Name: John Minter

Position: Legal Liaison, Environmental Affairs Department, Dell Computer Corporation

Education: J.D., Creighton University School of Law

1. How does your present work involve issues of international environmental law?
   
   My department is responsible for ensuring that Dell's computer products are designed and manufactured to meet all applicable environmental laws and requirements of the countries in which Dell sells its products. Currently Dell does business in over 170 countries. My job entails interpreting the legal requirements our products must meet, such as material bans, treaties, and European Union Directives and communicating these to our product developers. I also work with our international offices in ensuring compliance to product and packaging labeling, recycling and takeback requirements. I also work with our Government Relations staff in Washington, D.C. and Europe to understand upcoming legal requirements that may affect our product development or its distribution. Although not a legal requirement but a marketing requirement, I also advise our manufacturing locations in the US, Europe, Asia and Brazil on legal compliance issues relating to their certification to the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems.
   
   
2. Which aspects of international environmental law practice do you find the most interesting, and which do you consider the most difficult?
   
   The various philosophies from cultures and countries on environmental protection and compliance are both interesting and difficult to address. Currently, I am working with counterparts in Europe on EU legislation that is based on a "precautionary" principle rather than a scientific basis principle that is used in the U.S. The differing approaches are becoming more apparent as the U.S. and Europe work more closely to craft bilateral and multilateral agreements on environmental protection. The legal and legislative processes of other regions and countries can be especially difficult to understand.
   
   
3. What training and/or previous experience do you consider to have been helpful to your ability to effectively analyze and solve problems in this field?
   
   Any training or experience in a legislative environment is beneficial. I worked as a legislative aide on Capital Hill for seven years. That experience was very helpful in learning how to bring people with opposing positions together to reach a consensus on controversial issues. In addition, travel to or living in other countries is invaluable to learning about cultural differences. Too many times, U.S. lawyers are myopic in their relationship with foreign counterparts. Cultural ignorance is a primary reason many international dealings fail.
   
   
4. Within the field, what issues or areas do you expect to pose the most significant challenges for policymakers, industry, and NGOs in the year 2000 and beyond?
   
   Sustainable Development - how can this concept be put into a legal framework? An immediate challenge is to decide on a definition of "sustainable development" that the world can agree upon.
   
   
5. What words of encouragement or counsel would you offer to students of environmental law or to young environmental law practitioners interested in working in the area of international environmental law?
   
   If you can, travel and/or work abroad. Learn a language if you have not already. In an increasingly global economy, this is essential.