ELPC People

Dr. Charles Butler: Irish

Ten years experience working in the private sector as a lawyer specialising in the area of environmental law and planning in particular on policy and regulatory matters. Has experience in the area of enforcement and compliance of environmental law, public interest environmental law and has particular expertise and interest in the area of nature conservation law.

Curriculum Vitae

Michael Woods: British

Over 20 years experience working as a lawyer in private practice and the public sector on environmental regulation and policy. Particular experience in climate change, carbon markets, sustainable forestry, renewable energy and biodiversity protection.

Curriculum Vitae

Our combined previous experience includes the following examples:

  • Undertaking public policy research for the UK Government on the introduction of environmental civil penalties including an international comparative law study
  • Advising a South American state on reviewing its environmental legislation and policy in order to implement changes regarding climate change adaptation, sustainable forestry and biodiversity protection
  • Undertaking conformity studies on behalf of the European Commission as regards the transposition of environmental directives into national law by Member States
  • Giving advice on breaches of EU environmental law in the area of the Wild Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive and preparing legal complaints to the European Commission in preparation of infringement proceedings taken by the European Commission
  • Drafting and preparing a legal case against national government as regards breaches of the Habitats Directive and EIA Assessment Directive in the area of fisheries
  • Making submissions to the UK Government on the impacts of new policy and legislation regarding subsidies for renewable technologies such as windfarms, carbon caprture and storage and biofuels