SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Feb. 19, 2009 - Farella Braun + Martel names Partner James H. Colopy chair of the Environmental Law Department.

"As environmental issues continue to command the attention of the business community, our environmental attorneys are playing an important role at the forefront of environmental law.  Jim is a respected member of our team and a natural person to spearhead this outstanding group," said Steve Lowenthal, firm chair.

Colopy's practice is focused on environmental and commercial litigation.  He works with both private and public entities and counsels on environmental compliance issues and management strategies.  With more than 15 years of experience navigating the evolving federal, state and local environmental laws, Colopy represents a diverse client base, including manufacturers, chemical companies, developers and governmental institutions in environmental enforcement actions, citizen suit litigation, cost recovery actions, toxic tort cases, product liability actions and administrative proceedings. 

Colopy has published numerous articles on environmental law and regularly speaks on environmental issues.  He is a former chair of the Environmental Section of the Bar Association of San Francisco and is a former co-chair of Farella Braun + Martel's Diversity Committee.  He earned his J.D. from Stanford Law School (1994) and his B.A. from Harvard University (1990).

Farella Braun + Martel represents clients throughout the United States and abroad in sophisticated business transactions and high-stakes commercial, civil and criminal litigation. Founded in 1962, the firm is headquartered in San Francisco and maintains an office in the Napa Valley focused on the wine industry. Farella Braun + Martel lawyers are known for their imaginative legal solutions, dynamism and intellectual creativity. With an unwavering service ethic and interdisciplinary team approach, the firm is committed to advancing clients' objectives in the most effective, coordinated and efficient manner. Farella Braun + Martel is a Green Business. www.fbm.com

Contacts:
Melinda Hepp / Traci Stuart
Blattel Communications
415.397.4811
[email protected] / [email protected]

Cheryl Loof
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
415.954.4433
[email protected]