Attorneys

James A. Mennell regularly assists clients in rulemaking, permitting, regulatory compliance, and relations with state agencies and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  He has considerable experience in renewable energy, state and federal air compliance and permitting issues, and he has worked extensively with clients to develop and administer environmental training, compliance, and auditing programs.  Jim has assisted facilities in the defense, petrochemical, mining, food products, manufacturing, agriculture, ethanol, energy and steel industries in enforcement and permitting matters.  Jim also regularly assists clients in the successful development and permitting of renewable energy projects, and provides strategic counseling on energy, environmental, and greenhouse gas issues.  He also has advised several of the nation’s largest universities on environmental matters. 

Prior to formation of The Environmental Law Group, Jim was a partner at Oppenheimer, Wolff and Donnelly, LLP, and before that practiced at Popham, Haik, Schnobrich & Kaufman, Ltd.  Jim has authored dozens of articles, regularly speaks on environmental issues, and has taught at Hamline University, William Mitchell College of Law, and the University of Minnesota Law School.  He graduated as University Scholar (highest honor) from the University of South Dakota, received his Juris Doctor degree, with honors, from Duke University and has a Masters Degree in English, also from Duke University.