Roberta "Bobbie" R. James, Counsel

Bobbie is Counsel in our Energy and Environmental practice group. 

She brings more than 25 years of extensive experience in environmental law and policy. Bobbie has a rich history of leadership and legal practice in both state and federal environments, as well as the private sector. As Assistant Secretary (2022 – 2024) at the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Bobbie led teams in developing and implementing environmental programs under Maryland law and MDE's delegated authorities, such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. She also played a key role in drafting new policy initiatives, with a focus on enforcement.
 

The majority of Bobbie’s career was as an Assistant Attorney General representing MDE. During her tenure at the Office of the Maryland Attorney General Bobbie managed complex litigation, including enforcement actions and permit defense cases, represented MDE in multi-state federal actions, and worked with parties to successfully implement Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs). She also provided strategic counsel to MDE on diverse questions of environmental law implementation and regulatory issues, earning her multiple certificates of appreciation from MDE.

Prior to her government service, Bobbie provided legal counsel to corporate clients, which included advice on compliance of client’s commercial and industrial facilities with the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, and various states’ laws governing air emissions, handling and disposal of solid waste, and wastewater discharges.

Beyond legal practice, Bobbie has contributed to the base of legal knowledge through her writing, including publications in law reviews and as a contributing author for the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, & Resources. In addition, she has contributed to the academic community as a Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, where she taught Environmental Law for Engineers and Scientists, sharing invaluable insights with future leaders in the field.

Bobbie's dedication to service extends to pro-bono work and active participation in the community, including holding several leadership positions for the Environmental Law Section Council of the Maryland State Bar Association.   Bobbie is also a member of the Maryland Bar Foundation.