In this episode of MCLE This Week, host Bruce Richard speaks with Korrin Peterson, environmental attorney at Bowditch & Dewey, about her unique path from nonprofit environmental advocacy to private practice. The conversation explores the evolving challenges of environmental law, including wastewater infrastructure, climate change, coastal development, and the intersection of science, policy, and legal practice. Peterson also shares practical insights for attorneys navigating environmental issues in real estate, land use, and community development matters.
Korrin Peterson shares how her two decades with the Buzzards Bay Coalition shaped her unconventional environmental law career, blending litigation, policy advocacy, grant management, and hands-on wastewater infrastructure work before transitioning into private practice at Bowditch & Dewey. She explains how environmental law extends far beyond statutes and regulations, requiring attorneys to understand science, engineering, public policy, and the financial realities facing municipalities and developers.
With practical insight for attorneys across practice areas, Korrin discusses:
Throughout the conversation, Korrin emphasizes that environmental law is constantly evolving as communities adapt to changing environmental conditions, infrastructure limitations, and development pressures. She highlights the importance of long-term thinking, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and proactive legal strategy when navigating environmental challenges affecting businesses, municipalities, and property owners alike.
Featured Guest
Korrin Peterson — Environmental attorney at Bowditch & Dewey, Korrin advises clients on environmental permitting, wastewater infrastructure, brownfields redevelopment, compliance, and real estate matters. Prior to joining Bowditch, she spent more than 20 years as Chief Advocate for the Buzzards Bay Coalition, where she led litigation, policy initiatives, and environmental infrastructure projects across southeastern Massachusetts.