Matthew A. Love

Of Counsel

Matthew Love's practice focuses on solving difficult public policy natural resource problems.  He navigates clients through the often-conflicting requirements associated with federal and state natural resource law including endangered species, fisheries, clean water, hydroelectric, and Native American Law.

He regularly represents clients before federal and state courts and agencies in areas of natural resource, energy and environmental law.  He has represented clients in numerous cases in federal district courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals throughout the country and has prepared amicus briefs submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court.

He has extensive experience representing clients on complex natural resource matters that involve federal and FERC licensed hydroelectric projects throughout the West, including projects on the Columbia River, Missouri River, and Klamath River. 

Professional Background

Prior to joining Van Ness Feldman, Mr. Love worked for the federal and the Washington State governments as a natural resource litigator. As an Assistant Attorney General, he represented the State of Washington and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in natural resource litigation and other matters involving the Endangered Species Act (ESA), fisheries, water, and Indian law issues.

Mr. Love served as a Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. In this capacity, he defended federal agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in litigation involving the ESA, the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.

Mr. Love served as a Fulbright Scholar in Ghana, West Africa during the 2005-2006 academic year, and taught courses in environmental, natural resource, and public international law at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana.

Speaking Engagements

• NHA Annual Conference, April 13, 2008
• Alternative Energy: Regulations & Technical Developments, October 18, 2007
• American Public Power Association Legal Seminar, October 17, 2007, Hydroelectric Licensing Developments