Next Generation Partners

Environment in West Midlands

Squire Patton Boggs

With an integrated environment, safety and health group, Squire Patton Boggs offers specialised environmental legislative, regulatory and enforcement advice. The firm has also advised an increasing number of clients on ESG-related issues, including risk and compliance, as well as expanding its chemical regulation expertise. The Birmingham practice, spearheaded by Dave Gordon, works closely with the firm’s Manchester office, which is led by Rob Elvin, who specialises in health, safety and environmental law, with a particular focus on energy and heavy industry. Gordon, who has a doctorate in environmental toxicology, is recognised for his environmental compliance, sustainability and statutory authority advice. Anita Lloyd, a legal director, is noted for her environmental and sustainability experience, covering waste permits, product compliance and chemical regulations. Senior associate Caroline Almond is another key name to note in the Birmingham practice.

Practice head(s):

Rob Elvin; Dave Gordon


Other key lawyers:

Caroline Almond; Anita Lloyd


Key clients

ZF Friedrichshafen


Olin Corporation


Hackman Capital


Taylor Wimpey


Michelman Inc


Zippo Manufacturing Company


Owens Corning


Avery Dennison


Essity


Kobayashi


Baxter International Inc


Braskem Netherlands BV


McBride Plc


St Francis Group


Berry Global


Eden Springs


EDF


Work highlights


  • Regularly advising Olin Corporation on REACH, in particular advice to facilitate the transfer of the chlorinated solvent division from Olin to SafeChem.
  • Undertaking a review and renegotiation of Environment Agency bonds and security arrangements nationally for Taylor Wimpey.
  • Advising a global healthcare company on a wide range of environmental and chemical regulatory matters relating to EU and UK operations, including authorisation requirements under REACH, RoHS exemptions and waste shipment.

Gateley Legal

The regulatory and business defence group at Gateley Legal is well regarded for its capacity to handle high-profile investigations, particularly relating to serious pollution, and trials at both the Magistrates' Court and Crown Court. The practice is spearheaded by Ruth Armstrong, who is recognised for her environmental regulatory experience, evidenced by her engagement in matters involving the Environment Agency and local authority EHO teams. Legal director Kate Oliver specialises in defending clients in environmental investigations and subsequent prosecutions involving an array of regulatory bodies.

Practice head(s):

Ruth Armstrong


Other key lawyers:

Kate Oliver


Key clients

Taylor Wimpey Plc


Bellway Homes Plc


Vistry Group


Croudace Homes


Donald Ward Limitd


Clearaway Limited


DCC Plc


Certas Energy UK Limited


United Molasses Group


Story Homes


Dr. Oetker (UK) Limited


BioMarsh Environmental Ltd


Grupo Bimbo UK Limited


Samworth Brothers


Countrywide Properties


Work highlights


  • Advising a number of FTSE 100/250 developers on their environmental obligations across constructions sites, and providing crisis management support and criminal defence support,
  • Acting for the lead consortium developer prosecuted for failing to manage silt issues in surface water run-off for its own activities and the activities of another consortium member.
  • Acting for a waste producer concerning 37,000 tonnes of material deposited illegally at a brownfield location, managing the EA investigation and remediation process.

DLA Piper

Led by Teresa Hitchcock, DLA Piper has a strong presence in environmental litigation and legislation, focusing on compliance, environmental approvals, waste management, recycling and transportation of dangerous goods. The firm also boasts specialist climate change, emissions and product stewardship teams. Hitchcock, who is based in Sheffield and Birmingham, is noted for her expertise in contaminated land, nuisance disputes and regeneration projects. Senior associate Taryn Jones has broad experience including chemical legislation, UK and EU regime compliance and contaminated land issues.











Practice head(s):

Teresa Hitchcock


Other key lawyers:

Taryn Jones


Key clients

Tokyo Electron Europe Ltd


Work highlights


  • Acted for Tokyo Electron Europe on a multi-jurisdictional project regarding packaging laws and the extent to which the business will be impacted by these moving forward.
  • Provided a horizon scanning tracker to Tokyo Electron Europe, covering EHS issues such as climate related disclosures, and packaging EPR.