Environmental Defenders Office of Northern Queensland

Meet Our Staff

EDO-NQ's current staff are:

Pat Pearlman - Principal Solicitor
Patrick Vuleta - Second Solicitor
Angela Strain - Office Coordinator

Staff profile

Patrick Pearlman - Principal Solicitor

Patrick comes to EDO-NQ with a wealth of experience in public advocacy and environmental law experience. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Political Science and a Juris Doctor degree of Law, in March 2008 he was admitted as a legal practitioner in Australia.

From 2003 to 2010 Patrick focussed on telecommunitcations regulation and policy as a Deputy Consumer Advocate for the Consumer Advocate Division of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, USA. Before becoming a public advocate in telecommunications matters, Patrick’s practice focused on environmental law – which had always been a primary interest. Patrick practiced law for 5 years as an associate in a large law firm’s environmental law section, dealing with such issues as air and water pollution, hazardous and solid waste management, groundwater protection, mineral mining, land use and development. Whilst in law school, Patrick worked for two years with the Environmental Protection Division of the Attorney General of Texas, USA.

Among his outside activities, Patrick has been an active volunteer in many community organisations, a member of numerous environmental and civil rights groups, and an adjunct professor at a local university.

Until emigrating to Cairns, Patrick with his wife and daughters lived in Charleston, West Virginia, USA. Patrick and his wife first visited Australia in December 1999 – January 2000 and have been working on moving to Australia since 2003. He has been back to Australia several times in 2007, 2008 and again in 2009. Patrick is thrilled to be living in Australia again – permanently – and is looking forward to pursuing his interests in public advocacy, public policy, community outreach and environmental law with the EDO-NQ.

Angela Strain - Office Coordinator

Angela comes to EDO-NQ with a broad background in management accounting, bookkeeping, administration and marketing. She gained experience in management accounting, financial management and human resources with a national communications company. Since taking a career break and completing a Bachelor of Business in 1999, Angela has worked in the small business sector with a Labour Hire Firm, Human Resources and Training Consultant and spent some time in Local Government.

She has always been actively involved in the community working with such groups as Trees for Life, Local Council Environmental Advisory Committee, School and Sporting Groups. From a family passionate about the environment and natural landscape she is enjoying the opportunity to support and contribute to the protection and preservation of the beautiful environment of Northern Queensland.

Thanks

Many thanks also to the number of dedicated staff who have served EDO-NQ over the years, members who have served on the Management Committee and volunteers who have generously given their time, skill and energy. It is only through the dedication and hard work of our staff, Management Committee and volunteers that we are able to continue our work.