Jeff has extensive experience in complex appellate and trial court litigation. He zealously represents clients in difficult situations. As lead counsel, Jeff has achieved success in high-stakes, complex cases at every level of state and federal courts. Jeff has expertise litigating novel issues of environmental, energy, telecommunications, technology, administrative, criminal, and constitutional law.

Before joining Givens Pursley, Jeff practiced law in Washington, D.C. He previously held several positions at the United States Department of Justice. As Deputy Associate Attorney General, Jeff advised senior leaders at the Department regarding high-profile matters in environmental litigation, civil rights, and federal programs. As an appellate attorney in the Environment and Natural Resources Division, Jeff briefed and argued dozens of cases as lead counsel for federal agencies. Jeff successfully argued administrative law challenges and criminal appeals, as well as cases involving natural resources, clean air and water, endangered species, land management, Indian law, and takings. As nominations counsel in the Office of Legal Policy, Jeff assisted scores of nominees with the judicial nomination and confirmation process, including two Supreme Court Justices.

Jeff speaks fluent German. Before beginning his legal career, Jeff served as a combat engineer officer in the United States Marine Corps. He deployed several times, including to Iraq and Liberia. When not working, Jeff enjoys skiing, open-water swimming, and exploring the Idaho outdoors with his wife and three children.

Recognition

Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service (2019)

Assistant Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Performance (2018)

Barrister, Edward Coke Appellate Inn of Court

Education

J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law, 2011, with honors

  • Articles Editor, North Carolina Law Review

M.P.P., Duke University, 2011

B.S., United States Naval Academy, 1999, with merit

  • Zipf Scholarship for graduate work at the University of Heidelberg in Germany

Admissions

Idaho, Virginia, Washington, D.C.

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, D.C., and Federal Circuits

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

U.S. District Court of the District of Idaho

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Judicial Clerkships

Hon. David B. Sentelle, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit

Hon. Margaret A. Ryan, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

Community Involvement

Adjunct Professor, University of Idaho College of Law

  • Administrative Law