Jeff Beelaert

Jeff's practice focuses on natural resources litigation, with particular emphasis on permit and project challenges. He represents clients in state and federal courts throughout the region and across the country, including before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Jeff litigates novel and contested issues arising under environmental, energy, administrative, and constitutional law, most often centering around challenges to environmental permits and project approvals. He advises clients on rulemaking and rulemaking challenges under environmental statutes such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. He also handles general commercial litigation, as well as matters involving telecommunications, technology, and appeals.

Before entering private practice, Jeff held several positions at the U.S. Department of Justice. As Deputy Associate Attorney General, he advised senior DOJ leadership on high-profile matters in environmental litigation, civil rights, and federal programs. As an appellate attorney in the Environment and Natural Resources Division, he briefed and argued dozens of cases as lead counsel for federal agencies, including administrative law challenges, natural resources disputes, clean air and water matters, endangered species and land management cases, and Indian law and takings claims. Jeff also served as nominations counsel in the Office of Legal Policy, assisting with the judicial nomination and confirmation process for scores of nominees, including two Supreme Court Justices.