Julia Croome, Ecojustice Director of Litigation Practice, named one of Canada’s Clean50 in 2025 cohort
We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Julia Croome has made the prestigious Clean50 list. Organized annually by Delta Management Group and the Clean50 organization, the awards celebrate 50 individuals or small teams, from 16 different categories, who have made outstanding contributions to the clean economy in Canada over the past two years.
After careful screening and research, Julia was handpicked from a pool of more than 1,000 nominees. “This win is only possible because of our team’s incredible work and support,” says Julia, whose work on the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act is among her many achievements being recognized.
As the director of litigation practice here at Ecojustice, Julia manages a team of 34 lawyers working across the country to take governments and polluters to court.
What does this award mean to you?
“I left private practice in 2016 to use my legal skills to help protect our planet. To that end, I’m always asking myself how I, and Ecojustice, can do more. This award means I can amplify Ecojustice’s work which, in turn, can help us strength our litigation and law reform work.
“The climate crisis requires all hands on deck, and I’m fully committed to giving it my all. The work itself is incredibly rewarding, especially when we can be part of other people’s stories. Take these seven young climate leaders fighting the Ontario government, for instance. The case [Mathur et. al. v. His Majesty in Right of Ontario] has gone on for almost five years now and I’m still in awe at our clients’ tenacity. Being nationally recognized for this work gives us a bigger platform to get their story out.
“And while I’m so grateful to have such an active role to play in fighting the climate crisis, sometimes our hope for a better and safer future for the planet, for the next generations, can seem faint. Recognition like this gives us a boost, that we can take right to court.”
Can you share a bit about your work?
“As an Ecojustice lawyer I’ve worked on all sides of the triple planetary crisis: climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. I’ve litigated inadequate mercury monitoring and pesticide regulation and pushed for the protection of caribou habitat. I was also the lead author on ‘A New Canadian Climate Accountability Act,’ a report which was heavily used by government and opposition to inform the eventual federal legislation.
“Today, I regularly speak to law students about alternative careers in public interest, doing my best to inspire the brightest minds to choose our important environmental work when they decide on their careers.”
Any final words of wisdom?
“I’m so honoured to be named among Canada’s Clean50 for the work I do at Ecojustice with my incredible colleagues. What a rare privilege it is to fight for a climate-safe future on behalf of communities across Canada, and to represent so many talented people doing great – and important – work. It is the honour of my life to work alongside these exceptional individuals to take on groundbreaking climate cases and hold our governments and decision-makers accountable in the courtroom.
“This award is for you too. For your unwavering support. Your willingness to write an MP, or donate when you can, or show up at a climate rally. It all helps.
“Thank you for making our work possible!”
