Environment: transactional in United States

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP

The environmental team at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is based in New York and advises large domestic and multinational companies and their boards of directors on the environmental and sustainability aspects of large cross-border M&A deals. The group also handles a range of other deals, including divestitures, shareholder engagement and financings such as green bonds, while in the non-transactional space, it advises clients on compliance and disputes. Matthew Morreale heads the team and is a key name for transactions, as well as environmental‑related proceedings and investigations; he also handles environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, regulatory and climate change issues, and environmental and toxic tort litigation. Senior attorney Annmarie Terraciano offers similar experience and is well versed in deals in the chemicals, mining, energy, pharmaceutical and consumer goods sectors, among others.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Morreale


Other key lawyers:

Annmarie Terraciano


Key clients

AerCap


Altra


AngloGold Ashanti


Ashland


Brookfield Renewable


Crown Castle


CyrusOne


Jonson & Johnson


Lindsay Goldberg


Martin Marietta Materials


RWE


Stanley Black & Decker


Swvl


Valvoline


Viatris


Work highlights


  • Advising Johnson& Johnson on the environmental law aspects of its pending $16.6bn acquisition of Abiomed.
  • Advising Brookfield Renewable Partners on the environmental law aspects of its pending $8bn acquisition of Westinghouse Electric Company, one of the world’s largest nuclear services businesses.
  • Advising RWE AG on the environmental law aspects of its pending $6.8bn acquisition of the Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses, Inc., one of the biggest-ever green deals in the US.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

The New York-based team at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP advises domestic and international businesses, and private equity houses and hedge funds, on a range of high-profile and high-value deals in the oil and gas, mining, energy, chemicals, manufacturing and construction sectors. Navigating the environmental and sustainability risks of corporate deals is a key area of focus for the firm, and it advises on M&A, and capital markets deals, as well as IPOs. Loyti Cheng heads the team with over 30 years’ experience and focuses on ESG, toxic tort and climate change matters pertaining to corporate deals, financings and bond issuances. Counsel David Zilberberg advises on compliance, regulatory, and risk and liability issues pertaining to corporate and real estate deals, as well as contractual disputes and enforcement proceedings relating to environmental matters. Michael Comstock, who is also counsel, is recommended for M&A, divestitures, securities offerings and bank financings.

Practice head(s):

Loyti Cheng


Other key lawyers:

Michael Comstock; David Zilberberg


Work highlights


Kirkland & Ellis LLP

The environmental transactional practice group at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is ‘respectful, knowledgeable, and client-focusedand is led out of San Francisco by Paul Tanaka. It fields practitioners across the US and is well versed in environmental due diligence, pre-deal counseling, risk mitigation, environmental insurance analysis and procurement, and regulatory and enforcement matters. The firm is well known for its representation of top-tier private equity clients and handles deals in the energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors, among other areas. Tanaka handles the full gamut of transactional issues from compliance and governance to crisis management and is experienced in a wide range of transactions from small venture capital investments to large cross-border deals. Jonathan Kidwell in Dallas is a key name for M&A, bankruptcies, financing transactions and real estate investments hand has considerable experience of deals in heavily regulated sectors. Toby Chun left in January 2022, while Emily Tabak joined in Salt Lake city from Holland & Hart LLP and Sam Dykstra joined from Ballard Spahr LLP in New York.


Practice head(s):

Paul Tanaka


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Kidwell; Stefanie Gitler; Sara Michaelchuck Webber; Carleigh Rodriguez; Michael Saretsky; James Dolphin; Ty’Meka Reeves-Sobers; Emily Tabak; Sam Dykstra


Testimonials

‘Exceptionally thorough and very knowledgeable on local and national environmental considerations.’

‘Incredibly commercial and pragmatic approach to environmental work.’

‘Work very well with other advisors (including legal) to guide on risk exposure and how to structure and incorporate into the deal process.’

‘Key strength from top to bottom, led by Paul Tanaka and supported by Michael Saretsky. They bring the unique angle of blending commercial judgment with technical expertise.’

‘I work with a lot of environmental transactional attorneys, but Kirkland’s team is the most cohesive, professional, organized, and client-focused among them.’

‘They are able to choreograph calls so as to be maximally efficient, and they work seamlessly with technical advisors.’

‘They recommend and bring in legal experts as needed, and they consistently meet demanding client expectations.’

‘As a consultant, I feel better working on a project with Kirkland because I know they will do high quality work that ethically serves the client’s best interests.’

Key clients

Antylia Scientific


ArcLight Clean Transition Corp. II


Ares Management Corporation


Blackstone Inc.


Carvana


Celanese Corporation


Clayton, Dubilier & Rice


Clearlake Capital Group


Colgate Energy Partners III, LLC


EQT Partners AB


Incline Equity Partners


Ivanhoe Capital Acquisition Corp.


Kohlberg, Kravis and Roberts & Co. LLP (KKR)


Material Handling Systems


Navitas Midstream Partners Holdings


Bernhard Capital Partners


Power & Digital Infrastructure Acquisition Corp.


Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Verso Corp.


Gamut Capital Management, L.P.


Whiting Petroleum Corp.


Work highlights


  • Advised Celanese Corporation on its acquisition of DuPont’s mobility and materials business for $11bn.
  • Advised Clayton, Dubilier & Rice on its $5.8bn acquisition of Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc.
  • Advised KKR on its acquisition of all outstanding shares of common stock of CyrusOne Inc. valued at approximately $15bn.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

The environmental team at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is led by New York’s Mike Isby, who offers ‘professionalism, effectiveness and sophistication’, and Washington DC’s Toby Chun, who joined from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in February 2022. The firm acts for companies, banks and other financial institutions, and private equity groups on risk and liability, and regulatory matters relating to transactions. It is particularly active in the chemical, paper, utility and mining sectors. Isby is a key name for M&A, securities offerings and lending matters, as well as compliance issues for domestic and international clients, while Chun handles cross-border corporate and real estate deals, with particular experience of advising on environmental insurance coverage and issues around emerging contaminants. Former practice co-head Adeeb Fadil left, and Deepa Sarkar joined as counsel in New York from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.

Practice head(s):

Mike Isby; Toby Chun


Other key lawyers:

Deepa Sarkar


Testimonials

‘Simpson Thacher is a leader in the transactional arena, especially private equity and this gives the environmental group superior insight into market customs and practices which makes for efficient market-oriented negotiations.’

‘I’ve worked across the table from Mike Isby for literally decades now and his professionalism, effectiveness and sophistication has always made for efficient and helpful service to the transaction goals and the respective clients’ interests.’

Key clients

Apax Partners


Arsenal Resources Development LLC


Bighorn Permian Resources, LLC


Blackstone Inc.


BofA Securities


Businessolver


Citigroup Global Markets Inc.


DigitalBridge Group, Inc.


EQM Midstream Partners


Essential Utilities, Inc.


Global Infrastructure Partners


Goldman Sachs Asset Management


Goldman Sachs Bank


IFM Investors


Ingersoll Rand Inc.


JPMorgan Chase Bank


KKR & Co. Inc.


LS Power


Melrose Industries PLC


Nadir Figueiredo


New Mountain Capital, LLC


Stone Point Capital LLC


Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners


Sudamericana, Agencias Aéreas y Marítimas S.A.


SunPower Corporation


The Fresh Market Holdings, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Representing affiliates of DigitalBridge Group, Inc. and IFM Investors in their signed definitive agreement and plan of merger to acquire Switch, Inc., valued at $11bn
  • Representing New Mountain Capital, LLC in its acquisition of PerkinElmer’s Applied, Food and Enterprise Services businesses, a carve-out from the Discovery & Analytical Solutions segment of PerkinElmer for up to $2.45bn in total consideration.
  • Representing Blackstone in its agreement with Emerson Electric Co. to acquire a majority stake in Emerson’s Climate Technologies business for $14bn.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

The Washington DC-based environmental transactions team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is a key part of the firm’s wider corporate department and handles high-value transactions for high-profile clients in a range of sectors. The practice is led by Annemargaret Connolly and is well versed in M&A, divestitures, financing and capital markets deals, with a focus on the real estate, manufacturing, chemicals and energy sectors. Connolly is experienced in a wide range of environmentally challenging transactions and specializes in sustainability, climate change and ESG matters, leaning on the firms international network for support on cross-border deals. Recently promoted partner John O’Loughlin acts for private equity firms, corporate clients and financial institutions on regulatory, environmental, and health and safety matters pertaining to transactions. Counsel Matthew Morton is also recommended, bringing strength to handling insurance matters and contractual issues. Counsel Thomas Goslin departed in March 2023.


Practice head(s):

Annemargaret Connolly


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Morton; John O’Loughlin


Key clients

Advent International


American Securities


Ardian


Blackstone


Brookfield Business Partners


Citi


Cornell Capital


Genstar Capital


Goldman Sachs


The Gores Group


GS Acquisition Holdings Corp II


HSBC


J.P. Morgan Securities LLC


Knowlton Development Corporation


The Kroger Company


MGM Resorts International


Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC


NEOGEN Corporation


QW Holding Corp.


SMBC Nikko Securities


Talen Energy Supply, LLC


TPG


Truist Securities


Wells Fargo


Westinghouse Electric Company


Work highlights


  • Advising The Kroger Company in its merger with Albertsons Companies, Inc., an operator of retail food, drug and convenience stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia in a transaction that implies an Albertson enterprise value of approximately $24.6bn.
  • Advised MGM Resorts International (MGM Resorts) on its $17.2bn sale of MGM Growth Properties LLC (MGP).
  • Advised The Gores Group:Gores Guggenheim, Inc., a SPAC sponsored by affiliates of The Gores Group and Guggenheim Capital, in its $20bn business combination with Polestar Performance AB (Sweden).

