​EDUCATION | ADMISSIONS

 

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Admitted 2024 (#7680404)

District of Columbia Bar, Admitted 2019 (#1600518)

State of Maryland Bar, Admitted 1989 (#8912180329)

J.D., University of Maryland School of Law

B.A., University of California at Los Angeles

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PROFESSIONAL | VOLUNTEER CHRONOLOGY

 

wexlerESQ, LLC

FOUNDER (Nov 2018 - )

Offer legal representation and strategic consulting to individuals, businesses and non-profits; support entrants and legacy transitions in emerging markets

 

Marylanders for Beneficial Psychedelics 

STEERING COMMITTEE (2023 - )

Collaborate with small, diverse group of advocates who shepherded Maryland House Bill 0548 / Senate Bill 1009, bi-partisan 2024 legislation and who continue to support its creation: a task force to develop recommendations for legalized access to psychedelics, to be presented to the MD General Assembly in 2026

 

Christian Legal Aid-DC

CLINIC ATTORNEY (Mar 2023 - )

Serve pro bono clients petitioning for criminal record sealing/expungement

 

Plant Medicine Peer Network, Inc.

FOUNDER/PRESIDENT (Dec 2021 - )

Seeded by a grant from the Psychedelic Medicine Foundation, formed a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit to develop and implement education and community-building activities around plant medicine

 

The Law Office of Bayne & Associates

OF COUNSEL (Nov 2020 - Dec 2023)

Provide Cannabis and emerging policy issue expertise to women-owned firm specializing in medical devices, dietary supplements, botanicals and cosmetics

 

University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

ADJUNCT FACULTY (Sep 2021 - May 2022)

MS in Cannabis Science and Therapeutics 

Lead Instructor for MCST610 State Cannabis Law and Policy (enrollment:145)

 

growingSOUL

GENERAL COUNSEL (June 2018 - Sep 2022)

Provided pro-bono legal services and operational consulting to zero waste food justice non-profit

 

Initiative 81 DecriminalizeNatureDC

CAMPAIGN STAFF (Jan - Nov 2020)

Led outreach to senior citizen communities on ballot measure to reform policing around personal use of entheogenic plants; developed/delivered educational presentations, planned/supported online communications and events, phone banked to senior voters

 

Cruel Consequences

GENERAL COUNSEL (Sep 2019 - Sep 2020)

Provided pro-bono formation support for non-profit focused on educating officials and the public about the impacts of cannabis prohibition beyond incarceration 

 

CLIMATE FINANCE ADVISORS, Benefit LLC

SENIOR DIRECTOR (Feb - Nov 2018)

Institutionalized a start-up consulting firm focused on green investment and climate-smart financial policy. Chose and onboarded project management software, 401K Benefit Trust; Delivered Employee Handbook, Operations Manual, and Financial Policies and Procedures. Oversaw Budgeting and Accounting. Coordinated communications strategy including a revamp of the website and integration of social media

 

KESHER ISRAEL CONGREGATION

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (April 2016 - December 2017)

Ushered a 300-member historic synagogue through crisis and transition that included search and installation of new leadership, renovation of offices and parsonage, and implementation of a federal security grant. Directed finance, operations, programming and communications

 

GYPSY SALLY'S

PUBLICIST (Sep 2013 - May 2015)

Helped dear friends launch their new business, a live music venue in Georgetown. Mapped and evaluated the media landscape; developed print, radio and digital advertising plans; pitched touring acts to secure editorial coverage; partnered with local institutions and personalities; ran the Twitter feed; mastered WordPress and Constant Contact

 

JPDS-NC PURIM BALL & AUCTION

CO-CHAIR (2012, 2013)
Co-organized 450-person gala for independent school; set attendance and fundraising records; 2012 event honored two sitting U.S. ambassadors/parents, 2013 event revamped longstanding format

 

JPDS-NC ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGN

CLASS CHAIR (2009 - 2010)

Solicited philanthropic commitments from peer families

 

WEXLERESQ

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT (Jun 1996 - Oct 2007)

Advocated client interests before United Nations bodies, the U.S. Congress and federal agencies; evaluated international legal agreements and investigated policy options; designed multimedia to advance positions and promote solutions

