Graves Environmental Law PLLC
Providing specialized legal expertise across a landscape of environmental matters
Graves Environmental Law PLLC
Providing specialized legal expertise across a landscape of environmental matters
Major Practice Areas
Cleanup Strategy (CERCLA/MTCA)
Climate & Greenhouse Gas Compliance
Cleanup Strategy (CERCLA/MTCA)
- Representing clients in complex cleanup efforts at sediment and upland sites
- Coordinating with EPA and state agencies to ensure technically sound, legally defensible outcomes
- Guiding clients through the entire cleanup process from site investigation to site closure
Cost Allocation & Recovery
Climate & Greenhouse Gas Compliance
Cleanup Strategy (CERCLA/MTCA)
- Representing potentially responsible parties (PRPs) in negotiations, litigation, and settlement
- Pursuing and defending CERCLA and MTCA cost recovery claims
- Advising on strategy for large-scale Superfund “mega-sites”
Environmental Risk in Transactions
Climate & Greenhouse Gas Compliance
Climate & Greenhouse Gas Compliance
- Drafting and negotiating protective language in real estate and corporate deals
- Managing environmental indemnities, disclosures, and post-closing disputes
- Advising on allocation of cleanup responsibilities in contracts
Climate & Greenhouse Gas Compliance
Climate & Greenhouse Gas Compliance
Climate & Greenhouse Gas Compliance
- Guidance on Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (Cap-and-Invest) and other state GHG programs
- Counsel on EPA reporting, Clean Air Act obligations, and low-carbon fuel standards
- Strategic planning for compliance, credit generation, and future regulatory shifts
More about James
Bar Admissions
Washington
Alaska
Education
• J.D., William & Mary Law School, summa cum laude, 2014
(Order of the Coif; Law Review)
• M.A. (ABD PhD), University of Virginia, History of Religions, Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, 2008 (Presidential Fellow)
• A.B., Princeton University, English Literature, 1997
Professional Experience
• Graves Environmental Law PLLC — Principal (2024–present)
• Stoel Rives LLP (Seattle) — Partner (2022–2024), Associate (2014–2022)
• National Geographic (Washington, DC) — Research Manager (2008–2011)
Background
Before his law career, James worked in documentary television production and pursued doctoral research in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist history.
He lives in the Seattle area with his wife, two sons, a labradoodle, and two Russian Blue cats. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, pickup basketball, and strumming the few guitar chords he knows.