Judith Praitis

Judith Praitis has been an innovative environmental lawyer, active for decades in regulatory, transactional, administrative and litigation matters.  Her career has included a spectrum of legal issues ranging from drafting laws, to developing technical and equitable legal approaches for brownfields and other site remedial actions, environmental civil and criminal enforcement, chemical emergency and regulatory management, transactional support for cross-border acquisitions/divestures and bankruptcy risk management for large distressed entities/properties. For 29 years Judith practiced at Sidley Austin, LLP, where she was a Partner for nearly 25 years and Co-Chair of the National Environmental Group.  She presently practices at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath.  Judith was born in Omaha, NE, graduated from the University of Chicago (AB 1985, Senior Class Marshall) and Harvard Law School (JD 1988 cum laude). She is married to Dr. David Apel; they have 3 grown sons and one grandson.  Judith “reads everything,” runs or hikes nearly every day, loves cultural and adventure travel, art, history, political science and enjoys intellectual engagement with family, friends and within institutions where she volunteers.