Environmental Law
Our environmental law attorneys focus on a broad range of legal issues involving the environment, natural resources, and regulations that protect water, land, and wildlife. We help our clients navigate the complex regulatory frameworks at the local, state, and national levels.
Regulatory Compliance- Advising clients on environmental laws:
Permitting and licensing:
Litigation and Dispute Resolution-
>Defending or prosecuting environmental violations: Attorneys represent clients in lawsuits involving environmental issues. They may defend companies accused of violating environmental regulations or represent government agencies or environmental groups seeking to enforce environmental laws.
>Contaminated property disputes: They work on disputes involving polluted land, often dealing with cleanup responsibilities, liability for contamination, and remediation costs under laws like the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or “Superfund”).
>Water rights disputes: Environmental attorneys are involved in legal disputes over water rights, including groundwater and surface water usage, access, and contamination. This includes working on specific rights like Type 2 non-irrigation water rights.
>Environmental impact assessments: Attorneys review and help clients prepare Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) or Environmental Assessments (EA) for projects that may significantly affect the environment, as required by laws like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
>Endangered species protection: They handle cases involving the protection of endangered or threatened species under laws such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This can include disputes over land use that might harm critical habitats or populations.
Pollution Control and Remediation
>Air and water pollution cases: Attorneys handle disputes and compliance matters related to air and water pollution under laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. They may represent companies in securing pollution control permits or defend them in enforcement actions.
>Toxic waste management: Environmental attorneys work on cases involving the disposal and cleanup of hazardous waste, ensuring compliance with regulations like the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
>Litigation Defense: We represent companies and organizations in defense of bringing lawsuits.
>Advising companies on sustainability initiatives: Environmental attorneys may work with companies to help them implement sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact, ensuring they comply with environmental laws while meeting corporate social responsibility goals.
Environmental law attorneys may work in private practice, government agencies (like the Environmental Protection Agency or state environmental departments), NGOs, or as in-house counsel for corporations. Their work is vital for ensuring compliance with laws that protect natural resources and public health, as well as for balancing development with environmental stewardship.