Testimonials
Late one night I was flying home after a particularly grueling session helping to draft some proposed new state rules for groundwater protection. These new rules could make or break the industrial project that my company was hoping to get started. Jim Derouin was representing us in these negotiations that had been virtually stalemated for several weeks. I had not been optimistic going into this session. However, we finally reached a reasonable and scientifically achievable compromise that grew from a suggestion by Jim. I picked up the in-flight magazine, hoping to switch my thoughts to something more relaxing. As I Continue Reading...
Regulatory Affairs Manager,
Mining Company
He is uniquely talented at bringing people together to reach mutually beneficial solutions to problems. He is very effective at working with adversaries, and he’s enjoyable to work with....
General Counsel
National Water Services Company
Jim Derouin is unique in that he quickly grasps complex legal/business issues, dissects those issues into their constituent elements, and develops a pragmatic strategy for accomplishing the business objective. He has an uncanny ability to identify the dispositive issue and refine that issue to its simplest terms for the purpose of developing a practical solution. Derouin does not waste valuable client time advocating why something cannot be accomplished; rather he focuses on the strategic objective and then develops a proactive game plan for accomplishing the goal. While he is advocating his client’s position and moving forward to accomplish the ultimate Continue Reading...
In-House Counsel,
International Manufacturer
Jim is rare in the world of outside counsel: he is a good lawyer; he knows the right people; he gets to the heart of the matter; he has a practical approach to problem solving; he gets good results; and he understands that none of this means anything if the client isn’t satisfied....
Assistant General Counsel,
International Manufacturer
I believe Jim can be honestly described as one of those rare individuals possessing a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of environment law combined with a strategic grasp of the overall goals that need to be achieved in a multiparty negotiation. Flexibility, patience, and openness to creative resolutions have made Jim one of the fields’ most recognized and respected practitioners....
Chief Deputy City Attorney
Major Municipality
“Compromiser” falls short of describing Jim’s style. It implies a lack of principle or a willingness to get the deal done regardless of the legal or public policy outcome. That isn’t true. “Consensus builder” may come closer, but again suggests a little more passivity than he exhibits. He is aggressive, but not abrasive. He respects people and their ideas. He is tough in negotiations, but listens to people. Not easy for a lot of attorneys. He gets the big picture and stays the course. He understands that the war is won in a series of battles. Environmental law is unique. Continue Reading...
President
Business Trade Association
I have witnessed Jim Derouin’s environmental practice for almost five years. Although our business is a simple one, we have many forms of legal entanglements with land and related environmental issues. Jim, simply put, makes environmental issues simple in a cost-effective manner. Jim applies complex environmental laws and procedures to a factual situation and comes up with a very simple answer. I also think Jim’s practice goes beyond that of the average environmental lawyer. He takes an extra step. He explains the risk in choices in a manner that helps the client make more informed decisions. His practice includes the Continue Reading...
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
National Business Operator
My association with Jim as an officer of a major trade association was both enjoyable and very productive. Jim has the knack of keeping us focused on the real issues and was there to address them. Reflecting on those days, I say you left with the highest honors . . . as a leading environmental lawyer. He crafted a water quality law that became the model for other states across the nation. This was a remarkable job as well as memorable. He had to bring some in industry to the table dragging their feet and were not about to yield Continue Reading...
Director of Public Affairs
Major Paper Manufacturer
In the life of environmentally sensitive cities, there have been occasions when the proverbial wastewater hits the fan. And when this collision creates environmental issues exposing your municipality to the full brunt of sanctions that a state or federal environmental agency can impose, it is people like Jim Derouin that you immediately think to call. Jim doesn’t play the role of a “hired gun” in solving sensitive environmental problems. Instead he serves as a navigator who knows the landscape of state and federal environmental agencies and is able to use his well-honed analytical and negotiation skills to chart a course Continue Reading...
City Attorney
Jim Derouin has an exceptional depth of environmental legal knowledge with a remarkable insight into the human side of legal problems. He has an unmatched ability to achieve agreement in fractious situations and possesses an effective blend of legal acumen along with the ability to build strong relationships....
Environmental Manager
International Manufacturer
- Court Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Federal District Courts, District of Arizona
State Courts of Arizona - 20 Years of Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America
- Environmental Lawyer of the Year 2011
- Phoenix Best Lawyers
- 2011 Inaugural Selection
- America’s Most Honored Professional