Allen & Overy LLP

The environmental law group at Allen & Overy LLP is based in New York and acts for top domestic and international clients, including government departments, on the environmental and ESG aspects of transactions in the corporate M&A, project finance, capital markets and real estate spaces. The team, which has strong relationships with regulators, is led by Ken Rivlin, who advises large US corporates on environmental risk issues, and also serves on the boards and advisory committees of a number of educational and non-profit institutions. Senior counsel Maria Christopher Bell is recommended for the drafting and negotiation of environmental indemnity agreements and has recently been advising on numerous multi-billion-dollar reconstruction projects. Felise Cooper, who is also a senior counsel, is a name for compliance matters, product marketing requirements and guidance on loan documentation, as well as corporate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Ken Rivlin


Other key lawyers:

Felise Cooper; Maria Christopher Bell; Nick Ognibene


Key clients

Equator Principles Association


General Electric


The Carlyle Group


Citibank


US Department of Energy (DOE)


Distributed Solar Development, LLC


Advent International


Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)


EQT Infrastructure


Element Materials Technology Group Holdings Limited


Summit Carbon Solutions, LLC


Orsted Onshore North America, LLC


Work highlights


Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP

Skilled and zealous in its representation of clients‘, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP is a significant player in financing transactions, as well as M&A, public debt offerings and IPOs and acts for a host of high-profile banks and financial institutions. The practice handles both domestic and international transactions and is active in the oil and gas, manufacturing and mining sectors. With regards to its transactional work, the team handles environmental reviews, as well as ESG matters, sustainability, environmental justice issues and climate change-related risks. Counsel Gregory Battista heads the group with over 30 years’ experience in risk analysis, federal and state compliance, remediation and transactions. Senior attorney Lynn Schmidt is a name to note for compliance and enforcement, and health and safety matters. Senior attorney Peter Gioello left in August 2022. Named attorneys are based in New York.

Practice head(s):

Gregory Battista


Other key lawyers:

Lynn Schmidt


Testimonials

‘This team may be fairly small (Gregory Battista and Lynn Schmidt) but they pack a punch with the huge range of experience and knowledge that they both have.’

‘There is literally nothing that this team cannot handle from complex regulatory to high level finance.’

‘They are way in the lead on growing issue of ESG in all its manifestations. They are without doubt the firm I would choose if you want the best environmental expertise going.’

Key clients

Deutsche Bank


BBVA Securities


J.P. Morgan


Mizuho Securities


Wells Fargo


Citigroup


1-800-Flowers


Morgan Stanley


Credit Suisse


PNC Bank


Work highlights


  • Represented the initial purchasers in connection with a $500m senior notes offering by Mondelez International Holdings Netherlands B.V.
  • Represented the initial purchasers in connection with $500m notes offerings for FTAI Infra Escrow Holdings, LLC in connection with Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors LLC’s spin-off of its infrastructure business.
  • Represented the initial purchasers in connection with a Rule 144A add-on offering of $465m sustainability-linked senior notes by Covanta Holding Corporation, a world leader in sustainable waste solutions.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Sitting in the wider corporate group, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s environmental practice is particularly strong in high-profile and high-value M&A deals, and acts for businesses, private equity funds and investment funds. It handles environmental issues relating to domestic and international transactions, securities offerings and financings. Stuart Hammer heads the team with over 25 years’ experience in advising clients on the environmental risks and liabilities associated with their transactions; he also provides ancillary advice in ESG matters and is active in the defense, chemicals, consumer product, pharmaceutical and packaging sectors. Harry Zirlin handles M&A, financings and real estate transactions and is experienced in environmental-related bankruptcy issues and comprehensive environmental response, compensation, and liability act (CERCLA) matters. Ulysses Smith joined as senior adviser for ESG from Telos Governance Advisers in November 2022. All attorneys named are based in New York.


Practice head(s):

Stuart Hammer


Other key lawyers:

Harry Zirlin; Ulysses Smith


Key clients

Cerberus Capital Management


Clayton, Dubilier & Rice


Cornerstone Building Brands


Covanta Holding Corporation


CPP Investment Board


Domtar Corporation


Elliott Management


HCA Healthcare


International Paper Company


Johnson & Johnson


JP Morgan Asset Management


Kelso & Company


Mitsui


Morgan Stanley


Pernod Ricard


Pactiv Evergreen


Rank Group


Solenis


The Carlyle Group


TPG


Work highlights


  • Advised International Paper Company in the separation and spin-off of its global printing papers business, Sylvamo Corporation.
  • Advised Domtar Corporation, one of the firm’s oldest clients, in a strategic business combination under which Paper Excellence acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Domtar common stock for $55.50 per share, representing a total enterprise value of approximately $3bn.
  • Advised Covanta Holding Corporation on its sale to EQT Infrastructure in a transaction valued at more than $5bn in which EQT acquired all shares of Covanta common stock for $20.25 per share.

