Justin Savage: Purpose, Persistence, and Practicing Environmental Law at the Highest Level

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From skateboarding teen to leading one of the top environmental law practices in the country — meet Justin Savage, partner at Sidley Austin.

Justin shares his journey from the DOJ, where he helped try what was then the largest environmental settlement in U.S. history, to his current role advising major companies on high-stakes regulatory and litigation matters.

But his story goes way beyond the courtroom. A high school teacher inspired him to pursue college, a debate team flyer led him to his future wife, and together they navigated law school while raising a newborn — sometimes literally bringing the baby to class.

It’s a story about grit, purpose, and building a meaningful career without losing sight of what matters most.