Lois J. Schiffer

A.B., Radcliffe; J.D., Harvard. Professor Schiffer is General Counsel at the National Capital Planning Commission. She was formerly a partner at Baach Robinson & Lewis PLLC in Washington, D.C.. From 1993-2001, Professor Schiffer was the Assistant Attorney General for the Environmental and Natural Resources Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, with responsibility for litigation on behalf of all federal agencies related to pollution, natural resources, wildlife, certain Indian issues, and land condemnation. She has argued cases before a number of Courts of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. She also worked on international environmental issues and legislation related to the environment. She has for over 15 years been an adjunct professor of environmental law at Georgetown University Law Center. Professor Schiffer's previous work includes: Senior Vice President for Public Policy at the National Audubon Society; General Counsel at National Public Radio; and staff attorney at the Women's Rights Project of the Center of Law and Social Policy. She was a court law clerk on the District of Columbia Circuit. Professor Schiffer has authored many articles on environmental law topics. She is the recipient of the Charles Fahy Distinguished Adjunct Professor Award, and of the Edmund J. Randolph Award for outstanding service at the Department of Justice. She serves on the Boards of the D.C. Appleseed, the International Senior Lawyers Project, and the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life. She has served on the Boards of a number of non-profit organizations, including the District of Columbia Bar and American Rivers.