Arnold & Porter combines regulatory expertise with extensive courtroom experience and a global reach. It handles a broad range of environmental matters, from litigation and compliance to transactional issues, and is particularly known for addressing critical legal issues in the nuclear industry, including uranium conversion and radioactive emissions under the Price-Anderson Act, providing clients with practical solutions in a shifting regulatory landscape. Allison Rumsey , co-chair of the firm’s environmental group, is known for her deep knowledge of environmental laws like CERCLA, RCRA, and the Clean Air and Water Acts. Rumsey guides clients through intricate permitting processes for large-scale projects, including mining, infrastructure, and federal land redevelopment. Elissa Preheim, has stellar expertise with toxic torts and class actions. Michael Daneker   has played a pivotal role in landmark cases such as the BP Oil Spill, New Jersey chrome litigation, and major toxic tort lawsuits, leading numerous complex environmental litigations. The team also includes Lauren Daniel , an expert in natural resource damages litigation and cost recovery actions, and Zachary Fayne, who excels in vehicle emission issues.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP  is a powerhouse in high-stakes environmental litigation and enforcement, specializing in complex civil and criminal cases with significant corporate risks. It has achieved numerous victories for global corporations, excelling in trial strategies, dispositive motions, favorable settlements, and appellate decisions. It is also a frontrunner in climate change litigation, handling cases involving greenhouse gas emissions with an innovative approach. Alongside litigation, it offers environmental diligence, compliance, and regulatory advice, working seamlessly with other practices like White Collar and Energy Regulatory. Stacie B. Fletcher  is recognized as a top environmental lawyer, with significant successes in high-profile enforcement cases involving the U.S. EPA, state agencies, and major corporations. Daniel Nelson , a nationally recognized litigator, is known for his strong track record in complex environmental, mass tort, class action, and antitrust cases. Both work from the Washington, DC. office. Patrick W. Dennis , based in Los Angeles, is a highly regarded environmental attorney with expertise across industries like manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and oil and gas.

Latham & Watkins LLP’s environmental litigation practice is a leader in the US, with extensive experience in key legal and regulatory matters such as climate change, air and water quality, toxic torts, and energy law. It is recognized for its cutting-edge, diverse expertise, advising clients on significant issues at both federal and state levels. Its litigation team is known for handling high-profile environmental disputes for major corporations, including General Dynamics. Its strength is further enhanced by the addition of former senior US government official Janice M. Schneider , in Washington DC and Thomas Pearce, in New York, who offer invaluable insights into regulatory and legislative matters. Mary Rose Alexander , a prominent trial lawyer, represents Fortune 500 companies in complex litigation, including product liability, class actions, toxic torts, and environmental cases, with a proven track record in multi-state, multi-plaintiff cases. Robin M. Hulshizer specializes in toxic torts, greenwashing claims, and Superfund cost recovery. Alexander and Hulshizer both sit in the Chicago office. Also of note is Stacey VanBelleghem , in Washington DC, who has experience with the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Baker Botts L.L.P.  works across litigation and high-states advisory matters, 0ffering standout environmental regulatory expertise. The team’s comprehensive practice covers air, water, waste, and environmental statutes, providing crisis response, litigation defense, and expertise in climate change, remediation, and natural resource damage claims Scott Janoe, based in Houston, has stellar experience leading major climate tort cases and defending TPC after plant explosions in Texas, and advises clients in energy, mining, and manufacturing on environmental, health, safety, and regulatory issues, with a focus on oil and gas exploration. Martha Thomsen, based in Washington DC, is an emerging leader in environmental litigation and regulatory compliance, with a strong record in CERCLA cases and clean-up disputes.

Beveridge & Diamond, P.C., a specialist environmental law firm, handles significant U.S. environmental cases, with a distinguished team – including former DOJ, EPA, and state agency professionals. The firm has a strong record on critical issues like climate change, PFAS, and sustainability. Recent hires, including Louis Manzo – from the U.S Department of Justice, Taylor Ferrell – from the US Department of Defense, and Amber Ahmed – from the Texas Office of the Attorney General, enhance the firm’s national litigation strength. John Cruden, a former Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ’s Environmental Division, leads high-profile cases as co-chair of the litigation group. Maddie Boyer, a founder of the firm’s Austin office and Latin American group, brings deep experience advising multinational clients on environmental matters, specializing in air permitting and litigation for the chemical and petroleum sectors. Daniel Krainin  is a seasoned environmental litigator specializing in toxic tort and product liability cases. Also key are Parker Moore and Katrina Krebs, who advise on NEPA and Wetlands regulation – as well as many other areas.

