James A. Tupper, Jr.

Law Practice

James Tupper focuses his practice on environmental law, with an emphasis on water quality, water resources, and shoreline development. James has successfully represented business associations and local governments in resolving complex disputes involving stormwater regulation and water resources policy. He frequently represents clients in matters before the Environmental Hearings Office, including shoreline management, water rights, and NPDES permit appeals. He also advises clients regarding hazardous waste cleanup issues in real estate development and financing. James served two terms on the Washington Pollution Control Hearings Board and Shorelines Hearings Board. James is recognized as a “Super Lawyer” by Washington Law & Politics magazine.

Representative Clients

City of Coeur d'Alene
Sammamish Plateau Water & Sewer District
Northwest Marine Trade Association
Associated General Contractors of Washington
Washington Aggregate and Concrete Association
Western Wood Preservers Institute
Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS®
American Ecology
Washington State University
S-R Broadcasting, Inc.

Professional Activities

Member, Washington State Bar Association, Environmental & Land Use Law Section; Member, King County Bar Association Bench-Bar Conference Committee; Member, Editorial Board, Environmental & Land Use Law Newsletter, Washington State Bar Association; Member, King County Bar Association Volunteer Legal Services Committee; Participant, Washington Department of Ecology Lender Liability Working Group; Member, Washington Department of Ecology Sediment Management Standards Implementation Committee; Member, Washington Department of Ecology, Model Toxics Control Act External Work Group.

Prior Experience

Attorney, Stoel Rives, Seattle, Washington (2001-03); Member, Pollution Control Hearings Board and Shorelines Hearings Board (1994-2001); Senior Assistant City Attorney, City of Seattle (1991-1994); Associate, Davis Wright Tremaine, Seattle, Washington (1985-1991); Intern, National Veterans Law Center/Vietnam Veterans of America Legal Services, Washington, D.C. (1983-1985).

Education

J.D., Washington College of Law, American University, 1985; Dean’s Scholar.
B.A., Reed College, 1981.

Admissions

Washington State Bar Association
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Community Activities

President, Ailanga School Project, a nonprofit formed to support education and environmental health in Tanzania. Trustee, History Ink Foundation (2003-Present); Lead cook, University District Soup Kitchen (1997-present).