Hogan Lovells Cadwalader strengthens Environment & Natural Resources practice with arrival of Julie Cress in San Francisco

A Chambers-ranked environmental lawyer, Cress brings deep experience advising clients on complex air quality, climate change, permitting, compliance, enforcement, and energy transition matters under both California and federal law. She joins the firm from Baker Botts, where she built a successful practice focused on regulatory air matters involving the California Air Resources Board (CARB), local air districts, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Cress’ practice spans high-stakes compliance and enforcement matters, rulemaking advocacy, climate disclosure requirements, carbon markets, renewable and low-carbon fuels, and emerging energy transition technologies, including carbon capture and storage, renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels.

“We are delighted to welcome Julie to Hogan Lovells Cadwalader,” said Janice Hogan, Practice Group Leader for Global Regulatory & IP. “Julie is recognized as one of the foremost practitioners in California on air quality and climate-related regulatory matters. Her unique combination of agency experience, technical knowledge, and trusted relationships with regulators will further strengthen our market-leading environmental platform and enhance our ability to help clients navigate increasingly complex regulatory and business challenges.”

Cress advises clients across the energy, transportation, manufacturing, and industrial sectors on some of their most significant environmental and operational challenges. Before entering private practice, she served as an attorney with the California Air Resources Board. Before that, Cress worked at the Bay Area Air District, giving her firsthand insight into the agencies that shape and enforce California’s environmental framework.

“Julie’s arrival is a significant addition to our team and reflects our continued commitment to investing in premier environmental talent,” said Tom Boer, Co-Practice Area Leader – Environment & Natural Resources. “There are very few lawyers with Julie’s depth of experience in air permitting and regulations. Her experience working with the California Air Resources Board and her broad air expertise complement our team’s existing strengths and will provide tremendous support for our clients navigating complex air requirements.”

Having worked with Julie previously, I know she will immediately boost our ability to advise clients at the intersection of environmental regulation, energy transition, and business strategy,” said Nadira Clarke, Co-Practice Area Leader – Environment & Natural Resources. “Her extensive Clean Air Act experience, strong industry relationships, and reputation for excellence will be invaluable to clients confronting challenges related to compliance, permitting, and decarbonization.”

Throughout her career, Cress has advised clients navigating California’s most consequential air regulatory programs, including Advanced Clean Fleets, Clean Truck Check, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Commercial Harbor Craft, At-Berth, Cap-and-Invest, and emerging climate disclosure requirements. She also counsels clients on the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, mobile source regulations, emissions credit transactions, and other permitting and compliance issues arising under the Clean Air Act.

“California remains at the forefront of environmental and climate regulation, and clients increasingly need sophisticated counsel who understand both the regulatory framework and the practical realities of implementation,” said Megan Nishikawa, Office Managing Partner – San Francisco. “Julie is widely respected and brings exactly the kind of strategic, client-focused counsel that our clients value. We are excited to welcome her to our San Francisco team and continue building on the momentum of our growth in California.”

“I’m excited to join Hogan Lovells Cadwalader and contribute to the firm’s outstanding environmental and regulatory practice,” said Julie Cress. “The combination of a global platform, a collaborative culture, and deep regulatory knowledge enables the firm to deliver exceptional value to clients navigating complex environmental, climate, and energy issues. I look forward to helping clients address regulatory challenges, manage risk, and advance their business objectives in a rapidly evolving market.”