Hogan Lovells US LLP has a successful record in navigating complex environmental litigation, representing high-profile clients like Nike, Patagonia, and Dollar Tree, providing expert guidance on regulatory and compliance issues. The team includes Jim T. Banks , a go-to lawyer for cases in the environmental field, and also includes prominent experts like Catherine Stetson, whose landmark victory in the Supreme Court against the EPA’s “Good Neighbor Plan” highlights the firm’s strength in environmental appellate law. Adam Kushner  offers considerable experience, including senior roles at the DOJ and EPA, to expertly manage high-stakes environmental cases. Scott Reisch  has stellar experience specializing in contamination cleanup, brownfield redevelopment, and regulatory compliance. Nadira Clarke, a distinguished environmental litigator, is renowned for defending corporations in high-profile investigations, with experience in corporate compliance and DOJ ethics.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP‘s administrative law team is active on environmental issues, from policy to litigation, both in the US and globally. The team guides clients through a range of challenges, including air, water, waste, chemicals, and climate change, offering expertise in environmental permitting, enforcement, and complex disputes. Deidre Duncan,  leads the environmental practice, specializing in water, natural resources, and regulatory compliance, including Clean Water Act permits, NEPA, ESA, and endangered species issues, with a focus on energy transition and carbon capture. Also leading the practice is Eric Murdock  – a veteran environmental attorney with great experience in compliance, transactions, and litigation. The pair sit in the Washington DC office. Samuel Brown, a former EPA attorney, based in San Francisco, co-leads the firm’s energy transition practice, advising clients on decarbonization, renewable energy, and ESG risks. Clare Ellis has assisted a diverse set of clients with navigating complex environmental laws and focuses on transportation and energy project planning.

King & Spalding LLP has an active environmental law practice, specializing in high-stakes enforcement cases. With a team of former EPA and state enforcement officials, alongside technical experts, it handles complex litigation involving toxic chemicals, climate change, and mobile source emissions. Known for its work on landmark Clean Air Act cases, including the Volkswagen emissions scandal, the firm also excels in managing industrial accidents, providing swift legal support in chemical spills, explosions, and safety protocols, with vastly experience environmental practitioner Granta Nakayama a key name. Ilana Saltzbart  co-heads the team, focusing on environmental health & safety issues, advising on enforcement, renewable fuels, and new regulations. Tracie Renfroe , head of the firm’s product liability team in Houston, is an expert in defending energy and industrial clients in environmental and toxic tort cases, with deep expertise in groundwater contamination, international arbitration, and climate change litigation.

 

Mayer Brown handles high-profile cases in areas like PFAS litigation, emerging environmental torts, and mass tort claims. Its expertise in handling high-stakes litigation is demonstrated by its clientele such as Veolia and the US Sugar Corporation. More recently, it has also represented Charter Communications obtaining a multi-billion dollar settlement in the Hawaii/Lahaina Fire litigation. Led by Mark Ter Molen , whose broad experience spans industries from energy to manufacturing, the team is trusted by major corporations for their most challenging legal matters. Rich Bulger  advises on complex environmental issues, government negotiations, and corporate and real estate transactions, while Tim Bishop, a seasoned appellate lawyer, has argued cases before the US Supreme Court and handled numerous appeals in federal and state courts. Together, the trio lead the practice from Chicago.

Sidley Austin LLP is a premier choice for clients seeking top-tier environmental legal services across litigation, regulatory, and transactional matters. Known for its strength in environmental enforcement and compliance, the firm handles complex cases and advises on critical issues like ESG, PFAS, and climate change. Recent successes include guiding Cummins Inc. to a $1.67bn Clean Air Act settlement, the largest civil penalty in its history. The firm also represents Vineyard Wind 1 in ongoing litigation. Global co-leader of the practice Justin Savage is recognized for his litigation and trial prowess. Byron Taylor is noted for leadership in environmental law and diversity, while Heather Palmer co-leads the firm's ESG and climate change practices, advising on environmental aspects in M&A, corporate securities, and global finance matters.

Alston & Bird LLP is skilled in handling complex federal and state cases, specializing in statutes like the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), RCRA, CERCLA, NEPA, and ESA. Its successes include defending Union Carbide in a major breach of contract case and representing industries like oil & gas, construction, and pharma, along with clients like Chevron U.S.A. and Sterigenics U.S. LLC. The firm also leads high-profile condemnation cases, managing multi-million-dollar natural gas pipeline projects. Notably, Jeffrey Dintzer  in Los Angeles and Meaghan Boyd  in Atlanta have led significant environmental cases, with Boyd managing high-profile matters for Georgia Power and overseeing complex compliance for UPS across Georgia. Greg Christianson  in San Francisco, is a seasoned attorney specializing in Superfund litigation, enforcement defense, and environmental remediation.

