Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2019 
Shelly Jacobs Ellerhorst practices environmental law with an emphasis in complex water and hazardous waste related regulatory, enforcement, and litigation issues. Shelly is counsel to the State of Georgia in what is commonly referred to as the “Water Wars,” including litigation, interstate negotiations, and regulatory matters related to the disputes among Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Her preeminence in the environmental litigation field is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for Environmental Litigation (2019–Present).
Shelly routinely handles complex regulatory matters arising under the Clean Water Act, RCRA, NEPA, and state law counterparts. In addition, Shelly defends clients in federal courts against environmental citizen suits and CERCLA cost recovery and contribution actions. She has substantial experience in procuring, amending, and defending water permits, including NPDES, stormwater, and wetlands permits. She also counsels clients on compliance issues and business strategy, including permit compliance, drafting environmental, health and safety document retention policies, and making disclosures under EPA’s Audit Policy.
