Close Up Radio spotlights environmental lawyer Charles Warren

Close Up Radio featured Charles Warren, a McLaughlin & Stern partner with more than 40 years of environmental law, government and public service experience. The interview highlighted his work on major New York contamination sites, his advisory-and-litigation approach, and his long record of recognition in environmental law.

Why it matters: - Warren’s career spans the public and private sectors, giving him experience with both environmental regulation and the practical side of cleanup disputes. - His work touches major issues that affect public health, development and infrastructure, including clean air, clean water, hazardous waste and brownfield remediation. - His current role includes work on two of New York City’s best-known contaminated sites, Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek.

What happened: - Close Up Radio featured Charles Warren in an interview with Jim Masters on Thursday, June 25, at 12 p.m. Eastern. - Warren is a partner at McLaughlin & Stern in New York. - The interview focused on his legal career, the future of environmental law, and favorite matters from his practice. - The podcast was distributed on Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and Spotify through the listed episode links. - More information about Warren and his practice is available on McLaughlin & Stern’s website.

The details: - Warren says his career started after a high school “Boss for a Day” experience, when he sat behind a judge’s bench and watched a courtroom proceeding. - He has more than 40 years of experience in government, public service and private practice. - His government roles included regional administrator at the U.S. EPA and chief legislative assistant to former New York Sen. Jacob Javits. - He later served as chief administrative officer and general counsel for Channel 13, the public TV station. - Warren’s practice centers on compliance with state and federal environmental laws and regulations. - His work covers clean air, clean water, hazardous waste, toxic substances and contaminated-property cleanup under CERCLA. - Warren said McLaughlin & Stern handles the full range of environmental law matters, which he said is rare among large firms. - He said the firm’s environmental work includes due diligence reviews tied to clean air, clean water, hazardous waste and toxic substances. - He said the firm is currently involved in the Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek cleanup efforts in New York City. - Warren earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from Columbia University Law School. - He is admitted to the bar in multiple states and in the District of Columbia. - The firm’s website includes a tab in Chinese characters, reflecting business ties with China. - Warren said China is ahead of the U.S. on environmentally friendly projects such as alternative energy and all-electric and hybrid vehicles. - He said most major environmental legislation was passed between 1970 and 1980, especially in clean air, clean water and hazardous waste. - Warren said he works both as an advisor and a litigator, but tries to negotiate with government agencies before reaching court. - He said he has a strong track record in negotiations and credibility in government circles.

Between the lines: - Warren’s remarks frame environmental law as a relationship-driven practice, where technical compliance and government negotiation can matter as much as courtroom litigation. - His background in federal government likely helps explain why he emphasizes accommodation with regulators before conflict escalates. - The China reference suggests the firm sees environmental work as part of a broader international business footprint, even if Warren has not worked on those projects himself. - His comments also point to a field shaped by older statutes, with newer work often focused on applying and enforcing those laws rather than rewriting them.

What's next: - Warren will use the podcast to discuss his career, the evolution of environmental law and the projects that shaped his practice. - He said he remains focused on staying current with new statutes and regulatory developments. - Warren continues to work on environmental matters at McLaughlin & Stern, including major site cleanup issues in New York City. - His long-term goal is to help improve the environment through legal advocacy and policy work.

The bottom line: - Charles Warren has built a rare environmental law career that combines regulation, litigation, negotiation and public service, and Close Up Radio used the interview to highlight that track record.