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

Led out of New York by John Rousakis, the environmental and natural resources practice at O'Melveny & Myers LLP is well known for its work on large infrastructure and redevelopment projects, as well as corporate transactions, compliance and litigation. Rousakis acts for private equity firms, financial institutions and corporations on environmental issues relating to investments, litigation and compliance and is active in the chemicals, mining, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries. Eric Rothenberg, also in New York, handles due diligence on transactions, financings, restructurings, and reorganizations, while Washington DC’s John Renneisen is a key name for M&A, debt and equity financings, where he advises on issues around hazardous waste, pollution and toxic substances. In Los Angeles, Kelly McTigue offers clients 30 years’ experience in water, air, permitting and climate change matters.

Practice head(s):

John Rousakis


Other key lawyers:

Eric Rothenberg; Kelly McTigue


Testimonials

‘The team I have been working with have provided excellent, knowledgeable, timely work on projects that are the lifeblood of our business.’

‘All team members are extremely well versed in the details that are important to our livelyhood.’

‘The attitude, enthusiasm, and detailed knowledge of subject is excellent.’

Key clients

Apollo Global Management


Vantage Airport Group, RXR, American Triple I, and JetBlue Airways


California High Speed Rail Authority


State of Hawaii


Avports LLC


Ttm Technologies


Work highlights


  • Representing a consortium consisting of Vantage Airport Group, RXR, American Triple I Partners, and JetBlue Airways on their plans to redevelop, finance, and operate Terminal 6 and Terminal 7 at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport.
  • Representing the State of Hawaii in connection with the redevelopment of Aloha Stadium — the State of Hawaii’s premier sports and entertainment facility — through a P3 process, including the construction of a new stadium and the development of 2.5 million square feet of mixed-use ancillary development adjacent to the stadium.
  • Advising Exxon Mobil Corporation on various other environmental issues, such as buying and selling permits and credits to emit carbon dioxide (e.g., carbon trading) and carbon capture and sequestration.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s practice advises clients on transactions, litigation and regulatory matters. In the transactional space, it handles the environmental aspects of M&A deals, joint ventures and financings, with a focus on the manufacturing, energy, mining, chemical, oil and gas, and pharmaceutical sectors, among other areas. The team is led by counsel Elizabeth Malone, who is experienced in environmental claims and liabilities, bankruptcy proceedings, and climate change matters, such as greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability initiatives. Malone is supported by counsel Henry Eisenberg, who is recommended for corporate and real estate transactions, and private and public financings. Attorneys are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Elizabeth Malone


Other key lawyers:

Henry Eisenberg


White & Case LLP

The environment and climate change team at White & Case LLP offers clients expertise on regulatory matters, disputes and a range of transactional issues. Leaning on support from its large international network in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America, the firm is well placed to handle cross-border deals and energy transition issues. It is particularly focused on financings and capital markets offerings, and M&A, and acts for corporations, investors, developers, lenders and governments. The team is jointly led by New York’s Seth Kerschner, who is recommended for corporate deals, bankruptcies, and real estate transactions, and Houston’s Taylor Pullins, who acts for energy sector clients on climate change and ESG matters. In Los Angeles, counsel Laura Mulry acts for a range of businesses and private equity firms on emerging contaminants, carbon offsets and carbon credits, and decarbonization as it relates to deals. Hayden Baker, specialist for energy and infrastructure projects and transactions, joined from Troutman Pepper in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Seth Kerschner; Taylor Pullins


Other key lawyers:

Laura Mulry; Hayden Baker


Testimonials

‘Good understanding of energy-industry issues.’

‘Taylor Pullins is thoughtful, sharp, and great to work with.’

Key clients

Marathon Oil Corporation


Saudi Aramco


Zanite Acquisition Corp.


Sempra Energy


Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings


Vale S.A.


Steel Partners Holdings L.P.


JERA Americas


Syrah Technologies LLC


Toyota Industries Corporation


Work highlights


  • Represented Marathon Oil Corporation on its entry into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the Eagle Ford assets of Ensign Natural Resources for a total cash consideration of $3bn, subject to customary terms and conditions, including closing adjustments. The assets include upstream assets with 700 existing wells, some midstream infrastructure (e.g., produced water ponds), and over 600 new drilling locations on 130,000 acres of owned/operated land.
  • Served as environmental counsel to Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemical companies. Most recently, we provided environmental law advice to Saudi Aramco on its acquisition of US-based automotive services provider Valvoline Inc.’s Global Products Business for $2.65bn.
  • Served as environmental counsel to Zanite Acquisition Corp. on its $2.4bn business combination agreement with Embraer S.A., a Brazilian multinational aerospace manufacturer, to acquire EVE UAM, LLC, an Urban Air Mobility business.

