About Ronald Jay
Ronald J. Tenpas is a partner in the Environmental & Natural Resources practice at Vinson & Elkins LLP, located in Washington, D.C. He joined the firm in 2018, bringing with him a experience from his 12-year tenure with the U.S. Department of Justice. From 2007 to 2009, Tenpas served as the Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division, where he managed a division comprising 700 personnel, including 400 attorneys. This role involved overseeing civil and criminal litigation under more than 150 environmental and natural resources laws, making him a key figure in federal environmental enforcement.
At Vinson & Elkins, Tenpas represents clients in various civil and criminal investigations related to alleged environmental violations, as well as issues concerning imports and other regulatory matters. His extensive background in government enforcement has proven invaluable, particularly in environmental litigation—an area fraught with complexity. Tenpas also advises companies and trade associations on proposed regulations, ensuring they handle the details of compliance effectively. His litigation experience includes challenging new regulatory provisions — This gives a robust defense against potential legal pitfalls. Before his appointment as Assistant Attorney General, Tenpas held several significant positions within the Department of Justice. He served as the Associate Deputy Attorney General from 2005 to 2007, and prior to that, he was the U.S.
Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois from 2003 to 2005. His career in federal prosecution began as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Maryland from 1999 to 2003 and in the Middle District of Florida from 1997 to 1999. In these roles, Tenpas focused on investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes, including healthcare fraud and public corruption, gaining a reputation for his meticulous approach to complex cases. Tenpas earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1990, where he distinguished himself as the editor-in-chief of the Virginia Law Review. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Michigan State University in 1985.
He was also a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, Balliol College, graduating in 1987. These academic achievements laid a strong foundation for his legal career, equipping him with critical thinking and analytical skills essential for success in the legal field. Recognized as a leader in environmental law, Tenpas has received accolades from Lawdragon and has been included in The Best Lawyers in America. He is admitted to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, the American Association of Rhodes Scholars, the District of Columbia Bar, and the Maryland State Bar. His commitment to the legal profession and his extensive background in environmental law make him a valuable asset to both his firm and his clients.
