Alexis Smith ^‡

Alexis Smith handles environmental and natural resources litigation, with a focus on federal court disputes involving the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and Fifth Amendment takings claims. She comes to private practice from the U.S. Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division, where she defended the United States in major federal litigation as a trial attorney in the Natural Resources Section. That background gives her a working understanding of how the government evaluates, defends, and resolves environmental cases, which she applies for companies, landowners, and other clients facing regulatory litigation and enforcement exposure. Alexis’s work spans the range of federal environmental and energy statutes, including the Administrative Procedure Act, the Clean Air Act, mineral rights and water rights questions, tribal trust claims, and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

At the Department of Justice, Alexis served as lead counsel on multiple active cases. She argued before federal judges, drafted dispositive motions, took and defended complex depositions, worked with experts, managed fact and expert discovery, conducted a cross examination at trial, and led negotiations with opposing counsel on settlement terms, case deadlines, and discovery disputes. She also advised federal client agencies on legal matters and worked directly with them to advance their objectives, experience that informs how she counsels clients through litigation strategy and agency interaction.

Concentrations

• Administrative litigation, including rule-making and permitting challenges. Federal regulation, reviews, and permitting under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act
• Federal litigation surrounding the Fifth Amendment takings claims
• Environmental compliance
• Land use and zoning regulations