The Function of Environmental Law Firms
In the heart of every environmental movement, be it a local cleanup, a national advocacy campaign, or international policy, you are likely to find a team of dedicated environmental attorneys with specific, and often deep, knowledge of the relevant legal and factual issues involved. Environmental law firms not only work closely with governments and corporations, but also engage in significant advocacy efforts as well. Some environmental firms may work directly for a corporate client, defending them from EPA enforcement activities, assisting with site cleanup programs, or conducting internal audits. Other firms may represent governments, either helping them with compliance obligations or assisting in creating new policy. Environmental law firms also advocate for environmental and public health through representing non-profit organizations and citizens groups challenging permits or enforcing existing environmental laws. Simply put , there are not many who offer the services provided environmental law firms. Through their diverse array of work and extensive range of expertise, these firms play a pivotal role in the protection of the environment. Environmental law firms are critical for those who would rather not pay the penalties for regulatory violations, or for those who have suffered harm from the actions of others. They are located across the United States and around the world. Few who have watched the news have not encountered an environmental lawyer working to protect the environment. Environmental issues are present in every state and nation. The need for environmental law firms will persist for the foreseeable future.
How Top Environmental Law Firms Are Ranked
The rankings of top environmental law firms take into account a variety of factors that are critical to the selection of a leading firm in this specialized area of legal expertise. First and foremost, the depth and breadth of experience in the firm’s environmental practice group is considered. This includes the firm’s experience working both in litigation and with public agencies to resolve issues in a timely manner, as well as its track record in representing a wide range of clients from different industry sectors. The firm’s approach to alternative dispute resolution and its ability to find creative solutions to environmental problems is also a factor, in addition to the firm’s public policy and legislative capabilities. The firm’s long-term success in this area of practice is assessed in order to provide clients and prospective clients with confidence that their matters are being handled by knowledgeable professionals with a sustained record of attainment. A firm’s investment in future environmental law efforts is also considered, including the depth and breadth of its professional continue education programs, as well as the participation and leadership of partner-level attorneys in relevant legal and regulatory committees and organizations.
Notable Environmental Law Firms
With a robust and diversified practice supporting both public and private sector clients, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman has long been one of the nation’s top-rated environmental law firms. The firm advised on high-profile matters relating to the 1999 construction of the high-speed rail project in Japan, is active with regards to the Atomic Energy Act, and counsels Tokyo Electric Power and Chubu Electric Power on nuclear power licensing and regulatory matters. It also represents multinational corporations and trade associations on carbon emissions, climate and energy policy, emissions trading, deregulation, transaction advisory services and due diligence, project management and more.
One of the largest full-service law firms in the world, Holland & Knight has an industry-leading environmental law practice that focuses on major industrials, real estate and land use, manufacturing, health care, chemicals, hospitality, energy and natural resources as well as financial institutions, including lending and fund investment. It is well-versed in the array of federal, state and local issues relating to brownfields redevelopment, solid and hazardous waste, remediation and Superfund, permitting, mining, retail and distribution centers, recycling, wetlands and more.
Joining Holland & Knight in the top tier of environmental law firms is Atlanta-based King & Spalding, which represents energy and industrial clients across a range of environmental matters. It focusing on environmental, chemical and toxic tort matters, as well as transactional, regulatory and enforcement issues. Its clients have included Georgia Power, Kraft Foods Global, 3M and Gulf Power Company on matters ranging from Superfund-related litigation to air and water quality issues.
Limitations of Environmental Law Firms
As leading green advocacy organizations go head to head in the courtroom, one of the most critical issues they face, and which has far-reaching implications, is the complex, shifting regulatory landscape. The regulatory landscape is often changing not only on the national level but in some cases the state level as well . Additionally, as a result of long-term commitment to green policies, environmental law firms are facing a backlash from large corporations. Public policy changes are a persistent challenge for environmental law firms, but rarely do they face more difficult circumstances than with public policy shift such as the United States pulling out of the Paris Agreement. Environmental law firms must also grapple with cross-border environmental issues.
The Future of Environmental Law
The top environmental law firms are positioning themselves at the forefront of legal advocacy for some of the biggest biological and geoclimatic changes of the century. As people become more aware of the human impact on the natural environment, the need for legal professionals to advise on environmental compliance, infrastructure investment and policy development will continue to grow.
While the reshaping of environmental policy under the Trump administration seems at odds with contemporary movement towards a carbon neutral global economy, the reality remains nonnegotiable. Just this year, lawmakers around the world pledged to reduce carbon emissions to meet the 2°C target established by The Paris Agreement. The experience environmental law firms are gaining now in the ever-expanding market of climate change litigation will be invaluable to future advocates. Localized environmental groups and activists are pushing governments, NGOs and corporations alike towards compliance with global heath objectives. Experts note that „climate change litigation is not going to go away", neither will need for expert environmental law firms.
Biodiversity protection is another expensive and difficult matter facing home and business owners in an era of immense infrastructural strain. Environmental law firms can provide guidance on regional, national and international environmental legislation and help clients navigate complex permit processes. Environmental law firms have broad experience across the industry and can provide links to important professionals in the field as needed.
International and transnational environmental policy will be another area of significant growth for top environmental law firms. The harmonization of environmental laws across multiple jurisdictions is an increasing source of litigation and legal disputes. Further, changes in international policy affect the risk environment of physical and virtual investment infinitely. While some companies still see sustainability and "green" initiatives as a risk, more and more companies are recognizing their significance as profitable legal investment. Enviromental law firms have the expertise to help you understand the future of your investments and build policies of environmental integrity.
How To Pick the Best Environmental Law Firm
When choosing an environmental law firm, one should consider a range of factors that can align with the complexity and specifications of their legal needs. Different individuals and organizations in their respective sectors may require highly specialized expertise in a particular environmental issue, while others may need comprehensive counsel across multiple facets of environmental law. As such, the selection process for the right environmental law firm should be driven by a combination of the individual’s or organization’s particular circumstances, short- and long-term goals, and the complexity of the legal issues involved.
Expertise and experience in specific areas of environmental law are key considerations in the hiring process. Whether a firm has expertise in air and water quality regulations, renewable energy, waste management or federal, state, and local environmental laws, a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape is essential to provide sound guidance. Clients should also inquire about the firm’s litigation and advocacy experience in their area of concern . Some firms invest heavily in litigation in order to push environmental issues onto the national stage as part of broader environmental advocacy efforts, while others focus on attempting to avoid court intervention through negotiations, settlements, or other objectives that will help to forge a constructive resolution. Each approach has its own merits and is driven by the client’s preference and viewpoint. Experience in navigating the many federal, state, and local agencies that wield jurisdiction over environmental law issues in different parts of the country and the ability to communicate directly with agency professionals may be critical to one’s particular situation.
Ultimately, there is no "one size fits all" solution for individuals and organizations seeking the right environmental law firm. Individual preferences and viewpoints vary widely, which is why finding the right fit means matching one’s particular needs with the experience of the environmental law firm candidates being considered.