September 1, 2005, Austin, Texas. Austin law firm Smith|Robertson, LLP has announced the addition of Melinda Taylor in the firm's Environment and Land Use practice group. Ms. Taylor will be the 14th lawyer at the growing firm, which recently relocated to the Chase Tower (formerly Bank One) building downtown. Smith|Robertson practices in the areas of environmental law, real estate and business, and litigation and is well recognized as a leader in resolving complex natural resource conflicts, particularly under the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act.

Ms. Taylor left her long-held position at Environmental Defense to join Smith|Robertson, which represents development and industrial interests and state and local governmental entities. At Environmental Defense, Taylor served as senior attorney and program director and oversaw a staff group of approximately 40 across several states. She helped Environmental Defense pioneer innovative programs such as "safe harbor" agreements under the Endangered Species Act and large-scale habitat restoration initiatives on private lands that emphasize incentives. "My years at Environmental Defense were incredibly rewarding, but I am very excited to join Smith|Robertson," Ms. Taylor said. "Smith|Robertson’s environmental practice is creative and cutting edge. By joining the firm, I have an opportunity to apply my skills and expertise to help resolve a wide variety of environmental issues.

Practice group head Alan Glen remarked, "we are simply thrilled to have Melinda on our team. Her experience and judgment will be invaluable to our clients, as we pride ourselves on finding new and innovative solutions to environmental and land use conflicts." Mr. Glen also noted that Taylor will be able to give firm clients unique insights into the concerns of environmental organizations and advocates and how best to effectively address those concerns while still accomplishing the clients' objectives.

While often recognized for its representation of development interests, Smith|Robertson’s environmental group has over the past several years increasingly represented state and local governments, such as Williamson and Hays Counties, the LCRA, City Public Service, and the City of Fort Worth. The firm is currently working on regional habitat conservation plans for both Williamson and Hays counties and recently completed work with the LCRA and three other utilities on a joint habitat plan in Bastrop County. "This is a major focus of our practice and provides many opportunities for innovation," Glen said. "Melinda will fit well with our team on these matters.

Taylor becomes the fifth attorney in the Smith|Robertson Environment and Land Use group. Others include of counsel attorney JB Ruhl, Craig Douglas, and David Hartman. Mr. Glen indicated that the group will likely add one or two more attorneys during 2006. For more information, please contact Alan Glen at 512-225-5801 or aglen@smith-robertson.com. A photograph of Ms. Taylor may be downloaded at www.smith-robertson.com.