Laurie Ristino

Laurie Ristino is Meridian’s General Counsel based in Hanover, New Hampshire. In addition to advising Meridian on legal matters, Laurie contributes to several projects, including managing the Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative and contributing to the AGree E2 Coalition. Her subject matter expertise is at the nexus of the environment and food systems, with a focus on improving socioeconomic and ecological outcomes.

Previously, Laurie served as senior counsel at the USDA, advising the Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Subsequently, she was appointed as a law professor and director of a sustainable food systems center at Vermont Law School. Most recently, Laurie advised leading NGOs on climate and agriculture through her consultancy, Strategies for a Sustainable Future. She has also taught environmental policy and sustainable food systems at Johns Hopkins University. A recognized expert in her field, she has been quoted in leading media outlets such as Inside Climate News, Christian Science Monitor, and Yale360 and has authored academic articles, book chapters, and a book on conservation easements.