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Environment: litigation

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Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

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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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Excellent team, deep knowledge of the practice area and comprehensive engagement with industry affairs.’

  • ‘The Environmental staff at KDW have unmatched knowledge of the Iron and Steel industry, as well as other various sectors of primary metal manufacturing. Regardless of the issue, KDW is able to tap into numerous resources and experts in the federal, state or private sectors.’

  • ‘Staff from Kelly Drye were helpful in providing clear instructions and computer interface that facilitated our compilation and uploading of documents and data for the litigation.’

  • ‘Kelly Drye staff directly responded and provided detailed answers to our questions regarding the progress of the litigation, including the class-action settlements. They also provided clear recommendations to us. Our key attorney contacts were accessible and available when needed.’

  • ‘Excellent subject matter understanding’

  • ‘Very responsive and sensitive to my company's needs.’

Key clients

  • State of Maryland, the Maryland Attorney General, and all Maryland State Agencies
  • Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee (PEC) of the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) MDL
  • Worthington Industries
  • San Diego Unified Port District
  • New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
  • State of Ohio
  • The State of North Carolina
  • The District of Columbia
  • Guam Office of the Attorney General
  • The State of New Hampshire

Work highlights

Representing he State of Maryland and all State Agencies bringing claims for costs and damages suffered by Maryland as a result of the M/V Dali’s allision into the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Representing the State of New Jersey in claims for the investigation and remediation of groundwater, surface waters, and soils and to seek relief and damages associated with impacts to the natural environment and resources of the State, as well the health risks posed to the citizens, for various PFAS matters across the State.

Lawyers

Practice head

Bill Jackson; John Gilmour

Other key lawyers

Kenny Corley