Attorney Profiles

David S. Bailey, General Manager and Senior Counsel

Profile

David Bailey is an attorney with a science background and over 30 years' experience with environmental issues in the regulatory and non-profit sector.

Education

• B.S. Biology, Virginia Tech, 1967
• M.S. Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1975
• J.D. Law, University of Richmond, 1985

Employment experience

• Private law practice, 1994–Present

Representation of private citizens and organizations on issues involving environmental science and law

• Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law (1994–2001)

Staff attorney for environmental justice project

• Environmental Defense Fund (1982–1994)

Senior attorney/scientist and director of Virginia Office
Scientific research/litigation on national and state environmental issues with emphasis on permits, standards and policy decisions involving water, air, toxins, solid waste and endangered species

• Virginia State Water Control Board (1967–1982)

Director, Bureau of Enforcement (1976–1982)
Responsible for all administrative enforcement of state water laws
Responsible for ecological evaluations of water quality statewide

• Field Biologist (1967–1972)

Field investigation of fish kills, oil spills and general environmental assessment

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Tammy L. Belinsky, Associate Counsel

Legal career

Tammy Belinsky earned her law degree at the University of Richmond in 1999 following a career as a water-quality regulator with Virginia's Water Control Board and Department of Environmental Quality. Ms. Belinsky practiced domestic relations law with the Legal Aid office in Roanoke, Virginia, before associating as co-counsel with David Bailey on land use and personal injury cases in 2000. Previously, Ms. Belinsky was employed by a non-profit environmental law firm focusing on issues concerning endangered species and on the management of the forestland, private and public, in Virginia.

Ms. Belinsky is the current Chair of the Environmental Section of the Virginia State Bar, the Secretary of the Floyd County Bar Association, and a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.

Education

• A.A.S. Environmental Technology and Engineering, Paul Smith's College, 1981
• B.S. Public Health (Environmental Science and Engineering), University of North Carolina, 1983
• M.S. Environmental Science and Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988
• J.D., University of Richmond, 1999

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Jennifer A. French, Associate Counsel

Profile

Jennifer French earned her law degree at the University of Virginia in 2010 where she participated in the Environmental Law and Conservation Clinic and was the president of Phi Alpha Delta. Previously, Ms. French attended Virginia Tech where she assisted the James River Association on their Codes and Ordinances Project and worked on the Virginia Tech Biodiesel Project. After receiving her graduate degree from Virginia Tech, Ms. French worked for the Office of Planning and Community Development in Warrenton, Virginia where she developed a geographical information system database for special use permits, revised the zoning ordinance and assisted the zoning administrator with inspections.

Education

• B.S. Environmental Policy and Planning, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, magna cum laude, 2006
• M.P.I.A., Master of Public and International Affairs, specialization in Governance and Policy, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2007.
• J.D., University of Virginia, 2010

Employment Experience

Refugee and Immigration Services, Roanoke, VA
Legal Intern, May - August 2009

• Managed caseload of 146 cases during three month tenure
• Assisted clients in adjustment of status, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) cases, One-Step petitions, Visa applications, and naturalization
• Interviewed clients, prepared documents, responded to requests for evidence, and provided research for complex cases

Professor Rich Hynes, University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, VA
Research Assistant, May - August 2008

• Researched government involvement in the mortgage market
• Wrote memoranda and collected data

Office of Planning and Community Development, Warrenton, VA
Intern, May - August 2007

• Developed geographical information system database for permits
• Revised zoning ordinance
• Assisted Zoning Administrator with inspections

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Jeter M. Watson, Of Counsel

Profile

Jeter Watson is an attorney with a science background and over 30 years' experience with environmental issues in the regulatory sector for non-profit, commercial, and governmental clients.

Education

• A.B. Geology, Dartmouth College, 1963
• M.S. Environmental Science, University of Virginia, 1977
• J.D., University of Richmond, 1979

Employment experience 

• Private environmental consultation (1992–Present)

Provide environmental regulatory assistance for a broad array of federal and state agencies, primarily in the area of NEPA environmental impact statements and environmental assessments and the evaluation and writing of regulations

• Private law practice (1990–2005)

Associate and of counsel with Richmond law firm Hirschler-Fleischer, PC, with a practice concentrating in environmental issues such as wetlands, cultural resources, endangered species, and site contamination associated with real estate development projects

• Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department (1988–1990)

As initial executive director of state agency, directed the development of the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Board’s initial Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation (1980–1988)

Formulated and implemented CBF positions on environmental issues. Represented CBF in litigation involving NEPA, Clean Water Act, and RCRA issues. Litigated for CBF in federal district, circuit appellate, and U.S. Supreme Court.

• Office of Outer Continental Shelf Activities (1976–1977)

Researched environmental and regulatory issues related to oil and gas leasing and petroleum industry infrastructure development in Virginia for state agency

Skills and experience

Scientific evaluation and advocacy on land use and environmental issues. Areas of specialty include NEPA, watershed, wetland and water quality protection, wastewater and stormwater management, coastal zone management, other environmentally sensitive lands, cultural resources, sustainable development, environmental justice, and transportation issues.

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