Jesse Richardson

Professor Jesse Richardson is a distinguished faculty member at West Virginia University College of Law where he serves as Professor of Law and Lead Land Use Attorney. His expertise spans water law, land use law, and agricultural law, with particular focus on karst resources and floodplain management. Richardson teaches courses in Land Use, Water Law, and Land Use and Sustainable Development Clinic, bringing practical experience from his previous private practice in Virginia.

Richardson's educational background includes a J.D. from the University of Virginia (1992), M.S. in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Virginia Tech (1996), and B.S. in Agricultural Economics from Virginia Tech (1984). His academic journey previously included a position as Associate Professor in Urban Affairs and Planning at Virginia Tech.

Professor Richardson's research focuses on the intersection of property rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development. His work examines how legal frameworks can balance agricultural needs with environmental protection, particularly in sensitive karst regions. He has made significant contributions to understanding water rights, floodplain management, and the legal challenges of heirs' property. His scholarship often addresses the practical implementation of environmental regulations at local and state levels, with particular attention to Appalachian communities.

Analysis of Richardson's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on water law evolution, particularly regarding the Clean Water Act and Waters of the United States definitions. His work increasingly addresses climate change adaptation through land use planning and examines how traditional property law concepts must evolve to address modern environmental challenges. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects legal scholarship with practical resource management concerns.

• Professional Scholarship Award from American Agricultural Law Association (1999)
• William E. Wine Award for teaching excellence from Virginia Tech (2004)
• University Certificate of Excellence in Outreach (2009)
• AALA Excellence in Agricultural Law for Academia Award (2018)

As Lead Land Use Attorney, Richardson directs the Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic, providing students with hands-on experience in land use planning and environmental law. His outreach extends to service on the Boards of Directors of the American Agricultural Law Association, the Universities Council on Water Resources, and the National Cave and Karst Research Institute. He has previously served on the Virginia Farmland Protection Task Force and the Virginia Water Policy Technical Advisory Committee, demonstrating strong connections between academic work and practical policy development. Richardson has worked directly with communities in West Virginia and Virginia on land use planning issues, particularly those involving karst and water resources.

Professor Richardson maintains active engagement with professional communities through frequent podcast appearances on the 'Ag Law in the Field' series, where he has participated in multiple episodes discussing regulatory takings, conservation easements, exempt wells, and Supreme Court water cases. His work bridges academic scholarship with practical legal application in rural and agricultural contexts.