Lee DeHihns has provided expert pro bono counsel to ISLP clients in Africa and Southeast Asia since 2014. An environmental lawyer with experience both at the Environmental Protection Agency and as a partner with Alston & Bird’s Environment and Land Development Group, Lee is currently supporting the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) in its advocacy efforts regarding large-scale foreign investors in the natural resources sector. Lee’s support focuses on the issues of protection of land rights and the environment, which are often not aligned with efforts to bring in foreign investment and create local jobs: “Inevitably, the clash between the economy/jobs competes with land rights and the protection of the physical environment,” Lee explains. “While there are often some legal structures in place to protect the environment, they are neither complete nor is the enforcement meaningful. The foreign investors are usually better protected and treated than the Indigenous population.” The challenge of balancing these interests while supporting Indigenous rights, and the opportunity to learn about another country’s culture, customs, and political and legal systems are all part of the draw to the ISLP volunteer experience for Lee. To sign up to volunteer for ISLP, please visit this page.