 

• Piloted a consortium of 14 medical professional and patient membership organizations through transition to ozone-safe medical devices.  Drove formulation of consensus positions and advocated them before UN bodies, U.S. Congress and federal agencies. Delivered testimony, briefed senior level government decisionmakers; produced multimedia and message events

 

• For a private sector equipment manufacturer, investigated feasibility of an exemption process under the Montreal Protocol ozone treaty.  Authored a discussion draft, submitted to the Ozone Secretariat and distributed to Parties; met with key country delegates; presented findings in testimony and at public events

 

• For London-based NGO Global Witness, assessed inaugural phase of an international accord to prevent illicit trade of rough diamonds. Developed review criteria, interviewed key stakeholders, and presented options for improving operations and outcomes. Member states subsequently adopted key recommendations on monitoring and transparency

 

• As invited panelist at informational session for climate negotiators, presented “Linkages Between the Montreal and Kyoto Protocols” offering criteria for a proposed exemption process

 

• For The Energy and Joyce-Mertz Gilmore Foundations, designed workshop to educate and mobilize nongovernmental health experts on linkages between climate change and public health.  Liaised with UN Framework Convention Secretariat to arrange logistics; recruited European participants

 

• For World Health Organization, advised a series of treaty drafting workshops on the applicability of international environmental agreements to emerging public health concerns; informed WHO thinking on a consolidated approach to AIDS, TB and malaria

 

THE CAMDUS GROUP, INC.

ASSOCIATE (Apr 1997 - Nov 2004)

Cultivated partnerships with professional and trade associations to improve energy performance in the public sector; devised outreach and communication strategies to promote a voluntary approach to environmental improvement; issued legal guidance and provided strategic support to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy, state and local governments, K-12 schools, and universities on overcoming barriers to energy investment

 

• For U.S. EPA Energy Star, partnered with Council of Great City Schools to deliver ENERGY STAR tools to U.S. school districts to benchmark and improve building energy performance and purchase energy efficient goods and services

 

• For U.S. EPA Energy Star, partnered with the Association of School Business Officials to design and deliver internet training courses on financing and implementing energy efficiency upgrades

 

• For U.S. EPA Office of Air and Radiation, managed rollout of CLIMATE LEADERS, a private sector voluntary program to track and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Guided design and development of partnership brand; produced media packet; organized White House announcement event

 

• For U.S. EPA Office of the Administrator, devised typology for characterizing and comparing 150 federal voluntary programs; led project team conducting personnel interviews and crafting program profiles; authored report and presented findings to White House Office of Reinvention-led Executive Branch interagency task force

 

• For U.S. EPA Office of Water, oversaw three-day meeting for 500+ attendees.  Formed and counseled Steering Committee; directed solicitation and review of 400+ scientific abstracts; devised unified communications strategy for 100 presenters; launched poster session for original research; managed staff and $250,000 budget

 

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION, Committee on Climate Change and Sustainable Development

CO-CHAIR (2001 - 2003)

Led campaign that successfully secured permanent committee status 

For ABA Fall Section Meeting, organized and moderated panel discussion “Managing Climate Change Regulatory Risks: Are Your Clients Ready?”

 

For ABA, convened experts to consider legal rules for emissions trading under the Kyoto Protocol. Developed proposal and secured grant funding; interviewed facilitators, identified participants and shaped agenda for two-day “Facilitated Dialogue on Emissions Trading.”  Synthesized findings and authored report submitted to the UN Secretariat

 

INTER-AMERICAN DEFENSE COLLEGE

VISITING FACULTY (1994 - 2002)

Developed and delivered multi-day course on global environment and health

 

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, University Honors

ADJUNCT FACULTY (1993 - 2000)

Developed and delivered honors seminar on global environmental change

 

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

ADJUNCT FACULTY (Spring 1993)

Developed and delivered graduate course on international environmental law and policy

 

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, University Honors

LECTURER (1991 - 1993)

Delivered short courses on global environment in College Park Scholars Environment Technology and Economy track

 

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, Center for Global Change

POLICY ANALYST (1989 - 1996)

