Joel T. Daves III is a prominent American attorney based in Birmingham, Alabama, known for his specialization in environmental law. He is a partner at the law firm Balch & Bingham LLP and has held significant leadership positions within the legal profession and in Alabama state government.
Early Life and Education Joel T. Daves III is part of a distinguished legal family; his father, Joel T. Daves Jr., and his grandfather, Joel T. Daves Sr., were also notable attorneys in Alabama. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and subsequently his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Alabama School of Law.
Career Daves' legal career has primarily focused on environmental and natural resources law. He represents clients across various industries, including utilities, manufacturing, mining, and real estate, advising them on regulatory compliance, permitting, enforcement defense, and environmental litigation. His expertise spans federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
He joined Balch & Bingham LLP and rose to become a partner, leading the firm's environmental and natural resources practice group for a period.
Public Service and Leadership Daves has an extensive record of public service and leadership within the legal community:
- Alabama Environmental Management Commission (AEMC): He was appointed to the AEMC by several Alabama governors and served as its Chairman. The AEMC is the governing body for the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), responsible for setting environmental policy and regulations for the state.
- Alabama State Bar: He served as the President of the Alabama State Bar, the mandatory professional organization for lawyers in the state, from 2004 to 2005.
- Birmingham Bar Association: He also served as President of the Birmingham Bar Association.
- American Bar Association: Daves has been active in the American Bar Association, particularly within its Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER), where he has held various committee leadership roles.
- Other Boards: He has served on numerous other boards and committees related to environmental protection and legal ethics throughout his career.
His contributions have been recognized by various legal directories and peer-review publications, including The Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA, for his expertise in environmental law.
References
- Balch & Bingham LLP. (n.d.). Joel T. Daves III Profile.
- Alabama State Bar. (n.d.). Past Presidents.
- Various legal news and environmental policy publications.