From 2014 to 2016, Nick worked with the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center as an Equal Justice Works fellow. His fellowship project focused on providing transactional legal services to individuals, nonprofit corporations, and for-profit businesses engaged in urban agriculture in Detroit. After transitioning to his role as staff attorney at the conclusion of his fellowship, Nick worked on environmental justice issues in Detroit, with a specific focus on Clean Air Act permitting, hazardous and solid waste management, and local environmental policy. He became the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center’s Executive Director in 2018. In this role, he supervises the Center’s attorneys and coordinates the organization’s legal strategies.

Nick spends his free time watching Tigers baseball, backpacking in mountains, and cooking. 

J.D. University of Michigan Law School
B.A. English at Kalamazoo College

Licensed to practice in Michigan, U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan, U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan

Email: nicholas.leonard@glelc.org
Phone: 313-782-3372 ext 1

Andrew joined GLELC in April of 2020, returning to his home state of Michigan after nearly a decade of practicing law and teaching in Illinois and New York. Andrew’s passion lies in the advancement of racial, environmental, and economic justice, as well as the welfare and rights of the animals and ecosystems with which we share this planet. 

Upon graduating from law school, he founded a practice in Chicago, through which he provided aggressive defense for the accused as well as know-your-rights outreach to communities of color and activists. Most recently, Andrew served as a course instructor for conservation and One Health courses at Cornell University under the tutelage of rhino conservationist, Robin Radcliffe. 

Andrew is a trained raptor handler. He has donated hundreds of hours to wildlife hospitals and rehabilitators. One of his greatest joys is gardening.

J.D. with Certificate in Public Interest Law, Loyola University Chicago
B.A. International Relations, Oakland University
A.S. Biology, Harry S. Truman College

Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois, State of Michigan, U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan, U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois, and 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Email: andrew.bashi@glelc.org
Phone Number: 313-782-3372 ext 2

Norrel was awarded a 2-year Equal Justice Works fellowship in 2022. Her fellowship, which is sponsored by American Tire Distributors, focuses on providing direct legal representation and policy advocacy in Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes region to ensure low-income residents have access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water.

Born in Flint and raised in Detroit - these experiences have shaped Norrel’s commitment and connectedness to her community. After graduating from law school, Norrel work as a legal fellow at the grassroots nonprofit organization We the People of Detroit - focusing on water affordability in Detroit and community engagement.

Norrel is a community advocate and foodie. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, baking, listening to music, writing poetry, and spending time with her multi-talented teenage daughter.

J.D. Cooley Law School
B.S. Food Industry Management, Michigan State University

Licensed to practice in Michigan

Email: norrel.hemphill@glelc.org
Phone: 313-782-3372 ext 4