DLA Piper LLP (US) adopts a cross-disciplinary approach, working with housing litigators, regulatory, and transactional lawyers, among others, to assist clients. The firm is noted for its expertise in emerging environmental risks, handling new contaminants such as PFAS, microplastics, and tire chemistry. In San Francisco, George Gigounas excels in sediment remediation cases, paired with expertise in cases concerning consumer product issues. Over in Washington DC, Gwendolyn Keyes advises clients on the litigation and regulatory risk of permit issues, worker safety, and emerging contaminants. The two co-head the practice. Adam Baas, based in San Francisco, brings further expertise in PFAS to the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is proactive, and their work product is top-notch. ’
‘George Gigounas and Caroline Lee are proactive, detail-oriented, well-organized, and on top of that, they are pleasant and wonderful to work with.’
Key clients
- BAE Systems Ship Repair
- Baker Commodities, Inc.
- BASF Corporation
- Wild Planet Foods, Inc.
- Danone North America, Danone Waters of America
- Hankook Tire America Corp., Kumho Tire U.S.A., Inc., Michelin North America, Inc.
- Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- Pfizer Inc.
- Sanofi Inc.
- Environmental Law Institute
- Personal Care Products Council (PCPC)
Work highlights
Represents three defendants, leaders in the tire industry, Michelin, Hankook, and Kumho, in litigation involving the use of the Endangered Species Act to target the entire tire industry over the alleged environmental impacts of 6PPD.
Representing BASF, the world's largest chemical producer, defending against an expansive and influential nationwide coordinated proceeding.
Successfully represented Personal Care Product Council (PCPC after challenging, on First Amendment grounds, the Proposition 65 listing and warning mandate for exposure to titanium dioxide (TiO₂).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Gwendolyn Keyes
Practice head
George Gigounas; Gwendolyn Keyes
Other key lawyers
Adam Baas; Caroline Lee