Steered by the Manchester-based national environmental, safety and health (ESH) head Rob Elvin, Squire Patton Boggs possesses considerable strength in the West Midlands, advising on the full gamut of non-contentious environmental and associated regulatory matters for a multifarious clientele. Environmental toxicology expert David Gordon regularly deals with various statutory authorities when negotiating environmental liabilities and enforcement actions, including UK Contaminated Land Regime-governed issues. Legal director Anita Lloyd is praised for the depth of her expertise in environmental and sustainability matters, working with various manufacturers and waste management operators on permitting and product compliance. ‘Extremely knowledegable‘ senior associate Robert Biddlecombe focuses on ESH challenges in the facilities management arena. Caroline Almond is noted for her expertise in water law, ranging from pollution to riparian water rights. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Roundly praised by clients for its capabilities in complex environmental investigations and ESH matters, Gateley Legal‘s regulatory and business defence team is routinely sought out by numerous blue-chip corporates with significant operations in the region. National practice head Ruth Armstrong is regarded as one of the stand-out practitioners in the space, advising various FTSE 100 and 250 companies on the full scope of regulatory concerns, ranging from post-incident investigations to criminal proceedings. Solicitor advocate Chris Grainger is highly experienced in health and safety litigation, working with private and public sector bodies on cases before both the Magistrates and Crown Court. Senior associate Kate Oliver‘s broad regulatory expertise sees her working with various businesses and individuals on cases before the Coroners Courts and Criminal Courts. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Noted for its strong cross-office collaboration, DWF is sought out by an impressive roster of blue-chip corporate clients and public bodies for its wide-ranging expertise in environmental regulatory frameworks, and associated contentious matters. Seasoned practice chair David Egan specialises in the latter, defending various businesses in proceedings brought by regulators and local authorities. Senior associate Simon Naylor focuses on regulatory investigations and environmental liabilities issues, supporting major government departments with complex energy projects and potential pollution concerns. Associate Prem Thakor, who re-joined the practice in February 2021 after a period at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, is noted for his capabilities in private prosecutions. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.