Atty. James C. Chen
Area of Emphasis Jim Chen is of counsel in the Transportation Technology and Energy, Emerging Technologies, and Environmental groups. Mr.
Data Center Development & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC · 34+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About James C. Chen at a Glance
James C. Chen is an Of Counsel based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Babst Calland. They have 34+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1992. Their practice focuses on environmental and energy. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia (1992) and New York (1992). Educated at Case Western Reserve University (J.D., 1991) and State University of New York at Buffalo (B.A., 1988). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About James C. Chen
- Area of Emphasis Jim Chen is of counsel in the Transportation Technology and Energy, Emerging Technologies, and Environmental groups
- Mr. Chen joined Babst Calland after more than a decade as an executive at several successful start-up electric vehicle manufacturers, notably as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Tesla, Inc. and as Vice President of Public Policy and Chief Regulatory Counsel at Rivian Automotive, LLC. During that time period, he also served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at two other start-up manufacturers
- Prior to his in-house experience, Mr. Chen was a partner at two other AMLAW 100 law firms where his practice focused on product-related issues in the areas of automobile emissions and safety regulation, chemical and pesticide regulation, and general environmental and safety law
- Mr. Chen’s clients are entities in the transportation and energy industry focusing on alternative fuel powertrains, energy storage, energy delivery systems and semi-autonomous and autonomous driving technologies
- In addition, he has experience in business development matters including leading commercial deals for new sites/facilities
- Mr. Chen has an established track record of working across all levels of governments to achieve client objectives and goals
- and has testified before Congress and numerous state legislatures, as well as interacted with executive levels of government in the U.S., Canada, and abroad
- Background Mr. Chen graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1988 and earned his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University – School of Law in 1991
- Memberships and Affiliations Mr. Chen is currently admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and New York (inactive)
- Mr. Chen is active in the community serving as a patroller and immediate past Patrol Director for the Liberty Mountain Ski Resort in Carroll Valley, Pa. where he supports ensuring the safety of the skiing public while providing emergency medical assistance and transport off the slopes for injured guests
- He is also an active alumni with Case Western Reserve University – School of Law currently serving as a member of the Law School’s Scholarship Committee and having past served as a member of the Dean’s Council on Diversity
Practice Areas Explained
James C. Chen's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James C. Chen handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.
Environmental Law in Washington
Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.
James C. Chen is one of 55,977 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental attorneys in District of Columbia →
Energy & Utilities Law in Washington
Energy attorneys for oil & gas, renewables, utility regulation, and energy sector transactions.
James C. Chen is one of 35,985 energy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse energy attorneys in District of Columbia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Washington
Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Washington Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Washington-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Washington Choose James C. Chen
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James C. Chen's practice in the field of environmental and energy.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
James C. Chen brings 34+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in District of Columbia and New York, James C. Chen can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering environmental and energy, James C. Chen can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Washington
A Washington-based practice means James C. Chen attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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James C. Chen's Practice Areas & Specializations
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