Our Firm

Successfully negotiated the first Consent Order under Section 113 of the Clean Air Act in EPA history

Successfully represented the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) in in connection with appeal of Public Service Commission ruling involving $6.4 Billion for two new nuclear reactors

$406,000 Sanction Award for destruction of Electronically Stored Information Highest sanction of its kind in Georgia history

$5.2 Million Judgment in Storm water & Property Rights case – Record Judgment in Georgia

Michael P. Carvalho: Advocate for Global Environmental Stewardship

Michael P. Carvalho is a distinguished environmental attorney renowned for his significant contributions to global environmental advocacy and policy. His career reflects a profound commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges through a blend of legal expertise and international engagement.

In 2019, Michael was honored with a nomination as a delegate to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-4) in Nairobi, Kenya. UNEA is the highest decision-making body on environmental matters, providing a crucial platform for ministers and high-level officials to tackle pressing global environmental issues and shape international policies.

During UNEA-4, Michael represented North America and played a key role in discussions that focused on environmental sustainability and policy development. His involvement underscored his expertise in environmental law and his dedication to fostering international cooperation on issues such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The UNEA-4 session was complemented by significant preparatory and concurrent meetings, including:

• The Open-Ended Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR): This session was vital for finalizing resolutions and decisions for UNEA-4, involving delegates, UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
• The Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum: This Forum provided a platform for civil society organizations to engage in discussions on innovative solutions for environmental challenges and sustainable production and consumption, featuring dialogues with UN Environment Programme’s Senior Management.
• The UN Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment: Held shortly after UNEA-4, this Forum focused on aligning with the Assembly’s theme of innovative solutions. It promoted collaboration among science, policy, business, and society to drive green technology markets and sustainable development.

Michael Carvalho’s participation in these pivotal events highlights his leadership in global environmental policy and his commitment to advancing innovative solutions. His extensive experience and global perspective continue to enrich his work at Carvalho & Associates, P.C., where he provides expert guidance and strategic solutions for navigating complex environmental challenges.

Michael Carvalho of Carvalho & Associates, P.C. released a Science Policy Update regarding the Cayman Islands Government’s response to Stony Coral Tissue Loss, highlighting our ongoing commitment to addressing critical environmental issues.

Meet Attorney Holly Cole

Holly Cole brings a wealth of legal expertise to Carvalho & Associates, P.C., with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. She has extensive experience in complex commercial disputes, constitutional law, federal election law and voting rights, administrative law, ERISA, intellectual property, employment, trade secrets, insurance coverage disputes, and class actions.

Holly began her practice in 2002 as a trial attorney, focusing on citizen enforcement actions under the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). She has represented individuals, neighborhood associations, non-profit organizations, and small businesses in a wide range of matters, including compliance, regulatory enforcement, and property damage claims. During her time as an environmental litigator, Holly argued appeals before the Georgia Court of Appeals, the Georgia Supreme Court, and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

From 2011 to 2021, Holly served as the career law clerk to the Honorable Amy Totenberg in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, where she honed her skills in federal litigation and deepened her knowledge of judicial processes.

Education & Credentials

• J.D., University of Georgia School of Law
• B.A., Mercer University (Magna Cum Laude, Omicron Delta Kappa, Penfield Scholar)

Bar and Court Admissions

• Georgia
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Holly’s breadth of experience and commitment to her clients make her an invaluable asset to the firm, providing exceptional legal guidance across a diverse range of legal issues.