'The First Step Is to Start': Matthew Toto on Doing What Makes You Nervous

This interview was conducted by Matthew Karmel of Offit Kurman, and is a part of a series of interviews in partnership with the Planetary Lawyer Project about attorneys working on climate-related issues. 

This profile features Matt Toto, corporate counsel at Palmetto Solar, a large renewable energy company expanding access to clean energy with novel platform solutions that empower homeowners to go solar, enable businesses to grow, and drive environmental impact at scale.

Tell us about Palmetto Solar and your role at the company.

I work for Palmetto Solar. We are a national residential solar company. I am corporate counsel at Palmetto. Being corporate counsel involves a bit of everything. I think anyone who’s been in-house, unless you’re with a massive conglomerate with thousands of employees, would agree that the experience tends to be quite diverse. For me, it includes working with our customer escalation teams on complaints and handling litigation matters, as well as redlining all of our term sheets, MSAs, and amendments—basically anything related to contracting. Additionally, I collaborate with the policy team, because the landscape is ever-changing, especially in the solar industry with frequent updates to state regulations. This could involve ensuring compliance with new regulations, obtaining appropriate credits, or addressing new disclosure and licensing requirements. Thankfully, we have a strong policy team leading these efforts, but I still play a role in supporting them. So, my responsibilities cover a wide range of areas, which I find rewarding because it allows me to make a positive impact for the company, particularly in its efforts to benefit the environment. I feel fortunate to be in a role where I can contribute to these positive ripple effects in various aspects of the business.

You’ve spent most of your career in in-house roles in the finance and real estate sectors, and you joined Palmetto Solar in September 2022. Can you share with us your thoughts on the transition? 

It was definitely intentional. Prior to joining Palmetto Solar, I was with a finance company that focused on equipment leasing, operating as a subsidiary of a publicly traded bank. I was there for nearly five years, experiencing the excitement of building a startup within a larger organization. I gained a wealth of business and operations experience, alongside legal insights. However, my aspiration when I went to law school was to become an environmental lawyer. As much as I valued my time in the banking world, I felt a calling to do something more meaningful that aligned with my personal values.

When the opportunity at Palmetto Solar arose, it felt like the perfect fit. While Palmetto is a blend of technology and environmental focus, our mission to expand solar and alternative energy nationwide resonated deeply with me. It was intentional for me to join a company with environmental objectives. It’s a rare opportunity in one’s career to be able to work in a field that aligns so closely with personal values. Although I had an interest in environmental issues and had done my fair share of reading, diving into the practical aspects of it has been eye-opening. It’s been about a year and a half, and I’m still learning every day, surrounded by colleagues who have decades of experience in the field. Despite the steep learning curve, I feel fortunate to be part of a team that shares my ideals and to have a role that is philosophically aligned with what I care about. It’s a unique privilege, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to something meaningful.

How did the opportunity to join Palmetto Solar come about? Was it something you actively pursued, or did it happen unexpectedly?

Well, it’s an interesting story. The opportunity actually came about through a LinkedIn post. I wasn’t actively seeking a change in my career, but as we all know, opportunities often come across our screens on platforms like LinkedIn. So, when I stumbled upon the job posting, I found it intriguing. It wasn’t a situation where the job fell into my lap, but rather one that caught my attention as I scrolled through my feed. I decided to explore it further, submitted my application, and went through the interview process. Interestingly, I approached the interviews with an open mind, not necessarily intending to leave my current role. However, as I learned more about Palmetto and their mission, I became increasingly excited about the possibility of joining them. It was clear to me that they were genuinely committed to making a difference, and I felt compelled to be a part of that.

It’s evident that you’re passionate about aligning your values with your professional endeavors. Can you share more about your volunteer work and how you navigate aligning your values with your career?

Absolutely. Finding alignment between personal values and professional activities can indeed be challenging. It’s crucial to seek opportunities that resonate with what you deeply care about. My volunteer work allows me to directly contribute to causes I believe in, which is immensely fulfilling. However, finding this alignment in my professional career has been more complex. It’s about seeking roles and organizations that prioritize values like environmental sustainability and social responsibility. While it may not always be straightforward, staying committed to these principles guides my decisions and helps me make a positive impact wherever I can.

My volunteer activities are driven by passion rather than a deliberate effort to align them with my career. One significant involvement is as an advisory board member of The First Tee of Philadelphia. This organization holds a special place in my heart as a golf enthusiast. The First Tee aims to introduce kids to the game of golf, especially those who may not have had the opportunity otherwise. It goes beyond golf instruction, offering after-school homework help and providing a safe space for children in underprivileged areas. We’ve even established a scholarship in memory of a friend to support First Tee participants in attending our high school. While this work isn’t directly related to my career, it’s something I’m deeply passionate about and grateful to be a part of.

Another involvement was as the secretary for the Jersey Shore chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. This opportunity allowed me to use my finance background to contribute to a cause I care about. I reached out to companies offering my assistance pro bono, and while many declined, the Surfrider Foundation saw potential in my skill set. Although my tenure was short-lived due to logistical challenges, it was a meaningful experience where I could apply my career skills to a cause I believe in. So, while my volunteer work may not directly align with my career, it reflects a combination of my values and professional experiences.

We find that many good climate lawyers are also creative, and you recently combined your passion for helping young people with your creative endeavors by writing a children’s book. Can you tell us more about your journey in creating that book?

Honestly, I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a creative person, but the idea of writing a children’s book stemmed from wanting to capture the silly moments I share with my kids. I’ve always had a knack for writing, thanks to my background as an English major, and I saw this as an opportunity to explore a different kind of writing that was fun and light-hearted. The book captures the playful interactions between my children and me, and it’s a way to memorialize those precious moments as they grow older.

Once I had the idea for the book, I couldn’t shake it off. It became my New Year’s resolution, and I dove into the writing process with determination. It was both exhilarating and challenging to bring the story to life, especially considering it was initially intended only for my kids. However, the process of self-publishing allowed me to share it with a wider audience. Despite its imperfections, seeing others enjoy the book has been a rewarding experience beyond what I had imagined.

Your willingness to engage with the next generation is admirable. Can you share your experiences working with Drexel Law School and their co-op program?

The Drexel co-op program is fantastic for giving students real-world experience beyond just summer internships. When I meet with these students, my goal is to convey the realities of the legal profession and to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application. I try to emphasize the importance of being an active learner, asking tough questions, and challenging oneself to grow. It’s about embracing discomfort and knowing that it’s a natural part of the learning process. I want to instill in them the confidence to navigate their legal careers with resilience and adaptability.

Can you share a bit about your own journey in overcoming challenges and developing confidence in your legal career?

Certainly. As a shy law student, I lacked confidence initially, but over time, I learned that everyone experiences moments of uncertainty. By embracing those moments and approaching them with a willingness to learn, I was able to grow both personally and professionally. My hope is to help students navigate similar challenges more smoothly and with greater self-assurance.

Do you have any parting advice for lawyers aspiring to pursue passion-driven work, particularly in areas like climate change or volunteerism?

It might sound cliché, but it’s about taking action. If you feel compelled to make a difference, whether it’s in climate work or any other field, the first step is to start. You won’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. Embrace the uncertainty and take the leap. Just like with my children’s book, it had flaws, but I took action because it was something I wanted to do. So, my advice is simple: Be brave, even if it’s just for 30 seconds. Start doing the things that make you nervous, and you’ll find that each step forward leads to new opportunities and growth. There’s no other way to make a difference than to try and keep going.