Varun Shekhar, Environmental Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
focused on Environmental and General
ShareholderatBabst Calland
Washington, DC
Trusted environmental attorney serving Washington.
Practices in
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Quick answer
Varun Shekhar is a shareholder based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Environmental and General. Currently practicing at Babst Calland.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Environmental · General
- Handles Environmental and General matters from Washington, DC.
About Varun Shekhar: Varun Shekhar is a shareholder based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Environmental and General. Currently practicing at Babst Calland.
Areas of practice
Varun's practice areas in Washington
Varun concentrates on environmental and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Varun handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Varun 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 Varun agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Varun takes general 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 Varun agrees to represent you.
Biography
Varun Shekhar, environmental attorney serving Washington
Varun Shekhar is a shareholder based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Environmental and General. Currently practicing at Babst Calland. Varun works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on environmental matters across the region.
Area of EmphasisVarun Shekhar is a shareholder in Babst Calland’s Environmental and Pipeline and HazMat Safety groups. Mr. Shekhar’s Environmental practice emphasizes federal, state and local regulatory matters arising under the Clean Air Act (CAA). He counsels facilities across the country regarding permitting, compliance determination and assurance, CAA Section 114 information requests, enforcement actions by federal and state agencies, environmental audits, and emerging air quality issues including climate change and regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, to help clients develop compliance solutions that are practically, technically, and legally sound.
Mr. Shekhar’s Pipeline and HazMat Safety practice emphasizes advising clients within a variety of industries regarding the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration’s (PHMSA’s) regulations under the Pipeline Safety Act and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.
Background
Mr. Shekhar received his Juris Doctor cum laude from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013, also attending the University of Michigan Law School during his course of study. During law school, he served as a summer law clerk to Justice Ann Walsh Bradley of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and as a research assistant to Professor Linda S. Greene of the University of Wisconsin Law School. Mr. Shekhar also worked with the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center in conjunction with the Wayne State University Transnational Environmental Law Clinic.
Mr. Shekhar earned his M.S. in Biomedical Engineering in 2013 from Wayne State University, where he also previously received his Bachelor’s degree in 2007.
Memberships and Affiliations
Mr. Shekhar is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania, as well as before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy and Resources, the Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Bar associations, and the Air and Waste Management Association.
Mr. Shekhar received a 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America recognition for Environmental Law.
How Varun handles environmental matters
Area of Emphasis Varun Shekhar is a shareholder in Babst Calland’s Environmental and Pipeline and HazMat Safety groups. Mr. Shekhar’s Environmental practice emphasizes federal, state and local regulatory matters arising under the Clean Air Act (CAA). He counsels facilities across the country regarding permitting, compliance determination and assurance, CAA Section 114 information requests,…
The kind of cases Varun takes
Varun reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental and general matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Varun studied and practices
University of Wisconsin-Madison
J.D. · 2013
Wayne State University
B.A. Wayne · 2007
Varun studied at J.D. in University of Wisconsin-Madison and B.A. Wayne in Wayne State University.
Law school and academic background
Varun completed J.D. in University of Wisconsin-Madison and B.A. Wayne in Wayne State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Varun runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Varun's professional memberships and bar associations
American (Section of Environment, Energy and Resources), Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Bar associations Air and Waste Management Association
membership
Locations
Varun Shekhar's office in Washington
Varun'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 Varun Shekhar
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Varun Shekhar — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Varun usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Varun charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Varun'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; Varun 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 Varun
Varun 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. Varun confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Varun'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 Varun Shekhar
How much does it cost to hire Varun for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Varun walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Varun offer a free consultation?
Varun charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Varun's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Varun'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. Varun gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Varun take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Varun 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 — Varun 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 Varun?
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. Varun will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Varun accepting new environmental clients right now?
Varun'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
Varun 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.
More counsel
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If Varun's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
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