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Martin Polden OBE (23 June 1928 – 5 April 2023) was an English solicitor noted for his contributions to environmental law.
Biography
Born as Martin Alan Podeshva in Clapton, London, he attended the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe. At the school, he demonstrated political acumen and a flair for writing, contributing to his school magazine on topics like the Hyde Park Orators.
After studying law at London School of Economics, Polden trained with WP Davies & Son before founding Polden & Co. in 1958. The firm underwent several name changes, eventually becoming Rubinstein Callingham Polden & Gale.
Polden played a pivotal role in establishing the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) in 1992 and co-authored The Environment and the Law: A Practical Guide in 1994. His services to environmental law were recognized in 2006 when he was awarded the OBE.