Roberta "Bobbie" R. James, Counsel

Bobbie is Counsel in our Energy and Environmental practice group.

She has more than 25 years of extensive experience in environmental law and policy and a rich history of leadership and legal practice in both state and federal governments, 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 authority under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. She also played a key role in drafting new policy initiatives, with a focus on enforcement.

As an Assistant Attorney General representing MDE, Bobbie managed complex litigation, initiated enforcement actions, defended MDE-issued permits, represented MDE in multi-state federal actions, and worked with defendants to successfully develop and implement Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs). Bobbie successfully litigated enforcement actions in State court and at administrative hearings for violations of state air quality control and wastewater discharge permits, as well as violations of regulations governing wetlands, sediment and erosion control, scrap tire storage and hauling, oil control, radiation machine and radioactive materials, and on-site sewage disposal systems (septics). 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.

Notably, Bobbie was the lead attorney for Maryland in the action against Volkswagen for violations of state vehicle emissions standards and the use of emissions controls defeat devices.  Specifically, Bobbie effectively briefed the arguments for remand back to Maryland State court from the Multi-District Litigation in the Ninth Circuit, participated in settlement negotiations, and drafted all settlement documents.  

Prior to her government service, Bobbie provided legal counsel to corporate clients, which included advice on environmental compliance matters at client commercial and industrial facilities related to the requirements of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, and various state 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.