Christina Bonanni is a Senior Associate at Lippes Mathias LLP. Her practice focuses on matters involving the environment, energy, and renewable and natural resources law. She regularly advises clients on state and federal energy and environment regulations and compliance under the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act, National Forest Management Act (NFMA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Clean Air Act (CAA), Natural Gas Act (NGA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
Sometimes you are asked, “if you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?” Christina’s answer is an interesting one! She told us: “I practiced ballet my whole childhood until going to college. At one point, I was seriously considering going the professional route, but ultimately decided on college. I spent every summer since around age 11 at different dance camps. I trained at the Universal Ballet Academy (formerly the Kirov Ballet) here in Washington, D.C. when I was 16 – I knew then that I wanted to live here!”
When did you join the WBA?
January 2022
What committees/forums have you been involved in?
I am a co-chair of the Energy and Environmental Law Forum.
Why did you join the Women’s Bar Association?
I initially joined after meeting with then-President Elect, Candace Beck. Candace was welcoming and discussed ideas she had for the upcoming year, and it was an easy decision to join after seeing her enthusiasm. I had been following WBA on LinkedIn and the content always inspired me and it was great to have a welcome from Candace to encourage me to join.
What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
Support. Professionalism. Compassion. WBA members have shared a huge amount of personal and professional successes, setbacks, growths and challenges. I feel that this is a snapshot of our time—in 2022, we, as a society, are finally starting to acknowledge that there are challenges and it is okay to talk about them—and I feel that the WBA members wholeheartedly support anyone who is willing to tell their story. I am continually impressed by the breadth of experiences—both personal and professional—that WBA members bring to the table.
Others should join because this is such a supportive group. We have a huge amount of events that cover many different areas of law and life. Joining in these events and discussions open you up to perspectives and career paths that you may not have considered when going into law.
Do you have a mentor/hero?
I have always been surrounded by strong women in my life – my mother, grandmother, and aunts were/are all “forces of nature” as my family likes to say. Outside of family life, I would say that Dean Sarah Zearfoss from University of Michigan Law (Senior Assistant Dean) has been a mentor/hero to me. When I first went to an “admitted students’ weekend” in Ann Arbor, I happily joined a run with Dean Z and other admitted students. I—somewhat arrogantly—was coming off of two half marathons and thought I was in great shape. I ran next to Dean Z who essentially kicked my butt with around 8:00 minute miles while keeping up the whole (one-sided) conversation because I could barely catch my breath. I then met Dean Z. at another event in DC before going to law school and she remembered me, which was touching in and of itself.
In law school, I experienced some personal traumas and Dean Z. supported me immensely and continues to remain in touch today. Watching her balance admissions, current students, alumni, and her own family and personal life with intention and grace is perpetually impressive to me.
What words of advice do you have for women new to the profession?
Find your network. If you are trying out different organizations and you do not feel that they are a fit – keep looking. Your people are out there somewhere and it is absolutely worth the time to find a group of people who support you.
What is the best advice you have received?
Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.
I am sure this is a quote from somewhere, but it has been reiterated to me from various individuals over the years, in relation to a variety of professional and personal goals. I have learned and continue to learn (and practice) the power of positive thinking, or proactive thinking. I utilize this during hard workouts, before presentations, and when I am feeling overwhelmed by anything going on in my life. Tapping into your well of strength is not always easy and sometimes it seems almost phony—telling yourself you can do something over and over—but I have firsthand experienced the effect that building myself up can have on my growth, both personally and professionally. To me, this type of thinking is not something that comes naturally to humans, which is why I call it a “practice.” It is something that you have to chose to develop and nurture and grow throughout your whole life.