Rights Law Center. Outside of work, Jessica loves spending time outdoors – mountain biking, snowboarding, or exploring the Pacific Northwest on her motorcycle.
Representative Matters
Due Diligence in Corporate Transactions
Provided environmental due diligence for the purchase of multiple commercial fueling stations, which involved several environmental permitting schemes.
Prospective Purchaser Agreements
Negotiated prospective purchaser agreements with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for the beneficial redevelopment of contaminated properties.
Portland Harbor Superfund Site (CERCLA)
Ongoing representation of a large manufacturing company in the $100 million Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study for remediation of the Portland Harbor Superfund Site.
Renewable Project Finance
Assisted renewable energy developer with environmental and regulatory due diligence in preparation of financing for renewable projects.
Stormwater Compliance Counseling
Regularly represent a variety of manufacturing and commercial operations to come into or maintain compliance with state, municipal, and local stormwater regulations.
PFAS Compliance Counseling
Regularly provide legal advice to manufacturers of food products and consumer goods on state regulations that govern the presence of PFAS in consumer products.
Community Involvement & Activities
Oregon State Bar Environmental & Natural Resources Section
Executive Committee, Member
Women in Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy
Board Member
Programming Committee Chair
Small Business Legal Clinic
Pro Bono Volunteer
Victim Rights Law Center
Pro Bono Volunteer
Professional Memberships
Multnomah Bar Association
Oregon Women Lawyers
Recent News
Jessica Bernardini Joins Tonkon Torp Environmental & Natural Resources Group
Tonkon Torp LLP welcomes attorney Jessica Bernardini to its Environmental & Natural Resources Practice Group. Bernardini joins Tonkon Torp from McDowell Rackner Gibson.
Recent Publications
First Two Offshore Wind Energy Areas Selected Along Oregon Coast – Public Comment Open Now
By Jessica Bernardini – Since HB 3375 was enacted in 2021, Oregon has been focused on identifying key locations for the installation of floating wind turbines off of the coast of Oregon, with the goal of generating approximately three gigawatts of offshore wind energy.
Keeping Up-to-Date on PFAS Regulations in Consumer Products
By Jessica Bernardini – PFAS (per- and poly- fluorinated alkyl substances) are everywhere, in our drinking water and all over the news. A serious concern for the health of humans and the environment, federal and state agencies are taking a proactive approach to identifying sources of PFAS and attempting to eliminate them from the everyday products with which we come in direct contact.
Washington Updates Model Toxics Control Act for First Time in Two Decades
By Jessica Bernardini – The Washington Department of Ecology (“Ecology”) has updated its rules implementing the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), the first substantial update in over 20 years. MTCA governs the investigation and cleanup of sites contaminated by hazardous substances in Washington State.
Publications & Presentations
“Washington Updates Model Toxics Control Act for First Time in Two Decades,” Tonkon Torp Legal Update, Nov. 2023
“Leveraging Mandatory Licensing Under the Clean Air Act – A Novel Framework to Domestic Reduction of Greenhouse Gases,” 51 Environmental Law 1, April 2021