Advised U.S. EPA Climate Change Division on inter-agency task force supporting international climate negotiations

 

Assisted U.S. agencies and intergovernmental institutions consider policy options and formulate positions; marketed and managed interdisciplinary research projects; promoted innovative technologies and approaches

 

• For Global Environment Facility Science and Technical Advisory Panel, evaluated scientific and technical capacity of developing countries to conduct climate change research and implement greenhouse gas mitigation technologies; report informed STAP Strategic Plan 

 

• For World Resources Institute, chronicled the search for alternatives to CFC applications in the U.S. military and in the electronics sector; accounts appeared as book chapters 

 

• For U.S. EPA and U.S. Departments of State and Energy, codeveloped workshop for federal decisionmakers exploring the relationship between rate of technology innovation and the timing of policy responses. Synthesized literature; advised invitee list and agenda; authored op-ed

 

• For ICF, Inc., documented the phaseout of ozone-depleting chemicals in the electronics industry

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• For U.S. Office of Technology Assessment, chronicled the commercialization of alternatives in solvent applications

 

• For World Bank Environment Department, developed scenario and authored film script for World Bank Film Library dialogue among leading international authorities about the threat of climate change and implementing legal agreements to address greenhouse gas emissions.  Prepared 12 participants, including an Executive Director of the Bank, Director of the UN Environment Programme, and the Indonesian Minister of Environment

 

• For International Institute for Sustainable Development, detailed a nonregulatory approach to groundwater protection; appears as a chapter in a casebook of innovative economic tools for environmental improvement

 

• For Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium and California Energy Commission, drafted and promoted model legislation designed to familiarize state and local officials with environmental impacts and economic benefits of geothermal technology

 

• For Global Environment Facility, organized consultations with North American NGOs to develop an operational strategy for the climate change focal area

 

• Invited collaborator with Dutch Institute for Environmental Studies and Tufts’ Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy on study analyzing US and Dutch climate research programs; offered recommendations for matching national research agendas with informational needs of policymakers

 

• For The Energy and Joyce Mertz Gilmore Foundations, cowrote business plan for proposed renewable energy policy center; report underpinned establishment of REPP, the Renewable Energy Policy Project, supported by private foundations and U.S. Department of Energy

 

• For U.S. EPA, UN Environment Programme and Dutch Institute for Environmental Studies produced two-day workshop for African decisionmakers to explore the joint implementation concept introduced in the Framework Convention on Climate. Commissioned discussion papers and edited workshop report. Managed logistics, communications with attendees and presenters, and oversaw budget

 

• For U.S. EPA Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation suggested and compared options for joint implementation scheme; paper was submitted by EPA OPPE to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat

 

• For United Nations Ozone Secretariat Multilateral Fund, investigated extent and effect of legal measures in developing countries to achieve the phaseout of ozone-depleting chemicals 

 

• For NATO, U.S. Department of Defense and Electronic Industries Association, produced conference sessions on ozone-depleting chemicals in aerospace applications; advised agenda, participants and logistics; edited session reports

 

• As member of a World Bank Office of Evaluation independent evaluation team, assessed 17 World Bank investment projects designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; investigated selection process, performance and sustainability; chronicled application of incremental cost concept throughout project evolution

 

• For U.S. EPA Climate Change Division, conceived computerized database project to collect and communicate state and municipal policies and regulations affecting greenhouse gas emissions. Authored model ordinance, companion report and articles; in collaboration with U.S. EPA Office of State Outreach and National Conference of State Legislators, conducted outreach at events and in briefings

 

• For a Maryland State Senator, drafted and promote an initiative to reflect fuel efficiency in auto excise taxes; testified on measure before Maryland General Assembly

 

• For U.S. EPA Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation, coordinated project to communicate the risks of climate change impacts on national parks

 

• For U.S. EPA Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation, directed project to herald successes of ozone protection to mainstream audiences. Identified and interviewed journalists; advised content; articles appeared in Reader’s Digest, airline magazines, and PARADE weekly newspaper insert

 

• In collaboration with Harvard University Energy and Environmental Policy Center, Princeton University Center for Energy and Environmental Studies, and National Institute for Emerging Technologies produced a multi-day international conference "New Technologies, Business Opportunities and Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Greenhouse Gas Emissions”

