About

About

 The American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL) is a professional association of distinguished lawyers who practice in the field of environmental law.  Membership is by invitation and members are recognized by their peers as preeminent in their field.  ACOEL members are dedicated to: maintaining and improving the ethical practice of environmental law; the administration of justice; and the development of environmental law at both the state and federal level.
For more information please read the bylaws of the ACOEL as amended on August 16, 2010.

Bradley M. Marten

 
Bradley M.  Marten, President, is the founder and Managing Partner of Marten Law Group, an environmental firm with 15 lawyers practicing out of offices in Seattle, Washington and Portland Oregon. Over a 25 year career, Brad has earned national recognition as a problem solver for public and private clients and is listed in  the Best Lawyers in America, Chambers, and the International Who’s Who of Environmental Lawyers. He is the editor of a forthcoming Climate Change series authored by members of the ACOEL and published by Lexis Nexis. He can be reached at bmarten@martenlaw.com.
 
Areas of Practice:
  • Property Development & Acquisition
  • Permitting & Environmental Review
  • Waste Cleanup
  • Waste Management
  • Climate Change
  • Air Quality

 

 Carol E. Dinkins

Carol E. Dinkins, Immediate Past President, chairs Vinson & Elkins' environmental law practice group.  Ms. Dinkins represents companies and governmental entities on a broad range of state and federal environmental matters, including project approvals, defense of civil and criminal enforcement actions, and compliance counseling.  In the 1980s she served as the Deputy Attorney General of the United States and, prior to that,  as Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Environment and Natural Resources Division.  She can be reached at cdinkins@velaw.com 
Areas of Practice:
  • Defense of enforcement actions under all environmental laws
  • NEPA, ESA, Historic preservation
  • Project Reviews and Permitting

 

Robert W. Whetzel

Robert W. Whetzel, Treasurer, is a director in the law firm of Richards, Layton & Finger in Wilmington, DE.  Whetzel advises manufacturers, developers, lenders, municipalities, and others on issues arising under federal and state environmental laws. He has extensive experience with federal and state environmental agencies, and in private party environmental litigation. Mr. Whetzel is also active in legislative affairs in the State of Delaware, testifying and commenting on numerous environmental bills and proposals. He can be reached at Whetzel@RLF.com.

Areas of Practice:
  • Environmental Law and Litigation

 

 Seth D. Jaffe

Seth D. Jaffe, Secretary, is a Partner in the law firm of Foley Hoag LLP. His work in the Environmental Practice Group includes representation of clients in the permitting/licensing of new facilities and compliance work, including matters under federal and state Clean Air Acts, Clean Water Acts, RCRA, and MEPA/NEPA. He has particular expertise in matters related to development, permitting, and compliance for energy facilities. Mr. Jaffe has experience in matters under federal and state Superfund laws, including representation of clients in defense of proceedings brought by the government or private parties and representation of plaintiffs seeking recovery of response costs or property damage. He is currently involved in the development of regulations and guidance implementing climate change legislation in Massachusetts. Mr. Jaffe is one of the authors of the blog www.lawandenvironment.com. He can be reached at sjaffe@foleyhoag.com.
 
Areas of Practice: