Jacob "Jake" M. Bartlett

Jake is an associate in the environmental practice group, based out of the Washington, D.C. and Cincinnati offices.  He is a results-driven environmental attorney with a business-minded approach to solving complex legal challenges for commercial and industrial clients nationwide.  With significant experience across the evolving landscape of environmental law, Jake partners with clients to navigate regulatory risk, ensure compliance and unlock opportunities in highly regulated industries.

Jake’s practice spans permitting and regulatory compliance, federal and state enforcement actions, high-stakes litigation and environmental due diligence in sophisticated real estate and corporate transactions.  Known for his practical perspective, Jake excels at translating intricate legal requirements into actionable strategies tailored to each client’s unique operational goals.

Representative Experience:

• Provides Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Compliance on matters such as:
  • Conducting internal audits at manufacturing and industrial facilities to assess hazardous waste handling and identify compliance gaps;
  • Defending clients in state and federal enforcement actions, including negotiating administrative settlements and responding to notices of violation;
  • Advising on waste classification, solid and hazardous waste exemptions, and permitting obligations;
  • Assisting with permit applications, renewals and permit compliance strategies; and
  • Preparing responses to agency information requests and supporting clients during inspection.
• Advises clients on a broad range of Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) compliance issues, including:
  • Preparing Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) Rule reports and responding to agency information requests;
  • Advising on import and export notification requirements;
  • Developing strategies for complying with the PFAS Reporting Rule and future PFAS and risk mitigation;
  • Navigating Section 5 Orders and premanufacture notice requirements for new chemicals; and
  • Assessing company-wide TSCA compliance and employee training programs.
• Emerging State Sustainability Laws: Counsels manufacturers, distributors, and retailers on compliance with state-level programs relating to product sustainability, including extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, PFAS reporting and product limits, recycled content mandates and more. 
• Litigation Support: Key subject-matter expert who assists team members with complex environmental issues and  oversees teams of environmental experts in high-stakes contamination litigation, including source identification, fate and transport analysis, and remediation.
• Transactional Support: Manages environmental due diligence for real estate and corporate transactions, including Phase I/II assessments, drafting and negotiating contract provisions, and coordinating post-closing environmental work. Works closely with agencies on permit transfers and environmental background checks, such as through Ohio’s Environmental Background Investigation Unit (EBIU).
• Environmental Reform Advocacy: Supports client efforts to shape environmental policy by collaborating with regulators and legislators, drafting statutory language, preparing legislative testimony and guiding clients through the legislative process to achieve meaningful statutory revisions.

Jake received his J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he was a senior staff editor for the Kentucky Law Journal and graduated as the class Valedictorian.  He received his B.A. magna cum laude from the University of Kentucky.

Honors & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers In America: Ones to Watch, Environmental Law, 2026