Bracewell LLP

Bracewell LLP handles a broad range of environmental matters relating to regulatory issues, contentious matters and transactions and offers ancillary advice in media relations and lobbying. It is particularly strong in the oil and gas, renewables, chemicals and infrastructure sectors and offers expertise in relation to projects, joint ventures, strategic partnerships and investments. The team is led by Jason Hutt and Austin’s Timothy Wilkins, with Hutt handling administrative, civil and criminal enforcement matters, and Wilkins a key name for disputes, energy transition, climate change and ESG matters. Catherine Little and Annie Cook joined from Troutman Pepper in June 2022, while of counsel Steven Cook joined from the environmental protection agency (EPA) in Houston in August of the same year. Named attorneys based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

Jason Hutt; Timothy Wilkins


Other key lawyers:

Kevin Ewing; Catherine Little; Annie Cook; Steven Cook


Key clients

Republic Services, Inc.


Chesapeake Energy


Navigator CO2 Ventures LLC


Talos Low Carbon Solutions LLC


King Ranch, Inc.


Equinor Wind (f/k/a Statoil Wind)


Sable Offshore Corp.


Invenergy LLC


Sol Systems, LLC


Phillips 66


Petroleum US LLC


Pioneer Natural Resources


Sabalo Energy, LLC


Holly Energy Partners


Bison Oil & Gas Partners


Titus Oil & Gas Production, LLC


Competitive Power Ventures, Inc. (CPV)


Work highlights


  • Represented Republic Services, the second largest waste disposal services company in the United States, historically focused on the management of municipal and household wastes, in connection with all environmental aspects of the acquisition of US Ecology.
  • Engaged to assist Chesapeake Energy Corporation with assessing, addressing, and integrating potential environmental compliance and enforcement issues associated with the Vine and Chief acquisitions.
  • Representing Navigator CO2 Ventures LLC, a portfolio company of BlackRock Global Energy & Power Infrastructure Fund III, to develop an industrial scale carbon capture pipeline system (CCS).

King & Spalding LLP

King & Spalding LLP handles a broad range of transactional matters in the private equity, project finance, energy and infrastructure sectors, with a focus on M&A, restructurings and financings. With regards to the environmental aspects of transactions, the practice is well versed in perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) issues, sustainability and ESG, and energy transition matters. The team is led by Granta Nakayama, who is a key name for energy and environmental issues, such as regulatory and enforcement matters. Cynthia Stroman is recommended for energy and renewables transactions and is well versed in compliance and land use issues. Joseph Eisert handles transactions, enforcement and incident response, while Chicago’s Karl Heisler deals with workplace safety incidents and government investigations. Marcella Burke left in 2022. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

Granta Nakayama


Other key lawyers:

Cynthia Stroman; Joseph Eisert; Les Oakes; Karl Heisler


Key clients

Axium Infrastructure


H.I.G. Capital


Atlas Holdings


Santos Limited


Mativ Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MATV)


Genuine Parts


Macquarie


Paceline Equity Partners


Cogentrix


AIG Asset Management (U.S.), LLC


Paceline Equity Partners (and its portfolio company AHF Products)


Work highlights


  • Regularly represent H.I.G. Capital on its most complex transactions, including the the environmental and chemical regulation aspects of these matters.
  • Advising AIG Asset Management as agent for its affiliate lenders on a $196m mortgage construction loan comprised of a building loan and a project loan to an affiliate of BRP Companies.
  • Advising Mativ Holdings, Inc. (formerly, Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.) on its acquisition of Neenah, Inc. in an all-stock merger of equals transaction valued at $3bn.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP’s environmental practice is led in New York by counsel William O’Brien and associate Julia Quigley . It is particularly active in the M&A sphere and also handles environmental and ESG issues pertaining to strategic transactions, joint ventures, restructurings, financings, securities offerings and real estate deals, as well as providing support in regulatory matters and litigation. Clients include buyers, sellers, lenders, borrowers, investors, issuers of securities and underwriters, and the firm advises on both domestic and foreign transactions. O’Brien is a member of the firm’s Climate Change Working Group and advises clients on environmental issues relating to investments in private and public companies and the acquisition of portfolio companies.


Practice head(s):

William O’Brien


Other key lawyers:

Julia Quigley


Work highlights


Vinson & Elkins LLP

The environmental and natural resources group at Vinson & Elkins LLP acts for clients on high-value M&A, the buying and selling of assets, financings and project development, and is well versed in acquiring and defending permits pertaining to air, water and wetlands. The practice has a strong track record in handling the environmental aspects of energy transactions and is led by Ron Tenpas in Washington DC. Also in Houston, Matthew Dobbins is a name for regulatory counseling, remedial issues, environmental litigation, energy transition and transactional matters, with a focus on low-carbon ventures. Casey Hopkins in DC is experienced in securities offerings, private placements and environmental approvals. Larry Nettles has retired.

Practice head(s):

Ron Tenpas


Other key lawyers:

Casey Hopkins; Matthew Dobbins; Lindsay Hall


Testimonials

‘V&E is great at strategic environmental matters. Whether it’s regulator negotiations or permitting litigation scenarios, in V&E we trust.’

