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About James
Biography
My main practice area is environmental law, advising clients, supporting transactions, and trying cases. I have handled matters involving all of the major state and federal environmental programs, and have handled a number of enforcement cases. I generally represent business and business oriented cleints, but have represented neighborhood and community groups in special cases.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Environmental and Natural Resources
50%
43 years | 500 cases
Appeals
20%
41 years | 10 cases
Litigation
20%
43 years | 100 cases
Administrative Law
5%
43 years | 20 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 43 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 1982
No misconduct found
Location
Porter Hedges L.L.P.
1000 Main St., Suite 3600, Houston, TX, 77002
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Experience
Honors
2013
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
Texas Super Lawyer,
2006
Environmental Litigation,
2005
Environmental Litigation,
2005
Environmental Litigation,
2000
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
N/A
President's Award,
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Partner, Porter Hedges, LLP
1992 - 2010
Partner, Beirne, Maynard & Parsons, LLP
1991 - 1992
Partner, Baker Botts, LLP
1982 - 1991
Associate, Baker Botts, LLP
Associations
State Bar of Texas
Member
American Bar Association
Member
Houston Bar Association, Environmental Law Section
Director
Sample of Legal Cases
Confidential client
Transaction closed and remediation completed
Confidential client
Prosecutors declined to file criminal charges
State of Texas v. Empak
Dismissal, upheld on appeal
Schneider Nat'l Trucking v. Bates
Summary judgment granted and upheld on appeal
Education
1982
University of Texas School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1978
University of Kansas
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2011
Houston Bar Association
Fundamentals of Environmental Enforcement
2011
Federal Bar Association (Southern District of Texas Chapter)
Federal Oversight of Air Permitting in Texas; The Issues Being Litigated
N/A
Environmental Law Enforcement class at South Texas College of Law
Suggestions on Dealing With Agency Investigations
Publications
2012
West Law Journal
DC Circuit Upholds EPA's Greenhouse Gas Regulations
2011
Portfolio Media (Law360)
Managing Employee's Responses to Investigations
2007
Unknown
Injunctions for Violations of Environmental Laws: Will the Courts 'Balance the Equities'?
2007
Construction Executive
Construction Contracts: Liability for Negligent Performance
N/A
Of Counsel
Lesson from the Sports Page: Do Not Terminate a Contract Unless the Breach Was Material