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Overview

Leah appreciates environmental law as a collaborative space that, when navigated correctly, produces synergy and positive outcomes between parties.

Some of the country’s most critical companies and manufacturers must balance business with a rotating roster of state and federal regulations regarding environmental protections. As an Environmental attorney with an M.S. in Environment, Ecology, and Energy, Leah is among those monitoring and researching legislation, counseling on compliance and negotiating remedies on issues including:

  • Clean Air Act (CAA)
  • Clean Water Act (CWA)
  • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
  • Endangered Species Act (ESA)
  • Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
  • Mine Safety and Health Act (MSHA)
  • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
  • Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA)
  • Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

Leah also guides clients on renewable energy issues including matters involving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and state utility commissions.

Clients appreciate Leah’s experience in a previous fellowship navigating the balance between development and environmental protections in the mitigation banking context, and as a project scientist at an environmental solutions company.

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, High Honors, 2021; Honors, 2023

Education

  • J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law
    • North Carolina Journal of International Law, Executive Editor
    • Environmental Law Project, Communications Director
    • Lambda Law Students Association, Secretary
  • M.S., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    • Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program
  • B.A., Duke University
    • Evolutionary Anthropology major, Environmental Science and Policy minor, Political Science minor,
    • Graduated with Distinction

Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Air & Waste Management Association, South Atlantic States Section, Board of Directors, 2015-2017
  • Women’s Council on Energy and the Environment
2024 Pro Bono Contributor
Experience
  • As project scientist for environmental consulting company, worked with industry clients to help them achieve and maintain compliance with relevant Clean Air Act provisions including Title V and state permit requirements.
  • As project scientist for environmental consulting company, formulated and applied air emission calculations to determine and predict compliance status.
  • As project scientist for environmental consulting company, collaborated with industry representatives and local government regulators to identify solutions.
  • As a fellow, drafted conservation easements to assist in development of mitigation banking projects.
  • Served as project development and local counsel to Arevon through the development and debt financing of 228 MW Posey Solar Project.
  • Represented Swift Current Energy in closing a tax equity investment from Google for the Double Black Diamond Solar project, an 800 MWdc (593 MWac) facility in Illinois expected to be the largest solar project east of the Mississippi River and the second-largest single-phase solar project in the U.S.
  • Assisted Arevon Energy in the closing of financing for the 251 MW Gibson Solar Project in Indiana, serving as as project development and local counsel.
Outside the Office

Leah and her dog, Boomer, are avid hikers and enthusiastic dog sport competitors.

Leah rescued Boomer, an Australian Cattle Dog, in 2014 and has been enjoying exploring the world of dog sports ever since, although their true passion is K9 nosework. Leah and her canine champ also enjoy hiking and discovering both state and national parks.

Community Leadership
  • Military and Veterans Law Clinic, 2019-present