Nicholas McDaniel, Environmental Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 14 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental and Litigation
ShareholderatBabst Calland
Washington, DC
Practicing environmental in Washington since 2012.
- 14+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Nicholas McDaniel is a shareholder based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Environmental and Litigation. Nicholas has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Babst Calland.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 14 years
- Known for
- Environmental · Litigation
- Handles Environmental and Litigation matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 14 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Nicholas McDaniel: Nicholas McDaniel is a shareholder based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Environmental and Litigation. Nicholas has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Babst Calland.
Areas of practice
Nicholas's practice areas in Washington
Nicholas concentrates on environmental and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Nicholas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Nicholas takes environmental matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Nicholas agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Nicholas takes litigation matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Nicholas agrees to represent you.
Biography
Nicholas McDaniel, environmental attorney serving Washington
Nicholas McDaniel is a shareholder based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Environmental and Litigation. Nicholas has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Babst Calland. Nicholas works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on environmental matters across the region.
Area of Emphasis
Nick McDaniel is a shareholder in the Litigation, Environmental and Energy and Natural Resources groups of Babst Calland. He has extensive experience in environmental enforcement and complex commercial litigation, including significant first-chair trial experience. He focuses his practice on complex environmental matters primarily in the energy and natural resources and manufacturing sectors. Mr. McDaniel has successfully negotiated settlements with regulators and citizen groups resolving environmental compliance violations. He also represents clients in navigating bankruptcy cases.
Prior to joining Babst Calland, Mr. McDaniel worked in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Environmental Enforcement Section, where he led an enforcement action and negotiations that secured the largest ever civil penalty under the Clean Air Act, among other cases. In this role, he was awarded the Assistant Attorney General’s Award for Excellence – first for litigating and settling a cost recovery action under the Oil Pollution Act related to longest-running oil spill in U.S. history, then for securing CERCLA cost recovery and natural resource damages on behalf of the United States, and later for his record Clean Air Act settlement. He was also the recipient of the 2024 Arthur S. Flemming Award for legal achievement.
Prior to government service, Mr. McDaniel worked at the Environmental Law & Policy Center where he litigated complex energy and rate-making cases before the Public Utilities Commission and in state courts.
Background
Mr. McDaniel graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School and received his J.D. in 2011. He received a B.A. summa cum laude in 2008 from Eastern Kentucky University. After law school, he served as a law clerk to Judge Eugene E. Siler Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Memberships and Affiliations
Mr. McDaniel is admitted to practice in District of Columbia, Massachusetts and Ohio.
Awards and Recognition
United States Department of Justice, Assistant Attorney General’s Award for Excellence (2024, 2022, 2018)United States Department of Justice, Younger Federal Lawyer Award Nominee (2024)United States Department of Justice, Outstanding Performance Award (multiple years)United States Department of Justice, Special Achievement Awards (multiple years)United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Gold Medal for Exceptional Service (2021)United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Silver Medal for Superior Service (2023)United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, Bronze Medal (2017)Arthur S. Flemming Award in Legal Achievement (2024)
Nicholas's approach to environmental cases
Area of Emphasis Nick McDaniel is a shareholder in the Litigation, Environmental and Energy and Natural Resources groups of Babst Calland. He has extensive experience in environmental enforcement and complex commercial litigation, including significant first-chair trial experience. He focuses his practice on complex environmental matters primarily in the energy and natural resources and…
Clients Nicholas works with
Nicholas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental and litigation matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Nicholas studied and practices
Harvard Law School
J.D. · 2011
Eastern Kentucky University
B.A. · 2008
Jurisdictions
Nicholas's state bar admissions
Pennsylvania
2026 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
2012 · ACTIVE
Ohio
2012 · ACTIVE
Nicholas studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in Eastern Kentucky University.
Law school and academic background
Nicholas completed J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in Eastern Kentucky University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Nicholas runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Nicholas McDaniel's office in Washington
Nicholas's primary office is at 505 9th Street NW, Suite 602, Washington, DC, 20005. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Nicholas McDaniel
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Nicholas McDaniel — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Nicholas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Nicholas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Nicholas's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Nicholas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Nicholas
Nicholas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Nicholas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Nicholas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Nicholas McDaniel
How much does it cost to hire Nicholas for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Nicholas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Nicholas offer a free consultation?
Nicholas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Nicholas's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Nicholas's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple environmental matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Nicholas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Nicholas take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Nicholas is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Nicholas will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Nicholas?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Nicholas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Nicholas accepting new environmental clients right now?
Nicholas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Environmental attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Nicholas handles environmental matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
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