Samantha R. Caravello
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Samantha R. Caravello

Partner

Denver
303.825.7009

Drafting an effective legal argument is like snapping the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle into place – and for me, it’s just as satisfying. I love diving into a complex set of facts and rules, pulling out the key information, and arranging it just right to make a compelling case for my client.

Samantha represents clients in state and federal courts, at both the trial and appellate levels, in cases involving environmental laws such as NEPA, the Clean Air Act, and their state counterparts; the Administrative Procedure Act; federal aviation laws and regulations; and a broad range of other issues, such as constitutional claims and contract disputes. Samantha regularly practices before administrative bodies as well, including the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission and state Public Utilities Commissions. Samantha also counsels clients on regulatory compliance and pre-litigation matters. Samantha is committed to pro bono work and recently helped a family successfully obtain asylum in the United States.

Samantha previously worked for the Environmental Defense Fund, where she represented the organization in several matters related to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Bureau of Land Management regulations. In law school, she was active in multiple student organizations and served as co-Editor-in-Chief of Volume 39 of the Harvard Environmental Law Review.

Representative Experience

City and County of Denver, Colorado

Represented Denver in state court litigation defending against challenge to Denver’s methodology of calculating noise exposure levels pursuant to the 1988 Intergovernmental Agreement that led to the creation of Denver International Airport.

City of Los Angeles, California

Represented Los Angeles before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in a successful challenge to FAA flight procedures at Los Angeles International Airport under the National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act.

Forney Museum of Transportation

Represented the Forney Museum of Transportation in a Colorado Court of Appeals case concerning the scope of an access easement and the Museum’s implied rights with respect to an adjacent property. Successfully obtained reversal in part of a trial court decision adverse to the Museum.

Colorado Oil and Gas Regulations

Represented environmental groups and coalition of local governments in Colorado Air Quality Control Commission rulemakings addressing air quality issues from oil and gas activities. Represented environmental and public health groups in related state court litigation.

Colorado Clean Car and Clean Truck Standards

Represented environmental groups and coalition of local governments in successfully advocating for the adoption of low-emission and zero-emission vehicle standards and clean truck standards before the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission. Represented environmental groups in defense of low-emission and zero-emission vehicle standards in state court litigation.

Environmental Defense Fund FOIA Litigation

Represented the Environmental Defense Fund in Freedom of Information Act lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that resulted in disclosure of public records.

Additional Representative Litigation Experience:

  • Submitted amicus curiae briefs on behalf of nonprofit clients in high-profile federal litigation, including in challenge to national monument boundaries and in lawsuit alleging state law nuisance claims against fossil fuel companies.
  • Defended the Bureau of Land Management’s authority to regulate methane waste from oil and gas development on publicly- and tribally-owned lands at both district court and appellate levels; challenged efforts by subsequent administration to suspend and rescind regulations.

Resources and News

News

Presentations

Publications