I am a fourth generation lawyer, a longtime Lowell resident and a self-professed student of business, law and politics. My father, Joseph P. Donahue Jr., my uncle, Richard K. Donahue, and my grandfather all had a profound influence on why I became a lawyer. They believed that the practice of law was a noble profession, but also a business to be operated with high standards of excellence. They viewed the work of a lawyer as community-based — assisting everyday people who lived and worked in the Merrimack Valley.

I absorbed those beliefs and carry on the tradition today. I practice in the same building where my grandfather practiced and in fact, use his desk. His office is across the hall and part of our firm’s law library now. Their presence is still palpable, and their influence is a constant motivating factor for me.

An experienced, business-minded litigator, my goal is to guide clients through their legal issues, helping them to take advantage of opportunities and avoid the courtroom. Like my dad, I don’t do it for the billable hour or for the glory. I do it the old-fashioned way, believing that the legal profession is about helping people and businesses through tough issues.

It is the most natural thing in the world for me to represent a client. I learned how to do it from the best – the generations of lawyers who preceded me and with a father who took every client call, even from home and often to my mother’s dismay!

I have four sons, and as the saying goes in my family, not only do you have to become a lawyer, you have to make one too! We’ll see.

Eno Martin Donahue & Roth, PLLC

Remaining compliant with ever-changing environmental regulations can be challenging. Whether you received notice of a building code violation or need advice on performing an environmental impact study for a proposed commercial development, we can help.

We represent businesses and real estate developers, as well as homeowner, townhouse and condominium associations, and others in a wide range of environmental law issues such as:

• Air pollution regulations for public and residential property
• Building restrictions near wetlands and flood planes
• CERCLA claims, environmental liability defense, regulatory compliance
• Environmental issues on development projects
• Hazardous waste disposal regulations
• Liability for toxic chemicals used in building materials
• Pollution regulation
• Regulatory compliance plans for the prevention of oil spills or hazardous waste contamination

Preventative measures and smart negotiation

Quality counsel on regulatory compliance helps clients avoid potential violations and litigation. We will proactively guide you on issues such as indoor air quality and hazardous materials disposal before problems arise or are too costly to fix. And, when needed, we will work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) to negotiate remedial measures on terms you or your business can live with.

Aggressive dispute resolution

However, when disputes are unavoidable, we will take immediate action on your behalf. If you have received notice of a violation, we are experienced trial lawyers prepared to defend your rights through negotiation with regulatory agencies or in litigation before administrative tribunals or local, state and federal courts.