He works with clients to anticipate and comply with product-related environmental measures in the U.S. and in key markets worldwide. Paul’s work includes advising leading electronics, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods companies on responsible sourcing, market access for products, and management of used and end-of-life products.  He represents U.S. business interests in negotiating and implementing regional and global environmental agreements that inform national environmental legislation, with an emphasis on international trade and the circular economy.

Basel Convention and Circular Economy

Paul serves as a strategic advisor to companies on new circular economy initiatives and requirements, with a focus on scaling up 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 in negotiating and implementing international waste-shipment controls and trade bans arising under the Basel Convention, OECD Council Decision, and U.S. bilateral agreements. He participates in numerous expert working groups under the Basel Convention and regularly advises on evolving waste shipment controls governing the classification and management of e-waste, lithium-ion and other batteries, waste plastics, and textiles.

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, packaging, medical devices, and unwanted pharmaceuticals 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.

Global Agreements on Chemicals, Biotechnology Trade, and Plastics Pollution

Paul has represented clients in negotiations and advised on requirements arising under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity.  He has advised companies on the requirements of marine pollution agreements under MARPOL and represents clients in negotiations for a new global agreement addressing plastics pollution.

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 9 million acres of natural lands and working landscapes. Paul also serves on the advisory council for Manomet. He is a past board chair of the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and a founding board member of the Chesapeake Conservancy. He has also served on the boards of the American Bird Conservancy and World Environment Center (WEC). Paul’s practice includes advising non-profit clients on the conservation of whales, albatross and seabirds, sustainable fisheries management, and protected areas.