Jessica Krauss

Attorney at Law
610.613.0622

Jessica Krauss is an associate attorney in the firm’s Section 106 and NEPA Consultation, ESG, and Advocacy practice areas. She has experience advising clients on preservation and governance issues, drafting comments on federal agencies’ proposed changes to preservation and environmental regulations, and assisting in the development of best practices for consultation and free, prior, and informed consent. 

Section 106 Consultation

Jessica helps clients navigate the National Historic Preservation Act’s Section 106 consultation process at all stages of federal projects. She works with and on behalf of tribes, project proponents, local governments, and other consulting parties to achieve creative, win-win outcomes that appropriately balance preservation values and development needs.

Environmental, Social, and Governance

In support of the ESG practice, Jessica helps clients develop internal policies to ensure compliance with the Equator Principles, the IFC Standards, and other investor requirements. For American Indian tribes, she advises on developing their own consultation and engagement protocols to promote free, prior, and informed consideration of project impacts.

Advocacy

Jessica advocates on behalf clients to the U.S. Congress, the White House, and executive branch agencies to protect and promote historic preservation initiatives, including the protection of the review processes under the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Protection Act. She assists clients in promoting our nation’s commitment to historic preservation through regulatory comments and direct conversations with lawmakers. 

About Jessica

Jessica earned her Juris Doctor with honors from William & Mary Law School. She is licensed to practice in Virginia. Jessica has worked as a Law Clerk for Cultural Heritage Partners and as an intern for the Smithsonian Institute’s Office of General Counsel. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and peace studies. 

In her spare time, you can find Jessica exploring her local restaurants, watching old movies, or cheering on Notre Dame football. 

REPRESENTATIVE ENGAGEMENTS

  • For a federally-recognized American Indian tribe, secure rights to meaningful consultation with a federal agency and oppose plans by a municipal board to construct water pumping facilities on the historic capital city of the tribe–to prevent disturbing ancestral burials and cultural resources.
  • For a real estate developer, advise on strategies for compliance with historic preservation regulations to ensure success of historic rehabilitation tax project.
  • For an American Indian tribe, recommend strategies for ensuring the tribe is consulted in federal permitting decisions that affect their cultural resources, environment, and members.
  • For a private collector and artist, advise on compliance with foreign and international law and strategy for the commercialization of a collection. 
  • For banks and lenders of large infrastructure projects, advise on consultation and cooperation with indigenous groups to protect investment from related social risk.
  • For a national association of heritage professionals, cultural resource management (CRM) professionals, and small business owners, represent their interests to Congress and federal agencies to ensure the continued growth and success of CRM firms.