Bracewell LLP combines top-tier environmental litigation attorneys with a comprehensive media and government relations team, offering a cohesive strategy to address complex environmental challenges. Its expertise spans energy transitions, ESG issues, and offshore wind projects, positioning the firm as a leader in emerging environmental law. The team includes Jason Hutt and Ann Navaro  in Washington DC. Hutt, who leads the firm’s environmental practice, advises on enforcement, litigation, and investigations with expertise in energy and environmental justice.Navaro brings extensive experience in federal natural resource law, guiding clients on permitting and litigation. Additionally, Kevin Collins  in Austin, co-leads the environmental team, excelling in federal and private practice and leading internal investigations.

DLA Piper LLP (US) excels in high-profile and complex environmental litigation, addressing issues like PFAS, microplastics, the environmental impact of products and environmental justice. With deep expertise across industries, it brings unique insights into regulatory matters, climate change, and sustainability. Notably, in the Washington DC office, Gwen Keyes Fleming, a former senior EPA official, offers strong experience in policy and enforcement. In San Francisco, George Gigounas offers standout expertise in the emerging field of environmental product impact and in sediment cleanup cases, where his work has earned significant recognition.

The team at Greenberg Traurig LLP  provides strategic legal counsel in complex disputes, including pollution, regulatory enforcement, and hazardous waste cases. It handles government investigations and enforcement actions, ensuring efficient resolutions in both civil and criminal matters. David Weinstein has key trial experience victories in cases exceeding $2 billion. Christopher Torres  specializes in toxic tort defense, environmental, and commercial litigation. All lawyers mentioned are based in Tampa.

Jones Day‘s environmental practice has shaped major legal precedents, from climate change to PFAS litigation. The team combines expertise in environmental law, real estate, toxic torts, and insurance, with notable experience in issues related to greenhouse gas emissions and government investigations. It notably represented Daikin America, securing the dismissal of the massive Hardwick v. 3M PFAS class action on appeal due to lack of standing. Kevin Holewinski  , head of the practice, is a recognized trial lawyer with expertise in environmental and toxic tort litigation, and leads key “forever chemicals” cases.  Also, notably, Daniella Einik has successfully handled multimillion-dollar environmental enforcement actions, toxic tort litigation, and DOJ criminal investigations, including a major Clean Air Act case. Both lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is known for its expertise in public entity and environmental litigation. Recently, the firm was hired by the State of Maryland to recover damages for the destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. It also leads major PFAS discharge lawsuits for states like New Jersey and North Carolina. The firm’s extensive experience includes environmental cost-recovery, mining legacy issues, and port authority cases. William Jackson, co-chair of the environment law group, is a recognized authority in natural resource damages and PFAS cases, representing 20 states. John Gilmour, co-chair of environmental litigation, is known for his impactful work on PFAS litigation and securing a major SCOTUS victory for Guam. Kenny Corley, focuses on environmental and business litigation, representing clients like the State of North Carolina in PFAS cases and the San Diego Port District in a $550m PCB contamination settlement. All lawyers mentioned are in Houston.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP combines high-level litigation expertise with strong regulatory and transactional support. With offices across major US cities, the firm handles high-profile, complex cases, from groundwater contamination disputes to government enforcement actions. Its client-first, tailored approach sets it apart in both class actions and transactions. In Chicago, Nader Boulos  specializes in complex commercial cases, including insurance coverage and environmental torts, and leads the high-stakes Long Island Dioxane litigation for Dow Chemical, valued in the billions. In Dallas and Washington DC, Kasdin Mitchell  focuses on complex trial and appellate litigation, securing major wins, including a $12bn victory in the U.S. Supreme Court, and representing clients across environmental, energy, and securities sectors.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP represents clients in matters ranging from enforcement actions to hazardous waste lawsuits and environmental remediation. The team advises clients on emerging contaminants such as PFAS and 1,4-dioxane, offering expert guidance on navigating new regulations. Notably, John McGahren   – in Princeton – leader of the New Jersey litigation practice, specializes in Superfund, environmental litigation, and compliance, with a strong track record as a first-chair trial lawyer. Similarly, Randall Mark Levine   – in DC – represents clients in energy, telecoms, health sciences and pharma , in complex appeals, multidistrict litigation, and class actions, specializing in crisis-related multiparty litigation and global settlement strategies. In Los Angeles, James Dragna represents energy, aerospace, and manufacturing clients in major environmental cases nationwide, including hazardous waste proceedings and infrastructure litigation.

