Daniel Metzger
Associate Attorney
Daniel fights climate change one legal draft at a time. He writes pleadings and motions, researches emerging legal issues, helps design strategy to encourage more renewable power in Tennessee, and works with partners to advance environmental justice in traditionally overburdened communities.
His work supports policies and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, recognizing the long-term health of Tennessee and other Southern states is at stake.
“I believe strongly in SELC’s place-based mission,” he says. “I share SELC’s conviction that justice has to be at the heart of everything we do, and I am proud to be part of a team of professionals who are absolutely unparalleled in their commitment to excellent legal advice, collegiality and creativity.”
Prior to law school, Daniel worked as a crop consultant in and around upstate New York. He enjoys getting outdoors, especially hiking the Fiery Gizzard Trail in southeast Tennessee. “The stunning views, varied terrain and numerous waterfalls show off the diverse ecology of Tennessee,” he says. “The trail’s huge popularity is a welcome reminder of how many Tennesseans cherish our natural places.”
Previous experience
- Columbia Law School Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Climate Law Fellow
- Selendy Gay Elsberg PLLC, associate
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, clerk
- J.D., Vanderbilt Law School
- M.R.M., University Center of the Westfjords
- B.A., Houghton College
- With SELC since 2021