About Eric
Eric A. Grant: Leading Environmental Litigation Attorney in Sacramento
Eric A. Grant is a highly accomplished and results-oriented attorney specializing in environmental law and litigation. With over three decades of experience, including significant time as the top appellate lawyer for the federal government’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) of the U.S. Department of Justice, Mr. Grant brings a unique blend of strategic advocacy, courtroom expertise, and deep legal knowledge to every case. His track record of success, culminating in victories before the U.S. Supreme Court and multiple federal appellate courts, makes him a powerful legal counsel for clients facing complex environmental challenges.
Prior to rejoining Hicks Thomas in 2021, Mr. Grant served as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General, overseeing a team of lawyers dedicated to defending federal permitting decisions related to critical infrastructure projects – pipelines, energy facilities, and more – while also prosecuting Clean Water Act claims against private polluters. He spearheaded numerous high-stakes legal battles, demonstrating a remarkable ability to navigate intricate regulatory frameworks and achieve favorable outcomes for his clients.
Mr. Grant’s most notable achievement includes his pivotal role in the *U.S. Forest Service v. Cowpasture River Preservation Ass’n*, 140 S. Ct. 1837 (2020) case, where he successfully defended the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, securing a unanimous Supreme Court victory after a protracted battle through the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He also led teams that tirelessly pursued justice in landmark cases concerning the Keystone XL Pipeline and those involving “kids against climate change,” obtaining extraordinary relief at multiple levels of the courts. These experiences demonstrate Mr. Grant's unwavering commitment to upholding environmental standards and protecting vulnerable communities.
What sets Mr. Grant apart is not just his extensive experience – encompassing arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court, the California Supreme Court, and numerous other federal and state appellate courts – but also his practical understanding of the legal landscape. He possesses deep expertise in environmental regulations, permitting processes, and litigation strategies, coupled with a strategic approach that prioritizes his clients’ best interests. His deep understanding of federal and state environmental law, combined with his courtroom prowess, makes him a formidable advocate.
Mr. Grant’s approach is rooted in meticulous preparation, aggressive advocacy, and a dedication to achieving the best possible result for his clients. He consistently strives to develop innovative legal strategies, leveraging his considerable experience to overcome complex challenges and protect his clients' rights. His passion for environmental protection, combined with his formidable legal skills, makes him an invaluable asset to any client involved in environmental litigation.
Practice Areas
- Environmental Law
- Litigation - Environmental
- Permitting Defense
- Clean Water Act Claims
- Regulatory Compliance
Awards & Recognition
Eric A. Grant has been consistently recognized as a leading attorney in environmental law, including:
- Recognized: Environmental Law, Litigation - Environmental
- Best Lawyers in America (2023-2025)
- Recognized in Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in Environmental Law (2023-2024)
- Recognized in Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Litigators in America (2023-2025)
Education & Credentials
Mr. Grant’s legal expertise is built upon a solid foundation of education and experience. He brings to Hicks Thomas three decades of top-level legal practice, including extensive experience arguing cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, the California Supreme Court, and numerous other federal and state appellate courts. He is a highly respected legal professional with a proven ability to achieve exceptional outcomes for his clients.
City: Sacramento, State: California, Country: United States
Bar Admissions: (Details to be added)
Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2023
