Career
Jeff fashions solutions to environmental problems by harmonizing business imperatives with legal and regulatory mandates, funding requirements, public policy considerations, and community and stakeholder interests. In addition to his domestic practice, he regularly represents companies based outside of the United States, helping non-US clients understand and navigate the nuances and complexities of the US legal system. Jeff’s clients report that he “communicates well and listens to the client,” that he is “a strong strategic thinker and planner,” and that he “has great insights” and “comes up with innovative solutions.”
Jeff approaches complex environmental problems by stepping back from the law and thinking first about the client’s business objectives. He then designs strategies that meld legal, technical, strategic, financial, and regulatory considerations, working with environmental consultants and other professionals to deliver integrated solutions. His experience includes hazardous substance and toxic tort litigation; environmental permitting and approvals; resolution of federal, state and local regulatory enforcement matters; environmental impact assessments; historic preservation reviews; contaminated site remediation and brownfield redevelopment; and environmental insurance coverage. Increasingly, his practice involves legal and other responses to climate change, including navigating the requirements of state and municipal laws mandating or incentivizing efforts to decarbonize business operations.
Jeff’s clients include public companies, family businesses, governmental and non-profit development agencies, real estate owners and developers, financial institutions, and pension and private equity funds, among others. He also maintains an active pro bono practice working on behalf of environmental non-profits.
Jeff is a former Chair of the Environmental Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association. He founded the Environmental Program at the Vance Center for International Justice at the City Bar, which provides pro bono assistance to environmental organizations around the world. He also co-founded and is President and Chair of the New York City Climate Action Alliance, a non-profit that engages the private sector in efforts to mitigate climate change.
Professional Memberships
Bar Admissions: New York, 1987, New Jersey, 1987
Publications
“High Performance Leases: A Solution for Reducing Carbon Emissions in Commercial Buildings, Environmental Law in New York,
June 2021 | Written by Meg Holden, Jeffrey B. Gracer (and Audi Banny, Stuart Kaplan & Stephanie Margolis)
“The Law of Climate Change in Canada," Chapter 18 “United States;" Chapter 19 “North American and Global Integration of Carbon Control Markets;" Chapter 20 “Private Sector Climate Action,” 2023 | Written by Maggie Macdonald and Jeffrey B. Gracer
“Challenging BigLaw in NYC to Help Save the Planet,” New York Law Journal, 2018 | Written by Jeffrey B. Gracer
“A Call to Action for New Yorkers,” New York Law Journal, 2017 | Written by Jeffrey B. Gracer
“Companies Are Embracing Green Policies: Why Won’t Washington?,” The Hill, 2017 | Written by Jeffrey B. Gracer