‘We love Matthew Dobbins. He knows how to handle energy environmental matters better than anyone in the game.’

‘V&E is a great firm.’

Key clients

Popular Bank


Riverstone Holdings


The Blackstone Group, LP


Altivia Chemicals LLC


Apollo Global Management, Inc.


Northstar Terminals, LLC


Texas Deepwater Port, LLC


Pinto Realty Partners, Ltd.


Validus Energy Holdings, LLC


Hartree Partners, LP


Goldman Sachs


Mercuria Investments US, Inc.


Hudson Advisors (Lone Star Fund)


Continental Resources, Inc.


M6 Midstream


Archaea Energy


Apollo – FlexGen


Citibank NA


Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corporation II


Enviva Partners


Evgo


Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.


New Fortress Energy


Queens Gambit Growth Capital


The Sinclair Companies


Switchback


Tortoise


Work highlights


  • Represented Woodside Petroleum Ltd in its merger with BHP Petroleum with an approximately $40bn merged entity value.
  • Advised Continental in connection with its investment in Summit Carbon Solutions (SCS). SCS is in the process of developing a multi-state carbon capture and sequestration project (CCS).
  • Acted as counsel to Archaea Energy in connection with its acquisition of NextGen Power Holdings LLC (together with its subsidiaries, “INGENCO”).

Akin

The environment and natural resources team at Akin is led out of Washington DC by David Quigley and acts for both lenders and investors on evaluating the environmental risks of transactions. It is well versed in restructurings, investing in environmentally distressed assets, the redevelopment of real estate assets, and M&A. Quigley is recommended for commercial, real estate and industrial transactions and is also experienced in the environmental due diligence of foreclosures.


Practice head(s):

David Quigley


Key clients

Lenders of Limetree Bay Ventures, LLC


SpaceX


Carestream/Kodak Health


MNCPPC


Princeton Equity Group


Hannon Armstrong


York Capital Management


Terran Orbital


Neenah Foundry


Greystone, Argentic and Situs (among others)


Work highlights


  • Represented the lenders to the Limetree Bay refinery in its restructuring caused by a number of incidents at the facility, including the “spewing” of oil as reported in the press.
  • Represented Space-X with respect to the challenge brought by competitors in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals arguing that the FCC inappropriately approved aspects of its satellite internet program.
  • Represented the Carestream Lender Group in the restructuring of the former Kodak health business.

Dechert LLP

The environmental team at Dechert LLP is led out of Philadelphia by Abbi Cohen and has a strong track record in acquisitions and divestitures in the real estate and infrastructure sectors. The firm also handles financing transactions, environmental insurance, and licensing and permitting matters, and acts for investors, lenders, property owners and non-profit organizations. Cohen is well versed in environmental due diligence and liability on domestic and cross-border transactions. Special counsel John Ix is a name for regulatory compliance issues, disputes and transactions.


Practice head(s):

Abbi Cohen


Other key lawyers:

John Ix


DLA Piper LLP (US)

DLA Piper LLP (US) advises clients on environmental issues relating to corporate, real estate and finance transactions. It utilizes its products liability and PFAS teams for support on transactions in heavily regulated industries and the team is led by George Gigounas, who splits his time between Washington DC and Atlanta, and Gwen Keyes Fleming, who recently joined from Van Ness Feldman LLP and splits her time between San Francisco and San Diego. Jeff Salinger in New York is a key name for ESG issues, climate change matters, brownfield redevelopments and health and safety issues.

Practice head(s):

George Gigounas; Gwen Keyes Fleming


Other key lawyers:

Jeff Salinger


Testimonials

‘DLA is a large, diverse firm and you can get all of the law experience that you need from the firms’ large cadre of experts in all phases.’

‘The environmental practice is excellent and they interact with all groups at the firm.’

‘My only dealings have been with Jeff Salinger at DLA. I find Jeff to be consistently creative, responsive, efficient and laser focused on solving environmental problems that arise in M&A deals.’

‘Jeff Salinger understands the law and presents it in a easy-to-understand and practical way, while still getting all of the nuances that he needs to know and stay on top of.’

Key clients

Bowlero Corp.


BASF Corporation


CAE


Centroid Investment Partners


Ports America


Illinois Tool Works


Navitas Semiconductor


Pelsis


Polhem Infra


Roark Capital


Work highlights


  • Advising Ports America, the largest terminal operator and stevedore in the United States, regarding the acquisition of Georgia Logistics and certain affiliates in a highly complicated transaction from an environmental perspective.
  • Represented Bowlero Corp on the acquisition of multiple bowling facilities throughout the US.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Greenberg Traurig LLP is particularly strong in the real estate sector, where it assists clients with the environmental risks of the acquisition, development, financing and sale of real estate assets. In Miami, Kerri Barsh advises clients on due diligence, environmental assessments and liability matters pertaining to transactions, while in New York Steven Russo deals with the environmental aspects of land use and real estate law. Barsh and Russo head the team longside Christopher Neumann in Denver and David Weinstein in Tampa.

