Kelley Drye & Warren LLP has built up a roster of private sector and public entities, turning to the firm for assistance on natural resource damage and contamination cases. The team has recently been active on cases relating to PFAS discharge and contamination. The practice is led from Houston by Bill Jackson and John Gilmour, who are jointly praised for being 'exceptional at clearly and promptly communicating'. Jackson is a key contact for litigation and administrative actions relating to emerging contaminants, while Gilmour is a name of note for public and private clients in matters relating to contaminated sites. Out of Houston, Lana Rowenko represents clients in litigation involving natural resource damages and recovery under federal environmental statutes, while Laura Duncan brings experience as a former trial lawyer at the DoJ's environment and natural resources division.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Bill Jackson is my go-to partner. He is experienced and practical, and also very strategic.
- Kelley Drye is unique in that they can operate very comfortably as a defense firm, but they can also take charge as a plaintiff in environmental matters. Few firms really have this dual personality because they think like a plaintiff and are active on both sides of the issue. They provide excellent insight and are very effective.
Key clients
- The State of Maryland
- AFFF MDL Matters
- The State of Ohio
- The State of New Jersey
- The State of North Carolina
- The District of Columbia
- Guam Office of the Attorney General
- The State of New Hampshire
- San Diego Unified Port District
Work highlights
Secured a $2 billion settlement on behalf of the State of New Jersey.The agreement settles New Jersey’s case against DuPont, Corteva, EIDP, Inc., Chemours, and related companies arising from statewide contamination from PFAS and addresses PFAS and other pollutants released from four historic DuPont sites.
Acted for New Jersey to assert 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, and the health risks to citizens, for various PFAS matters. Kelley Drye assisted the State in issuing a state-wide directive concerning PFAS and filed multiple cases arising from PFAS contamination at various sites across New Jersey.
Serves as special counsel to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in PFAS litigation that has delivered recoveries for the State, helping to secure a series of historic settlements to fund PFAS cleanup and restoration across New Jersey.
Practice head
Bill Jackson; John Gilmour