Biography

Paul helps clients navigate complex environmental requirements across the product life-cycle.

Paul works with leading companies to anticipate and comply with product-related environmental requirements in the U.S. and in key markets worldwide. He has represented U.S. business interests in the negotiation and implementation of regional and global environmental agreements related to the circular economy, chemicals, and products of biotechnology that drive national legislation. 

Basel Convention and Circular Economy

Paul serves as a strategic advisor to companies on new circular economy initiatives with a focus on product reuse and materials recovery. He regularly advises on requirements governing transboundary shipments of used products and materials for reuse and recycling. For more than two decades, he has represented information and communications technology (ICT) clients on the negotiation and implementation of international waste shipment controls and trade bans arising under the Basel Convention, OECD Council Decision, and U.S. bilateral agreements.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) 

Paul advises companies on compliance with expanding EPR laws governing the management of used and end-of-life electronic equipment, batteries, medical devices, unwanted pharmaceuticals, and plastic packaging in the U.S. and in other countries. He has advised clients on the successful launch of regional and global product take-back and recycling programs.

Market Access Legislation

Paul provides compliance advice on a wide range of market access legislation for products subject to RoHS and other material restrictions, energy efficiency mandates, product design requirements, and labeling.

Responsible Supply Chains

Paul also advises a diverse group of companies on due diligence, supply chain communication, and disclosure requirements related to the responsible supply chains and sourcing of timber, conflict minerals, and other raw materials.

Conservation Leadership

Paul is active with many of the country’s leading conservation organizations. He serves as Vice Board Chair of the Conservation Fund which, since its founding, has protected over 8 million acres of natural lands and working landscapes. Paul also serves on the President's Advisory Council of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) and NatureServe's strategic advisory council. He is a past board chair of the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and Chesapeake Conservancy. He has also served on the boards of the American Bird Conservancy and World Environment Center. Paul has advised non-profit clients on protecting whales, establishing nature reserves, albatross and seabird conservation, and sustainable fisheries management.

Education

  • Providence College  (B.A., 1986)
  • American University  (J.D., 1990)

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland

Professional Affiliations

  • U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB) Environmental Committee, Co-Chair
  • The Environmental Forum (ELI) Advisory Board
  • American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL)
  • Washington College of Law at American University (Washington, DC; Geneva, Switzerland), former adjunct professor

Honors & Awards

  • Recognition in Who’s Who Legal – Environment & Climate 2023, a publication of Lexology (2023)
  • Chambers and Partners - USA, ranked Band 2 in Environmental Law (2016-2023)
  • The Best Lawyers in America©, a Best Lawyers® publication, Environmental "Lawyer of the Year" in Washington, DC (2019)
  • The Best Lawyers in America©, a Best Lawyers® publication, recognition in Environmental Law (2013-2024)
  • Who's Who Legal, part of Law Business Research Ltd., recognition in Environmental Law (2016-2019; 2022)
  • Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, Washington, DC, Super Lawyer (2009-2020)
  • The Legal 500, recognition in Environmental Regulatory Law (2013; 2020-2023)
    • Leading Lawyer for Environmental Regulatory Law