Jesse advises clients ranging from individuals to Fortune 500 companies on federal and state environmental compliance, permitting, enforcement response, administrative proceedings, and litigation. His practice spans the Endangered Species Act (ESA), natural resources, air, water, and extended producer responsibility (EPR), with particular depth in wildlife law. He supports clients across the life of a matter—from developing defensible compliance strategies and engaging with regulators to responding to alleged violations and litigating agency and private-party claims.

Jesse’s approach is grounded in his background as a former biologist and published scientist. Before law school, he earned a Master of Science in aquatic ecology, worked for the U.S. Geological Survey and Purdue University, and co-authored peer-reviewed research on insecticides and aquatic ecosystems. His scientific training helps him evaluate technical literature, data, study design, and uncertainty; collaborate effectively with experts; and translate complex science into clear legal analysis and advocacy.

Jesse is an experienced litigator who represents clients in complex disputes in state and federal courts and administrative proceedings. Before joining B&D, he secured favorable judgments in contract disputes, negotiated settlements in personal-injury matters, and litigated product-liability, transportation, admiralty, and administrative cases. In those matters, he managed discovery, drafted pleadings and briefs, and presented oral argument. Jesse also clerked for then-Chief Judge David S. Mann of the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division I, where he drafted bench memoranda and judicial opinions in more than 50 appeals. He draws on that experience to master complex records, develop case strategies, and advocate effectively before courts and agencies in a manner tailored to the forum and the client’s objectives.

His litigation experience sharpens Jesse’s regulatory counseling and enforcement response. He approaches compliance and permitting with an eye toward how agencies, opposing parties, and courts may later test a client’s position and record. Jesse helps clients develop defensible strategies, engage effectively with regulators, and respond to alleged violations. When disputes cannot be resolved, he is prepared to advocate in administrative proceedings or court.

Jesse has been the lead associate in matters including:

• Advising tire manufacturers and distributors in a novel Endangered Species Act (ESA) citizen suit alleging unauthorized take of twenty-four listed salmonids across the western U.S.
• Litigating National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations on behalf of multiple states.
• Counseling a proposed Washington gravel mine on ESA and other environmental regulatory requirements.
• Advising producer responsibility organizations on litigation risk and supporting active litigation.

His additional experience includes:

• Responding to enforcement actions, including notices of violation, involving alleged violations of air, water, and greenhouse gas regulations.
• Conducting a nationwide evaluation of renewable energy permitting and developing recommendations to improve Washington State’s permitting regime.
• Developing environmental guidance for technology company operations across multiple jurisdictions.

Jesse’s environmental experience also includes roles with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bonneville Power Administration, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, the nonprofit Western Resources Legal Center, and a major petroleum company. These positions give him perspective on decision-making within government, nonprofit organizations, and regulated entities.

Jesse maintains an active pro bono and community-service practice. He leads B&D’s partnership with the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington (LBAW), where he has helped develop a volunteer program and training resources for the association’s legal clinic. Under his leadership, the partnership received LBAW’s 2026 Community Service Award. Jesse also volunteers at LBAW’s bilingual (English/Spanish) legal clinic.

Jesse also applies his interdisciplinary perspective through teaching and wildlife service. He has lectured on environmental law at the University of Wisconsin, Binghamton University (SUNY), New Mexico State University, and the University of Texas at El Paso. He is also a Community Advisor to the Woodland Park Zoo Board of Directors’ Animal Care and Education & Outreach committees.

Outside the office, Jesse is an avid backpacker and outdoor enthusiast. He also enjoys cooking, especially Southern recipes that remind him of growing up in the Appalachian Mountains.