Van Ness Feldman LLP is pleased to announce that Gwendolyn Keyes Fleming, former Chief of Staff to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy, will be joining the firm as a partner in Washington, DC.  Ms. Fleming brings over twenty years of public sector experience to the firm, having served as both an elected and appointed official at the state and local levels, as well as in various branches of the federal government, including most recently as a principal legal advisor at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

In remarks about Ms. Fleming joining the firm, Chair Richard Agnew, said, “Gwen is a wonderful addition to Van Ness Feldman.  She brings perspective, expertise, and tenacity from her experience as a public servant.  Gwen’s capabilities will be an asset to clients and complement the firm’s environmental practice.  Companies and public entities face a wide array of challenges in the current business climate.   Gwen’s strength in building relationships, managing large matters, and in-depth knowledge of the Environmental Protection Agency and other branches of the federal government will help clients achieve their business imperatives.”

As a partner with the firm, Ms. Fleming will focus on environmental matters with an emphasis on strategic advice and counsel on environmental litigation, national security matters as they relate to the protection of critical environmental systems, and white collar criminal defense including audits and special investigations. 

“I am honored and excited to join such a dynamic and experienced team of practitioners. I look forward to continuing their great service to their clients and community,” said Ms. Fleming. 

In addition to her time at the Department of Homeland Security and the EPA, Ms. Fleming served as EPA Regional Administrator to Region 4, where she was responsible for establishing and implementing environmental policy for eight southeastern states.  Prior to her work at EPA, she was twice elected District Attorney for the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit in DeKalb County, Georgia--the first African-American and first woman to hold that office.

Ms. Fleming received a J.D. from the Emory University School of Law and a B.S. in Finance from Rutgers University.  Starting in August, Ms. Fleming can be reached at 202.298.1928.