Jerry Block's practice concentrates on environmental criminal defense, environmental compliance programs, and internal investigations.

Mr. Block is one of two former chiefs of the Department of Justice's Environmental Crimes Section who is now at Venable. He is part of the only law firm in the nation to have a practice group focus exclusively on representing clients facing environmental crimes issues. An experienced criminal litigator, who both defended and prosecuted white collar criminal cases, Mr. Block previously served the U.S. Senate as counsel in congressional investigations.

In addition to his focus on environmental crimes and compliance, Mr. Block is also chair of the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC), advising the U.S. Trade Representative and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator on environmental issues involved in international trade.

Significant Matters

Recent examples of Mr. Block’s cases include representing one of the world's largest cruise lines, a multinational steel company, a major pharmaceutical company, a senior environmental manager, and the president of a chemical company.

Activities

Mr. Block is active in the American Bar Association where he co-chairs committees on environmental crimes. With partner, Jud Starr, he co-chairs the annual ALI-ABA Conference on Environmental Crimes. Mr. Block received a presidential appointment to the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee to provide policy advice to the U. S. Trade Representative and the Administrator of the EPA on issues involving trade and the environment.