Mike Oropallo, co-chair of Barclay Damon’s Outdoor & Wildlife Team, will represent the Dallas Safari Club at the 20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The meeting, known as CITES CoP20, will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, November 24 through December 5, 2025.
Oropallo was recently elected an assistant vice president of the Dallas Safari Club, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife through public engagement, education, and advocacy for well-regulated hunting and sustainable use. Oropallo is representing the organization at CoP20 in his role as assistant vice president.
Oropallo said, “I am honored to attend this prestigious international gathering of likeminded wildlife professionals and conservationists. Through Barclay Damon’s deep experience advising clients on the complex legal and regulatory frameworks that govern wildlife trade and conservation, I’ve seen firsthand how sound legal guidance can advance responsible stewardship and sustainable use. My Outdoor & Wildlife Team clients are deeply committed to protecting wildlife through science-based management, and I’m proud to bring that perspective to CITES CoP20 on behalf of the Dallas Safari Club.”
Rick Capozza, co-chair of Barclay Damon’s Outdoor & Wildlife Team, added, “Mike’s leadership at CITES CoP20 underscores our team’s dedication to wildlife conservation and sustainable use through collaboration and informed advocacy. His work exemplifies the vital role legal professionals can play in ensuring that wildlife resources are managed sustainably and that conservation policies are grounded in both science and practical experience. We’re proud to see Barclay Damon represented on the global stage in support of these goals.”
Oropallo is a recognized wildlife law attorney, representing clients on ultra-niche issues such as the transfer, importation, and permitting of wildlife. He regularly represents museums in the acquisition of natural history specimens and counsels clients on the labyrinth of wildlife laws and prohibitions. In addition to the CITES, they include the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the Lacey Act. Oropallo is also co-chair of Barclay Damon’s Trademarks, Copyrights & Licensing Practice Area.
For more on CITES CoP20, go to Twentieth meeting of the Conference of the Parties | CITES.
For more on the Dallas Safari Club, go to Home - Dallas Safari Club.
With approximately 300 attorneys, Barclay Damon is a leading regional law firm that operates from a strategic platform of offices in Albany, Boston, Buffalo, New Haven, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, Washington DC, and Toronto. Our firm serves clients across the country and, for some practices, provides US legal services around the globe. For more information, visit our award-winning website at Homepage | Barclay Damon.