Martin Polden

Born as Martin Alan Podeshva in Clapton, London, he attended the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe.^[1] At the school, he demonstrated political acumen and a flair for writing, contributing to his school magazine on topics like the Hyde Park Orators.^[1]

After studying law at London School of Economics, Polden trained with WP Davies & Son before founding Polden & Co. in 1958.^[1] The firm underwent several name changes, eventually becoming Rubinstein Callingham Polden & Gale.^[1]

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.^[1] His services to environmental law were recognized in 2006 when he was awarded the OBE.^[1]