About J. Porter
J. Porter DeVries studied political economy before turning to law. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Political Economy from Pennsylvania State University and later completed a Juris Doctor at Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. At Pace he also pursued specialized study in international and environmental law, earning certifications in both areas.
DeVries began working in legal settings while still in law school. He served as a legal advisor at the United Nations in 2010, an early role that exposed him to cross-border legal issues and treaty texts. The following year he took a position as a law clerk at Cowan Liebowitz & Latman, where he handled research and drafting for intellectual property and commercial matters. Those assignments provided a mix of policy and practice that informed his next steps.
After law school he joined Segal Gebski PLLC as an associate in 2012. He spent that year building litigation and transactional experience in New York practice settings. In 2013 he founded DeVries & Associates, P.C., taking on the dual responsibilities of managing lawyer and chief executive. Since then he has overseen the firm’s operations while continuing to practice, balancing casework with firm leadership.
Academic credentials and early roles shaped the types of matters he pursues. The certifications he holds from Elisabeth Haub School of Law in international and environmental law signal training beyond the standard curriculum. DeVries is licensed to practice in both Hawaii and New York, a combination that reflects work spanning mainland and Pacific legal contexts. His background touches on regulatory issues, environmental policy, and matters that cross jurisdictions.
In practice he blends transactional work, regulatory counsel, and dispute resolution. He has represented private clients and advised on matters that intersect environmental regulation and international legal questions. His firm handles cases and client matters in both Hawaii and New York, and he remains involved in the daily practice as well as firm management. He currently handles environmental and international law matters across his jurisdictions and in related practice areas.
