Colin Kelly Email & Phone Number

Sacramento, California, Us

* Direct a team of attorneys handling complex environmental enforcement actions, hazardous waste compliance, and site remediation matters under RCRA, CERCLA, and state environmental laws.* Provide strategic counsel to Department leadership on precedent-setting regulatory decisions, enforcement strategies, and legislative initiatives impacting hazardous waste management.* Lead negotiations with federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and municipalities to secure multimillion-dollar environmental clean-up agreements and regulatory compliance.* Supervise development of administrative orders, consent decrees, and settlement agreements for California's most challenging contaminated sites.* Partner with US EPA and California Office of the Attorney General on joint enforcement actions and coordinated regulatory approaches.* Establish legal unit priorities, manage attorney caseloads, and implement professional development initiatives to strengthen team capabilities.*Advise on rulemaking processes, regulatory interpretations, and legislative proposals affecting California's hazardous waste management program.

Sacramento, California, Us

* Lead counsel for State interests in high-profile remediation of Santa Susana Field Laboratory, securing protective environmental outcomes in complex negotiations with federal agencies including NASA, U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. Department of Defense.*Successfully managed enforcement actions and regulatory compliance for contaminated sites involving multiple responsible parties.* Directed strategic legal initiatives as the Acting Assistant Chief Counsel supervising attorneys in the Office of Legal Counsel dedicated to enforcement.* Previously served as Senior Attorney specializing in environmental enforcement, site mitigation, and permitting within Office of Legal Counsel.

Costa Mesa, Ca, Us

* Led in-house legal department for prominent environmental non-profit, providing comprehensive counsel on complex regulatory compliance, risk management, and strategic initiatives.* Advised Board of Directors on governance, liability exposure, and strategic decision-making while developing robust compliance frameworks to protect organizational interests.* Directed litigation strategy across 15+ active cases, achieving significant environmental protection outcomes through strategic settlements and court victories.* Orchestrated successful permitting processes for innovative climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration projects, establishing new precedents for environmental protection.* Built and managed high-performing legal teams, coordinating with external counsel and expert witnesses to maximize litigation effectiveness.* Developed deep expertise in environmental law, particularly in areas of climate change, natural resource protection, and administrative procedure.* Advanced from Legal Intern to Legal Director, demonstrating proven leadership capabilities and technical excellence in environmental advocacy.

Costa Mesa, Ca, Us

* Founded and directed the Coastkeeper Environmental Water Law Clinic at Whittier Law School, pioneering hands-on training in environmental advocacy and water law.* Developed innovative curriculum merging practical skills with environmental law fundamentals, including case development, enforcement strategies, and negotiation techniques.* Mentored law students in real-world environmental cases, focusing on water quality protection, climate change litigation, and public transparency laws.* Successfully organized and chaired a California EPA-sponsored environmental law conference, convening leading experts in water quality, port operations, and climate policy.* Equipped next-generation environmental attorneys with expertise in the Brown Act, California Public Records Act, and federal environmental regulations.* Created lasting partnerships between academia and environmental advocacy organizations, enhancing student practical experience and career opportunities.

J.D., Environmental Law

B.A., Political Science