Noted by one client for its ‘client service, creativity, and execution’, Latham & Watkins is home to an experienced litigation team, including practitioners who were previously senior officials in the US Government before joining the practice. New York-based Gary Gengel represents clients in natural resource damage claims. Over in Washington DC, Stacey VanBelleghem is experienced in climate change and air quality matters, having represented clients on greenhouse gas regulations. The two co-lead the practice. Also in DC, Janice M. Schneider has been active as a first-chair litigator at the federal, district, and appellate courts. Over in the Chicago office, Mary Rose Alexander is noted for her work on multi-state, multi-plaintiff litigation for energy, manufacturing, and chemical company clients, while Robin M. Hulshizer chiefly focuses on greenwashing claims and environmental justice-based claims, coupled with experience representing companies before government agencies and in commercial litigation. New York-based Thomas Pearce is another name of note for his work for clients across renewable energy, manufacturing, and chemicals.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Smart and very knowledgeable about the political dynamics and how that may influence regulatory litigation.’
‘Deep knowledge of the statutes we work with most--FIFRA, ESA, TSCA, FFDCA.’
‘Latham & Watkins has the ability to handle the most complex environmental litigation matters, particularly where there are multi-jurisdictional issues at play.’
‘Client service, creativity, and execution are all notable strengths for Latham's environmental litigation practice. Mary Rose Alexander, Janice M. Schneider, and Gary Gengel are particularly notable standouts.’
‘Fabulous set of partners who are attentive to business needs and always responsive. We value their long-term advice. They are unflappable in times of crisis.’
‘Janice M. Schneider - hardest working lawyer in environmental law. Devin O'Connor - behind the scenes superstar. Stacey L. VanBelleghem - reliable, measured, attentive to detail.’
Key clients
- National Coalition for Advanced Transportation (NCAT)
- Ørsted
- The Dow Chemical Company
- Allergan, Inc./AbbVie, Inc.
- Beazer East, Inc. and Astoria Generating Company, L.P.
- Chromalloy Corporation
- Gannett Co., Inc.
- Montrose Chemical
Work highlights
Represents Ørsted in multiple lawsuits involving its Revolution Wind Project, stemming from a federal stop-work order.
Represents Chromalloy Corporation in connection with the Berry’s Creek Study Area (“BCSA”) Superfund Site in New Jersey, with representation of Chromalloy includes the performance of the RI/FS for the site; investigating additional PRPs; negotiating participation levels for PRP group activities; advocating for a de minimis settlement agreement, and defending against National Resources Damages (“NRD”) claims.
Represents The Dow Chemical Company in an action filed by the State of New Jersey, the New Jersey Attorney General, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, among others, in the Superior Court of New Jersey for Mercer County in March 2023.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Gary Gengel; Stacey VanBelleghem
Other key lawyers
Janice M. Schneider; Mary Rose Alexander; Robin M. Hulshizer; Thomas Pearce; Devin O'Connor