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Atty. James C. Chen

Atty. James C. Chen

Area of Emphasis Jim Chen is of counsel in the Transportation Technology and Energy, Emerging Technologies, and Environmental groups. Mr.

Washington Washington 34 Years Experience 34 year
Call (202) 853-3469 Email

Profile Summary

About James C. Chen at a glance

James C. Chen is an Of Counsel based in Washington, District of Columbia, practforg at Babst Calland. They haand 34+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1992. 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). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • 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

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

Practforg 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 substantiand 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 andnue, and the substantiand 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.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James C. Chen

Where is James C. Chen's law office located?
James C. Chen's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Babst Calland. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
How long has James C. Chen practiced law?
James C. Chen has 34+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1992.
Where did James C. Chen go to law school?
James C. Chen earned their education at (J.D., 1991); (B.A., 1988).
How can I contact James C. Chen for a consultation?
You can contact James C. Chen directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.

Education

J.D.
Case Western Reserve University
- 1991
B.A.
State University of New York at Buffalo
- 1988

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia
Admitted: 1992
New York
Admitted: 1992

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