Norton Rose Fulbright’s environmental team is known for handling complex government enforcement actions, regulatory compliance, and environmental litigation, especially with agencies like the EPA, DOJ, and TCEQ. The team’s technical proficiency, with two chemical engineers on staff, further sets it apart. Recent notable work includes managing major industrial incidents such as explosions at KMCO and Exxon. The Los Angeles team excels in Superfund, Proposition 65, and climate change issues. Eddie Lewis, co-head of the environmental and mass torts team in Houston, specializes in complex litigation, compliance, and transactional matters, leveraging his chemical engineering background for deep technical expertise. Similarly, Joseph Drapalski, in Los Angeles, focuses on environmental litigation, Superfund, CERCLA matters, and advising clients on environmental due diligence in business transactions.

Vinson & Elkins LLP is renowned for securing and defending permits for major development projects, including complex air- and water-related permits. The team excels in guiding clients through state and federal environmental reviews, such as NEPA and the Endangered Species Act, while minimizing environmental risks in matters involving multiple stakeholders. Matthew Dobbins , based in Houston, advises on low-carbon projects like CCS, renewable fuels, and pipeline safety, providing environmental liability guidance across sectors such as oil and gas, renewable energy, and mining. In Washington DC, Corinne Snow uses her DOJ experience to counsel on regulatory risks, environmental disclosures, and complex legal issues in energy and mining projects, particularly around emerging contaminants.

Dentons provides expertise in litigation as well as transactions and regulatory matters across multiple industries. With a national presence and global reach, it helps clients manage chemicals, climate change, energy projects, and environmental cleanup, as well as guide mergers, acquisitions, and compliance. Robert Schuda in Los Angeles has deep experience in environmental law, specializing in chemical safety, hazardous waste, and sustainable agriculture. Bradley Cahoon, in Salt Lake City co-heads the environmental and mining groups, focusing on environmental litigation, risk management, and contaminated property.

Recognized for tackling complex environmental challenges, K&L Gates excels in both regulatory matters and high-stakes litigation. Working with Fortune 500 companies and successful businesses, it offers expertise in air, water, mining, oil, gas, and waste management, along with emerging issues like environmental justice. It has strong ties with federal and state agencies, as well as a global reach and a diverse expertise. Notably, Brian Montag in the Newark office, represents clients in state, federal, and administrative proceedings, including before the DOJ and EPA, and has led landmark cases on environmental justice, Superfund sites, and toxic torts. It is also important to mention Varu Chilakamarri , in DC, who joined from the DOJ, where she most recently led the Torts Branch, overseeing high-stakes litigation defending the US in complex damage suits.

McGuireWoods LLP ’s diverse client roster includes clients in fields such as including energy, transportation, waste management, manufacturing, and financial services. Its clients include major corporations, government agencies, and industry trade associations. In Richmond, Eugene Matthews  co-leads the environmental litigation practice, focusing on environmental, toxic tort, and commercial litigation, with broad industry experience. In Washington DC, Makram Jaber  co-leads the evvironmental enforcement & regulatory counseling practice, specializing in the Clean Air Act and regulatory matters.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP’s environmental attorneys offer comprehensive counsel across industries, handling high-stakes litigation, regulatory matters, permitting, and crisis response. The firm represents clients in cases involving contamination, hazardous waste, and air quality. Its regulatory expertise includes working with agencies such as the U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board. The firm also advises on environmental due diligence, land use, and Prop 65 compliance. Key partner Jeffrey Parker , co-leader of the environment practice in Los Angeles, represents clients in energy, aerospace, construction, and chemicals.

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP advises clients on environmental concerns, ensures compliance, and plans for sustainability. Its team handles all areas of federal, state, and local environmental law in all 50 states. The firm also specializes in appellate and Supreme Court cases, challenges to environmental regulations, and provides counsel on real estate, renewable energy, PFAS, coal ash, and Clean Water Act compliance. Andrea Wortzel, a natural resource attorney and practice group leader in Richmond, is noted for her expertise in securing permits for major infrastructure projects and advising on water quality, endangered species, and issues like greenwashing and environmental justice.

Winston & Strawn LLP ‘s environmental team advises on a wide range of matters, ranging from compliance and permitting, to toxic torts and regulatory matters. With a focus on high-stakes litigation, the team represents in cases involving CERCLA, NEPA, and the Clean Water Act, among others. Led by Jonathan Brightbill, a former senior DOI official, in Washington DC, and Eleni Kouimelis in Chicago, the team focuses in government enforcement, regulatory battles, and complex business disputes.

Womble Bond Dickinson is active across toxic tort and environmental litigation, with extensive expertise across industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and waste management. Notable for twork on high-profile cases, such as representing Kinder Morgan before the Supreme Court, the team is also skilled in navigating complex regulatory frameworks. Anna Gutierrez in Denver is an environmental law specialist and key name in the team.