Heather L. Stephens
Florence,AL
Summary
I am a trial lawyer with trial advocacy focus.,Completed Gerry Spence Method Trial School in 2026., Direct lead counsel strategy across 5 mass actions nationwide., Oversee legal department functions and guide internal legal work.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Legal Officer
Joey James Law Firm
01.2023 - Current
- Specialize in Environmental Law, complex litigation, and mass actions including toxic tort claims in cases involving hazardous materials exposure and environmental damage.
- Draft legal documents, provide legal advice on a range of matters, and conducted legal research to support cases.
- Manage comprehensive toxic tort complaints, ensuring adherence to legal standards and regulations and collaborate with scientists to identify causation links and strengthen the factual basis of the complaint.
- Law clerk for six months prior to being admitted to the State Bar.
Part-Time Semester in Practice Legal Extern
Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Department of Natural Resources
01.2022 - 01.2022
- Assisted with litigation preparation, ALJ/OSHA hearings on permitting issues, Solid Waste Trust Fund disputes, and other compliance matters.
- Updated Consent Order drafts; drafted the Language Access Policy for Limited English Proficiency individuals; and contributed to memos on legal standards related to Coal Combustion Regulations (CCR).
Full-Time Semester in Practice Legal Extern
Energy Alabama & Greater-Birmingham Alliance To Stop Air Pollution (GASP)
01.2021 - 01.2021
- Part of a dual externship program to help attorneys and energy analysts with renewable energy projects.
- Drafted motions to intervene and legal memos.
- Experience with Public Service Commission dockets, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, FERC, and Municipal Codes.
Law Clerk
NY State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
01.2021 - 01.2021
- Researched and wrote on a range of energy-related topics including whether a lease option agreement is an action under State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the Build-Ready program, the FERC Transmission NOPR, the difference between in-house lawyers providing legal advice vs. participation in business discussions, and multiple proposal evaluation meetings.
Student Clinician
Energy Law Clinic
06.2020 - 08.2020
- Conducted research for a Solar Project involving land trust-owned farmland:
- Reviewed policies and regulations in 5 states to assess suitability of potential solar projects.
- Researched Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to evaluate possible carbon reduction.
- Helped create a database to capture and share research.
- Collaborated with the Team for weekly meetings, policy and regulations research, and project updates.
Production Coordinator
Southern Mechanical, LLC
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Developed a high functioning receiving process; tracked credits on returns and warranties.
- Built strong relationships with HVAC suppliers and performed Quality Assurance before inspections.
Senior Executive / Merchandise Team Manager
MACY’S
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Managed inventory and analyzed merchandising reports for business results.
Senior Replenishment Team Leader
Target Corporation
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Responsible for logistics and operations including inventory, payroll, hiring, and customer service.
Specialist
Army National Guard
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Supported office operations; participated in field and combat weapons training; and received Army Achievement Medal; Commandant’s List; certificates for Administrative Specialist and HR Analyst.
Education
J.D. - Law
Vermont Law School
South Royalton, VT05.2022
Master of Environmental Law and Policy - undefined
Vermont Law School
South Royalton, VT12.2021
Bachelor of Business Administration - Corporate Management
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN05.2015
Skills
- Computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite, LexisNexis, Westlaw, Bloomberg, FERC database, AL PSC database, Alabama Department of Environmental Management database, and state and municipal code libraries
- Interests: Mountain biking, hiking, and running
Timeline
Chief Legal Officer
Joey James Law Firm
01.2023 - Current
Part-Time Semester in Practice Legal Extern
Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Department of Natural Resources
01.2022 - 01.2022
Full-Time Semester in Practice Legal Extern
Energy Alabama & Greater-Birmingham Alliance To Stop Air Pollution (GASP)
01.2021 - 01.2021
Law Clerk
NY State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
01.2021 - 01.2021
Student Clinician
Energy Law Clinic
06.2020 - 08.2020
Production Coordinator
Southern Mechanical, LLC
01.2017 - 01.2019
Senior Executive / Merchandise Team Manager
MACY’S
01.2014 - 01.2017
Senior Replenishment Team Leader
Target Corporation
01.2009 - 01.2014
Specialist
Army National Guard
01.2005 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Business Administration - Corporate Management
Lipscomb University
Master of Environmental Law and Policy - undefined
Vermont Law School
J.D. - Law
Vermont Law School