Bracewell LLP announced that Seth M. Barsky, a longtime Justice Department official and recognized expert in federal environmental and natural resources law, has joined the firm’s environment, lands and resources department as a partner in its Washington, D.C., office.

Barsky arrives after more than 30 years with the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), where he most recently served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General (DAAG). In that role, he supervised three key sections: Wildlife and Marine Resources, Environmental Defense, and Environmental Crimes.

“We are thrilled to welcome Seth to the firm,” said Bracewell Managing Partner Gregory M. Bopp. “Seth joins a highly regarded Bracewell practice adding unparalleled insights from his decades with the DOJ across multiple administrations.”

Barsky is widely regarded as one of the nation’s top authorities on species protection laws, including the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. His work has also touched on the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Superfund (CERCLA), and other major federal environmental statutes.

“Having managed hundreds of federal attorneys and overseen cases that set national precedent, Seth knows how agencies think and act,” said Jason B. Hutt, chair of Bracewell’s environment, lands and resources department. “Seth can spot regulatory pressure points early on and help companies structure operations to stay ahead of potential issues.”

During his DOJ career, Barsky played a role in several landmark cases, including overseeing litigation that culminated in the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which reshaped administrative law.

At Bracewell, he will advise clients on regulatory counseling, permitting, litigation, and interagency policy coordination. Barsky said his move reflects a desire to bring his government experience into the private sector.

“Successful companies understand and work with regulators,” Barsky said. “After three decades of working in the public sector, I chose Bracewell because it has the regulatory depth and litigation firepower to help clients get ahead of trends rather than reacting after it’s too late.”

The addition marks the second high-profile hire to Bracewell’s environment, lands and resources team this month, following the arrival of Shailesh “Shai” Sahay.

“Seth’s arrival reflects the continued growth of Bracewell’s Washington, D.C. office and our commitment to serving clients at the intersection of law and policy,” said Mark K. Lewis, the office’s managing partner.

Barsky holds a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a B.A. in Biological Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania. He has also taught courses in natural resources and administrative law at several law schools, including the University of Michigan and American University.