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Katrina Tomecek

Associate
About

Katrina Tomecek is an environmental attorney who’s spent her career helping clients navigate the complex intersection of law, policy and natural resources. Based in Los Angeles, she draws on nearly a decade of federal experience to help guide clients through everything from regulatory compliance and water resource management to issues involving endangered species and environmental enforcement. Before moving into private practice she worked inside government, advising on high-stakes litigation and shaping environmental policy from the inside out. Whether advising on permitting or responding to enforcement actions, Katrina brings practical insight, a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, and a steady hand in challenging situations. 

Bar admissionsCalifornia

EXPERIENCE

  • Represent multiple co-defendants, in a high-profile, first-of-its-kind Endangered Species Act litigation against the entire tire industry regarding the use of an anti-degradation chemical 6PPD in tires. Participate in all stages of representation, including in depositions, briefing and filing motions
  • Advise clients on navigating Clean Water Act (CWA) regulatory requirements and appeals process in relation to land development projects
  • Represent major industry clients in waste management matters involving CERCLA and RCRA on issues of settlement, remediation and liability management
  • Advise on regulatory and sustainability initiatives concerning packaging to aid clients in navigating evolving EPR frameworks
  • Served as lead attorney advising a federal agency on water resource management, federal dam operations, and compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Administrative Procedure Act (APA), including coordinating on case strategy and enforcement actions, providing counsel on complex regulatory and operational matters, coordinating with various federal agencies, and providing legal counsel on ESA Section 7 consultations and NEPA compliance
  • Served as a law clerk at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, involving briefing senior leadership, advising on significant federal actions under the Antiquities Act, providing recommendations on complex environmental and administrative law issues, and supporting legal and operational efforts in the transition of Administrations
  • Served as a fellow at NOAA, supporting efforts in ocean policy, development and implementation of regulations on fisheries law enforcement measures including major rules involving portside inspections and monitoring seafood import, coordination of international engagement and law enforcement capacity building events, and development of policies on marine wildlife trafficking and fishing violations
 
Languages
  • Czech
  • Russian
  • Spanish
Education
  • LL.M., Environmental & Energy Law, Georgetown University Law Center

    Thomas Bradbury Chetwood Award (highest academic achievement)
    Dean’s List
    Distinction
  • J.D., American University Washington College of Law

    magna cum laude, Order of the Coif

  • B.A., Marine Science, Boston University

    Minor in Earth Science

    Dean's List

Pro Bono

  • Provided legal assistance navigating disaster recovery and housing challenges for victims of wildfires in Los Angeles, advising on FEMA relief, the FEMA appeals process, and landlord-tenant law in California

Seminars

  • Attendee, the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Katowice, Poland

Prior Experience

Katrina brings particular expertise in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and legal issues involving wildlife, having worked for both of the Act’s primary federal administrators—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of the Interior—which provides her with a unique and comprehensive perspective on ESA implementation and enforcement. She has several years of experience advising clients on ESA litigation and enforcement, and her practice extends to related statutes including the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Katrina’s background includes significant work on wildlife trafficking, international fisheries, and marine protected areas, giving her a broad application of these issues both domestically and internationally across multiple industries. Katrina also has substantial experience in water law and NEPA, having spent a significant portion of her career advising on the operation of a federal water project. She has assisted clients with NEPA compliance on complex federal projects and has defended against NEPA challenges in litigation. 

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