 

• For University of Maryland School of Law, produced "Responding to Global Climate Change” symposium

 

SISKIND, BURCH, GRADY & ROSEN (Baltimore MD)
LAW CLERK (1988 - 1989)

Municipal government, land use and real estate development practice

 

FISHER, WAYLAND, COOPER & LEADER (Washington DC)

SUMMER ASSOCIATE (Summer 1988)

Communications, entertainment and intellectual property practice

 

MARYLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (Baltimore MD)

INTERN (Spring 1988)

Collected, assessed and presented expert witness testimony on health effects of non-ionizing radiation

 

STEVE SACHS, ESQ. (Baltimore MD)

LAW CLERK (Spring 1988)

Bankruptcy, criminal defense and civil contracts practice

 

BLOOSTON & MORDKOFSKY (Washington DC)

LAW CLERK (May - Dec 1987)

Federal administrative and regulatory practice

 

MARYLAND SPECIAL OLYMPICS

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & CEREMONIES (1985 - 1989)

Managed logistics and food service for state-wide competitions including Summer and Winter Games

 

CELLULAR ONE / METROMEDIA INC/ AMERICAN TELESERVICES (Columbia MD)

MANAGER, NETWORK PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (1985 - 1986)

Developed and implemented construction plan for radio paging network; identified and secured sites and capital assets; formulated and administered $6M budget

 

NETWORK SPECIALIST (1983 - 1985)

Designed and managed the installation of cellular and paging systems; advocated company and industry positions in regulatory and tariff negotiations; administered $2M budget

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AFFILIATIONS | DISTINCTIONS

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Psychedelic Bar Association (2019 - )

D.C. Cannabis Business Association (2018 - 2025)

Co-Founder, American Bar Association Committee on Climate Change and Sustainable Development (2000-03)

RIO PLUS TEN: A NonGovernmental Assessment, Steering Committee Member (2002)

U.S. Information Agency, Visiting Lecturer (Germany, 1995)

University of Maryland Speakers Bureau (1990 - 1996)

Environmental Fellow, German Marshall Fund of the United States (1992)

Volunteer Director, Maryland Special Olympics (1984-1989)

Managing Editor, Maryland Journal of International Law & Trade (1988-89)

Semi-Finalist, National Telecommunications Moot Court (1989)

 

 

PUBLICATIONS | SELECTED PRESENTATIONS

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Wexler, Pamela. " The Harris Rider and Advocacy in the DMV." National Cannabis Festival. Washington, D.C.: July 18, 2025.

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Wexler, Pamela. “Mainstreaming Entheogens: Lessons and Cautions from Cannabis Reform.” Women in Plant Medicine Conference. September 30, 2020.

 

Wexler, Pamela. “Ballot Initiative 81: Presentation for Seniors.” September - October 2020.

 

Wexler, Pamela. What’s the Deal with Federal Marijuana Legalization?  September 2019.

 

Wexler, Pamela.  Accelerating The HCFC Phaseout: Is a New Exemption Model Appropriate?  Washington: McQuay Industries, 2007.  

 

Wexler, Pamela.  An Independent Commissioned Review Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Kimberley Process.  London: Global Witness, 2006.

 

Wexler, Pamela with Committee on Climate Change and Sustainable Development.  “Annual Review of Developments in International Atmospheric Law” in The Year in Review.  Chicago: American Bar Association, 2002.

 

Wexler, Pamela.  Perspectives on Building an International Emissions Trading System: Eligibility, Liability and Compliance.  Washington: American Bar Association, 2001.  

 

Wexler, Pamela and D. Alexander.  Characterization of Selected EPA Partnership Programs.  Washington: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,  May 1999.

 

Wexler, Pamela, A. Miller and D. Ahuja.  Survey of Institutions, Programs, Activities and Resources Supporting Climate Change Capacity Building in Developing Countries.  Washington: World Bank Global Environment Facility, 1996.

 

Wexler, Pamela.  “Saying Yes to No Clean: Substituting Engineering for Chemicals in the Electronics Industry” in Ozone Protection in the U.S.: Elements of Success, pp. 77-87.  Washington: World Resources Institute, 1996.

