Associate, Baker Botts
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Teresa Jones is an environmental attorney whose career spans government, private practice, and community advocacy. She currently practices at Baker Botts LLP, where she advises corporate clients on environmental compliance, regulatory enforcement, incident response, and high-stakes transactions. Her work often involves complex legal issues at the intersection of federal and state environmental laws, and she has played a key role in internal investigations and strategic regulatory counsel.
Teresa’s legal journey is marked by her deep commitment to public service and policy. Before entering private practice, she honed her expertise through roles at the White House, the U.S. Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Agency ("EPA"), where she worked on critical environmental justice initiatives and regulatory matters. Her time in government gave her a broad perspective on law making, enforcement, and the ways in which policy decisions shape communities.
Beyond her legal practice, Teresa is an advocate for environmental and economic justice. She has founded Black Women in Environmental Law ("BWEL"), the first organization dedicated to supporting Black women attorneys in environmental and energy law. She also spearheaded a groundbreaking pro bono driver's license restoration clinic in Louisiana, assisting 150 individuals in reclaiming their mobility and legal standing—an initiative that contributed to her firm earning the 2024 Koch Pro Bono Partner of the Year award. Her leadership extends into community service, including her appointment to the Emergency Recovery Commission in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where she led recovery efforts after a devastating tornado. She also founded Girls Achieving, Leading, and Succeeding, a mentoring program for young women in Mississippi, underscoring her commitment to uplifting the next generation.
Recognized for her legal acumen and leadership, Teresa has received numerous accolades, including earning the Kim Keenan Advocacy and Leadership Award from the Washington Bar Association. She is frequently invited to speak on environmental and energy law, voter engagement, and leadership development.
A “double rebel,” Teresa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English from the University of Mississippi, reflecting her lifelong passion for law and governments. She also received her law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law.
Through every stage of her career, Teresa has been a bridge between legal expertise, government service, and grassroots advocacy, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to justice, community empowerment, and the future of environmental law.