Key clients

Carson Reclamation Authority


City of Santa Clara


Norfolk Southern Railroad


Summit Carbon Solutions


Miami Dade Limestone


Beckham Soccer Group


CEMEX Construction Materials Florida LLC


Brookfield Property Development


Blackstone Group


Work highlights


  • Representing City of Santa Clara on issues related to environmental risk management at a 240-acre and 9.2 million sf complex, mixed-use landfill redevelopment project known as “City Place” by a third-party developer, Related Santa Clara, LLC.
  • Representing Blackstone Group for environmental and utility and energy diligence relating to the sale of the Aria Hotel at City Center in Las Vegas. Due to its size, this complex has its own power plant and water system, and the due diligence process required determination of how to allocate these assets and responsibilities among the various parties to the $3.9bn transaction.

Morrison Foerster

The ESG team at Morrison Foerster handles corporate, finance, tax, regulatory, compliance and litigation matters for clients and is led by Susan Mac Cormac. It acts for high-profile businesses, social enterprises and impact investors on the environmental aspects of investments and transactions, as well as regulatory matters. Mac Cormac is a name for investments and capital markets work, and corporate governance matters, while William Tarantino handles environmental due diligence and liability risk on transactions. Named attorneys are based in San Francisco.


Practice head(s):

Susan Mac Cormac


Other key lawyers:

William Tarantino


Key clients

Generate Capital


Xpansiv Limited


The Nature Conservancy


GenZero


European Climate Foundation


Work highlights


  • Advised Generate Capital on billion-dollar fundraisings to allow it to continue to scale its renewable, sustainable infrastructure fleet.
  • Represented Xpansiv Limited in obtaining a new $400m convertible debt financing from affiliates of Blackstone Energy Partners.
  • Advised GenZero, an investment platform company wholly owned by Temasek, dedicated to accelerating decarbonisation globally, in its indirect investment in Bluesource Sustainable Forests Company, a joint venture between Anew Climate, Oak Hill Advisors and other third party investors.

Paul Hastings LLP

The environment and energy team at Paul Hastings LLP acts for financial institutions, private equity and real estate investors, and large corporations on financings and acquisitions, including inbound and outbound investment deals. It is particularly strong in the energy and real estate sectors and on brownfield redevelopments, including complex construction financing deals and acquisition loans. Washington DC’s Tom Mounteer heads the team and is recommended for financing and capital markets transactions, M&A, and real estate and private equity deals.

Practice head(s):

Tom Mounteer


Testimonials

‘The team is highly effective in advising us on all environmental matters.’

‘Walked us step-by-step through the intricacies of environmental requirements and potential risks.’

‘Thomas Mounteer stood out the most. He never dropped the ball and stuck with us until every last open item was closed no matter how long it took.’

Key clients

Barclays


Blackrock Capital


BMO (Bank of Montreal)


Capital One


Foxconn


Jefferies


JP Morgan


KKR


Morgan Stanley


Oaktree Capital Management


SJL Partners


Société Générale


Vance Street Capital


Wells Fargo


Work highlights


  • Acting for SJL partners on its $1.5bn acquisition of Meridian Bioscience, which develops, manufactures, sells and distributes diagnostic testing systems and kits for certain gastrointestinal and respiratory infectious diseases and elevated blood lead levels.
  • Advising global investment company KKR on the financing of seven real estate transactions concerning properties subject to government-supervised clean-ups.
  • Handled the environmental aspects of five oil & gas financings for Wells Fargo.

Proskauer Rose LLP

The environmental team at Proskauer Rose LLP is based in New York and led by Aliza Cinamon. It handles a range of domestic and international deals and draws on strength from its corporate, real estate, finance and bankruptcy practitioners to provide holistic environmental expertise on transactions, as well as offering ancillary support in regulatory matters and litigation. The firm is active in the chemical, industrial, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals sectors, and advises clients on M&A, financing, compliance and enforcement actions. Cinamon focuses on risk and liability issues, remediation, permitting and ESG matters and is also active in superfund litigation and federal and state environmental enforcement proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Aliza Cinamon


Other key lawyers:

Robert Kafin


Key clients

Adirondack Council


Arkema


Arcadia Inc. (Certain Shareholders)


Bowlen Sports, Inc.


Church & Dwight Co., Inc.


Golub Capital Markets LLC


GrowNYC


Parks & Trails New York


Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and Various Subsidiaries


The Rector, Church Wardens and Vestrymen of Trinity Church, in the city of New York


The Watermill Group


Work highlights


  • Representing Teva Pharmaceuticals in connection with liability alleged at several contaminated Superfund sites, including the largest and one of the most complicated river and sediment contamination sites in the country.
  • Represented Arkema on the acquisition of the performance-adhesives unit of Ashland Global Holdings Inc., including on the diligence and the negotiations of the environmental liability allocations for this complicated, multi-national transaction.
  • Advised Bowlen Sports on the environmental aspects of a transaction involving the largest ownership transfer in NFL history, representing the Patrick D. Bowlen Trust and related entities in the US in the $4.65bn sale of the Denver Broncos to the Walton-Penner family.

Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP’s team was recently bolstered by the arrival of dedicated transactional practitioner Peter Trimarchi in New York in May 2022 from Nixon Peabody LLP; he now heads the team alongside Pittsburgh’s Jennifer Smokelin, Houston’s Ben Patton, San Francisco’s Todd Maiden, and Megan Haines, who splits her time between Pittsburgh and Houston. The practice has a strong track record in M&A, real estate and restructuring and handles the ESG, regulatory and compliance aspects of deals.

Practice head(s):

Jennifer Smokelin; Ben Patton; Todd Maiden; Megan Haines; Peter Trimarchi


Testimonials

‘Many attorneys over promise and under deliver, but that is not our experience with Reed Smith. They give great customer service, do so timely, and are upfront about when they don’t readily know the answers and need to do some research on an issue or consult a local practitioner. Very refreshing.’

‘We work with Jennifer Smokelin for all environmental questions. What sets them apart is the collaborative relationship between our company and their firm.’

‘They have a expansive breadth of knowledge, not only the subject matter, but also of the industry standards, and the resulting advice is always spot on.’

Work highlights


Sullivan & Worcester LLP

Sullivan & Worcester LLP offers clients considerable expertise in deals in the real estate sector, with a strong track record in real estate investment trust (REIT) transactions. It also handles due diligence on transactions, regulatory matters, land use, zoning and environmental permitting work. The practice is led by Washington DC’s Jeffrey Karp, who is recommended for compliance, and the negotiation of environmental, energy, sustainability and climate-related terms in transactional agreements. In Boston, Victor Baltera  handles regulatory compliance and permitting matters.

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey Karp


Other key lawyers:

Victor Baltera


Key clients

Cronin Holdings LLP


Industrial Logistics Properties Trust (Nasdaq: ILPT)


Manulife US Reit (SGX: BTOU)


FoxRock Properties


Work highlights


  • Representing FoxRock Properties concerning environmental issues related to its pursuit to redevelop a 2.3-acre parcel formerly owned by the City of Quincy into a three-building campus featuring a life sciences/medical office building, hotel, and housing component.

Troutman Pepper

Led by Richmond’s Andrea Wortzel, Troutman Pepper’s environmental and natural resources team is particularly strong in advising on the environmental aspects of real estate transactions and deals in the energy sector. The team also offers ancillary advice in regulatory matters and litigation, and acts for companies, private equity investors and financial institutions on investments and transactions in chemicals, technology, and infrastructure industries. In New York, Andrew Perel offers 30 years’ experience in environmental law, including advising on the environmental aspects of development and redevelopment projects, the remediation of contaminated properties, and compliance matters. Hayden Baker left the firm to join White & Case LLP in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Andrea Wortzel


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Perel


Key clients

Broad Reach Power


Square Mile Capital Management LLC


LMF Commercial


UBS AG


Societe Generale Corporate and Investment Banking


Urban Edge Properties


I Squared Capital


NextEra Energy


Solvay


Earthrise Energy


Work highlights


  • Serving as national environmental counsel to Square Mile Capital Management LLC, handling all environmentally challenged real estate transactions.
  • Advised I Squared Capital on its sale of Cube District Energy, a premier US landfill gas-to-energy platform with eight projects located across the Southeast.
  • Serving as national coordinating environmental counsel for Rialto Mortgage Finance, handling all deal reviews for several portfolio loans with a total value in excess of $1.5bn.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP’s environment, health and safety department is well versed in advising on the ESG aspects of M&A, financing, and commercial real estate development deals. ESG programs, sustainability, policy, and regulatory matters are key areas of focus for the practice, which is led by counsel William Thomas in Washington DC. Thomas acts for companies, financiers, developers, and other enterprises on environmental issues relating to transactions and projects, including risk analysis and compliance, as well as advising on disputes and litigation.

Practice head(s):

William Thomas


Testimonials

‘The highlight of this group is its interest in working with clients in the innovative technology space.’

‘Another highlight is the collaborative nature of the practice group.’

‘William Thomas is a terrific collaborator; he has a wonderful touch with clients and with colleagues.’

‘William Thomas is engaged with the national environmental bar which increases his keen insight into practice trends.’

Key clients

Choice Hotels


Frontline Road Safety


Bonduelle


DigitalBridge Group


FFL Partners


Lakeside Book Company


Resideo Technologies, Inc.


Curtis Instruments


Tenex Capital Management


CMA CGM Group


The Sterling Group and portfolio company Time Manufacturing


Franchise Group


Brookfield Asset Management


PAI Partners


FFL Partners and Two Sigma


Orion Advisor Solutions


Famille C


WebPT


Supergas Energy


New Mountain Capital and DRB


Work highlights