 

Wexler, Pamela.  “New Marching Orders: Revising Military Specifications to Allow CFC Alternatives” in Ozone Protection in the U.S.: Elements of Success, pp. 87-97.  Washington: World Resources Institute, 1996.

 

Wexler, Pamela with Special Committee on Climate Change and Sustainable Development.  White Paper on Climate Change.  Chicago: American Bar Association, Section of Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law, 1996.

 

Wexler, Pamela and D. Hodas.  “Special Committee on Global Climate Annual Report” in The Year in Review, American Bar Association, 1995.

 

Wexler, Pamela.  "Iowa’s 1987 Groundwater Protection Act” in Green Budget Reform: An International Casebook of Leading Practices, pp. 242-252.  Toronto: International Institute for Sustainable Development, 1995.  

 

Wexler, Pamela.  "Climate Change: A Televised Dialogue"  Washington:  World Bank Film Library, 1995.

 

Wexler, Pamela.  “Change Takes Time.”  Plano Star-Courier op-ed, pp. A6-7.  November 12, 1995.   

Wexler, Pamela.  History of the ODS Phaseout Process in the Electronics Industry. Washington: ICF International, September 1995.

 

Miller, A. and Pamela Wexler.  Commercializing Alternatives for CFC-113 Solvent Applications: Innovations and Commercialization of Emerging Technologies.  Washington: U.S. Office of Technology Assessment, May 1995.  

 

Wexler, Pamela.  Ground Source Heat Pump Model Ordinance.   Washington: Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, February 1995.

 

Wexler, Pamela and A. Miller.  Shaping an Operational Strategy for the GEF: Issues for the Climate Change Focal Area.  Washington: World Bank Global Environment Facility,  January 1995.

 

Wexler, Pamela, A. Miller and D. Hodas.  “Special Committee on Global Climate Annual Report” in The Year in Review, American Bar Association, 1994.

 

Wexler, Pamela, A. Miller and L. Crane.  Developing a Renewable Energy Policy Center: Needs Assessment Survey and Strategic Vision.  San Francisco: The Energy Foundation and the Joyce Mertz Gilmore Foundation, December 1994.

 

Wexler, Pamela et al.  Enhancing the Effectiveness of Research to Assist International Climate Change Policy Development. Science & Policy Associates, September 1994.

 

Wexler, Pamela, I. Mintzer and D. Eoff.  Joint Implementation: Institutional Options and Implications.  Washington: U.S. EPA Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation, April 1994.

 

Wexler, Pamela, A. Miller and D. Doniger, “Special Committee on Global Climate Annual Report” in The Year in Review, American Bar Association, 1993.  

 

Wexler, Pamela.  World Bank Global Warming Investment Projects of the GEF Pilot Phase.  Washington: World Bank Operations Evaluation Department, September 1993.  

 

Wexler, Pamela and A. Miller.  “Global Climate Change: Of Current Interest for Environmental Lawyers.” American Bar Association SONREEL Annual Meeting, September 1993.

 

Wexler, Pamela.  “Linking Auto Excise Taxes to Fuel Efficiency.”  Senate Bill No. 3, Maryland General Assembly, 1993.

 

Wexler, Pamela and S. Conbere.  “States Fight Global Warming.”   EPA JOURNAL, pp. 18-19.  Sep/Oct 1992.

 

Wexler, Pamela.  Subnational Regulation in the U.S. and Europe of Activities Contributing to Emissions of Greenhouse Gases.  Washington: German Marshall Fund of the U.S., September 1992.

 

Wexler, Pamela, editor. Cool Tools: State and Local Policy Options to Confront a Changing Climate.  College Park: University of Maryland Center for Global Change, August 1992.

 

Wexler, Pamela.  International Negotiations on Climate Change.  College Park: University of Maryland Center for Global Change, Vol. I, January 1990;  Vol 2, January 1991; Vol. 3, February 1992.

 

Wexler, Pamela. “Protecting the Global Atmosphere: Beyond the Montreal Protocol.”  14 Maryland Journal of International Law and Trade, 1-19, 1990.