Helen J. Barnes

CONTACT INFORMATION

EMAIL:

PHONE:

404-333-0751

Office Address:
1200 Peachtree Street, N.E
Suite 600
Atlanta, GA 30309

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EDUCATION

Emory University School of Law
(J.D., with honors, 2013)

Emory University Rollins School of Public Health
(M.P.H., 2013)

University of Virginia
(B.A., with distinction, 2007)

BAR ADMISSIONS

Georgia

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia

HONORS & RECOGNITION

Best Lawyers® Ones to Watch – Environmental Litigation – Atlanta (2022–Present)

Best Lawyers® Ones to Watch – Environmental Law – Atlanta (2021–Present)

Board member, Atlanta Bar Environmental Law & Toxic Tort Section

Order of the Coif, Order of Emory Advocates, Dean’s Award in Environmental Advocacy

With her broad experience in regulatory, transactional, policy, and litigation matters, Helen helps clients effectively manage their environmental risks while achieving their business objectives. She serves retail, industrial, and corporate clients as well as governmental entities, and provides counsel on environmental compliance and enforcement defense in areas that include waste disposal, water issues, pesticide regulation, and contaminated property.

Helen offers strategic advice on key environmental laws, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Water Act, CERCLA/Superfund laws, and extended producer responsibility regulations. Her achievements include negotiating reduced penalties in hazardous waste and consumer protection matters, obtaining dismissals in state-wide investigations, and developing innovative settlements with charitable contribution components. She is adept at navigating complex regulatory and permitting issues relating to wastewater discharge, stormwater, groundwater, stream buffers, wetlands, and other issues arising under the Clean Water Act. Her practice also encompasses environmental due diligence for lenders, purchasers, and property owners, guiding them through remediation and other voluntary cleanup programs. Helen regularly represents clients before regulatory agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, and also guides clients through defense of citizen suit actions.