Having developed a broad environmental practice, King & Spalding draws from its knowledge of EPA and state agency practices to position itself as an active advisor to clients in enforcement defense. The group’s offering also extends to site permitting and compliance, including site investigations and issues arising from construction and expansion. Ilana Saltzbart is a key contact at the firm for enforcement defense, acting on matters at the federal and state levels. Granta Nakayama assists clients with environmental regulations related to emissions management, while Los Angeles-based Peter Hsiao adds further depth to the practice with his science background, which he lends to clients on natural resource issues. Karl Heisler operates out of Chicago and is an expert in enforcement defense and workplace safety incidents, and Austin’s Amina Damman is a key contact for regulatory matters relating to renewable fuel. Bill Sauers is another key name at the firm, having recently been active in Clean Air Act enforcement matters. All lawyers mentioned are based in Washington DC, unless otherwise stated.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Volkswagen AG
- Chevron
- Stellantis (Formerly FCA US LLC and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV) and various subsidiaries
- Mattel
- Walmart
- Neste
- The Scott's Company
- Shell Oil Company
- Meyer Distributing
- COBB Tuning Products, LLC
Work highlights
Represented the State of New Jersey in a high-profile NEPA case, successfully obtaining partial summary judgment against the Federal Highway Administration for its flawed environmental impact review of the New York City Congestion Pricing Program, with ongoing litigation potentially affecting the program’s future implementation and billions in public financing.
Advising VW on the largest ever Clean Air Act enforcement case andFCA, now Stellantis, one of the “big three” automakers in the US, regarding allegations that FCA US LLC equipped its 3.0L diesel vehicles with defeat devices and undisclosed alternative emissions control strategies.
Achieved a favorable settlement for COBB Tuning Products in a mobile source case arising out of EPA's National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives for "Stopping Aftermarket Defeat Devices for Vehicles and Engines."
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Ilana Saltzbart
Other key lawyers
Joseph Eisert; Cynthia Stroman; Randy Butterfield; Bill Sauers; Arlene Hennessey; Granta Nakayama; Peter Hsiao; Karl Heisler; Amina Damman; Bill Sauers