Headed up by Michael Lichenstein, Lowenstein Sandler LLP is rated for its work on contaminated sites, paired with the firm’s transactional and litigation expertise. The team contains Kegan Brown, a name for the full lifecycle of environmental and product liability regulatory matters.

Widely recognized as market-leading experts on regulatory compliance obligations and the defense of clients in enforcement proceedings, Arnold & Porter‘s environmental practice has a deep bench of individuals with experience in government positions, including the EPA. With expertise in the full gamut of US environmental laws, the firm stands out for its work on regulatory, compliance, and enforcement matters relating to the Clean Air Act. The predominantly Washington DC-based practice is co-steered by Jonathan Martel and Allison Rumsey. Martel is a standout advisor on Clean Air Act regulations and litigation, regularly appearing before the EPA, while Rumsey is chiefly engaged by clients in state and federal regulatory enforcement actions. Ethan Shenkman brings longstanding government experience to his practice at the firm, focusing on climate change policy and regulation. Elsewhere in the DC office, Samuel Pickerill works closely with clients in the energy transition industries, overseeing on the Clean Air Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Colorado’s Sarah Grey is a notable name in energy transition, decarbonization, and climate change policy and regulation, complemented by technical expertise in climate change.

With a deep bench comprising individuals from the EPA, DOJ, and DOD, Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. has established itself as a pre-eminent regulatory practice. This has attracted Fortune 500 multinational companies and US trade associations to the practice, seeking assistance on domestic and international environmental issues. Paul Hagen co-heads the practice from Washington DC, serving as a leading name for multinational corporations and trade associations on market access, global supply chain, and product stewardship. Co-head Allyn Stern sits in the firm’s Seattle office, bringing her background as EPA Regional Counsel to clients seeking support on compliance strategies, government regulations, and solutions to enforcement. Also operating out of the Seattle office is David Weber, having positioned himself as a key advisor on national air quality and climate change issues, and Eric Christensen, who provides guidance to the firm’s energy clients on the legal and regulatory systems governing the energy industry. The team benefits from John Cruden‘s deep knowledge of civil and criminal enforcement. Sitting alongside him in the DC office is Russell LaMotte, who advises clients on product compliance and market-access strategies.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP stands out for its expert knowledge across environmental areas, including air, natural resources, and climate change, among others. The practice maintains a diverse portfolio, including environmental permitting and enforcement actions, supported by a team of attorneys with experience from the EPA, DOT, and FERC. Washington DC-Based Deidre Duncan spearheads the practice, bringing considerable expertise in water and natural resource compliance and permitting, including Clean Water Act authorizations. Working alongside Duncan in the DC office are Kerry McGrath, whose broad knowledge of environmental statutes has positioned her as a key advisor on regulatory proceedings; Chuck Knauss, whose practice sits at the intersection of environmental and energy issues; and Andrew Turner, a leading name in Endangered Species Act matters. Alexandra Hamilton and Brian Levey add further weight to the DC office, with the former an expert in supply chain issues and the latter assisting clients on federal permit matters for development projects. The firm has a strong presence in San Francisco, with the office comprising Samuel Brown, who chiefly focuses on the development and implementation of corporate climate change-related strategies, Shannon Broome, an expert on climate and the Clean Air Act, and Clare Ellis, an active advisor on compliance with the California Air Resources Board emission standards.

Regarded for its ‘knowledge of industry and legal issues’, the environment, land, and resources practice at Latham & Watkins provides assistance to a varied roster of clients on administrative and regulatory proceedings, enforcement, and legislative matters. Gary Gengel co-heads the practice from New York, chiefly focusing on environmental regulatory advice and remediation for clients in the automotive, chemicals, and food manufacturing sectors, having recently been engaged on contaminated property matters. Washington DC’s Stacey L. VanBelleghem co-heads the practice. She is noted for her knowledge in climate change and air quality, paired with experience in project infrastructure and development, administration, petitions, and litigation. With former experience as Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management at the US Department of the Interior, where she covered federal lands and waters, Janice M. Schneider is engaged by clients on carbon capture and storage permitting. Devin O’Connor represents clients on issues involving the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Air Act. Both practice out of the DC office. Hunter Kendrick joined the firm from the EPA in August 2025.

With a coast-to-coast presence, Baker Botts L.L.P. stands out for its strength across energy transition, incident response, environmental litigation, air quality, contaminated sites, and water. In particular, the group’s combined energy and environmental knowledge enables the firm to secure a diverse caseload across CCCS projects, renewable fuels, and water management, among others. Houston’s Scott Janoe spearheads the broader environmental safety & incident response group, taking on a varied caseload that spans permitting, enforcement defense, and crisis management. Scott Elliott, also operating from Houston, is engaged by clients in the chemical and energy industries for assistance on crisis response and industrial accidents. Bringing his experience from the Department of Justice’s environmental division, Washington DC’s Jeff Wood is a name of note for clients seeking assistance with federal enforcement, as well as for compliance and permitting. The Austin office is home to Derek McDonald, who handles permitting for projects and infrastructure, and Paulina Williams, whose practice covers water quality, water rights, waste, and air matters.

Balch & Bingham LLP has maintained a growing presence in the emerging environmental regulation market, focusing primarily on compliance, water quality matters, waste management programs, climate-driven regulation, and emerging issues such as PFAS and chemical permit use. The team in the Birmingham office boasts varied experience in environmental regulatory cases. Grady Moore is a leading compliance practitioner focusing on the Clean Air Act (CAA) rulemaking and permitting, as well as issues linked to energy, wood, chemical, and manufacturing. P. Stephen Gidiere is a leading authority on environmental litigation; Steven A. Burns focuses on counselling a wide range of clientele regarding environmental statutes. From the Washington office, Liz Williamson focuses her practice on air regulation within the Virginia airspace, as well as the environmental implications of state trading.

Bracewell LLP has developed a strong regulatory practice, notable for its coverage of matters across the energy, chemical, waste, and infrastructure sectors. The firm has built an impressive client roster of energy and energy-related companies seeking assistance with matters at the intersection of energy and the environment. The practice is jointly led by Jeffrey Holmstead and Jason Hutt in Washington DC. Holmstead has longstanding experience with the Clean Air Act and climate change, while Hutt possesses a strong grasp of enforcement defense work. Another notable name in the DC office is Ann Navaro, who provides infrastructure developers and companies active in the upstream, pipeline, and renewables sectors, among others, with project advice. Sara Burgin chiefly focuses on permitting, compliance, and enforcement relating to water, whereas Kevin Collins offers a broad practice covering internal investigations and assisting clients on agency management programs. Matt Paulson offers a broad practice across permitting, investigations, crisis response, and compliance, and Timothy Wilkins is an active advisor on environmental compliance audits. All lawyers mentioned are based in Austin, unless otherwise stated.

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 Dammann 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.

The environmental team at Lippes Mathias is well equipped to handle a wide range of regulatory matters, including compliance, advocacy, securing approvals, and a general understanding of U.S environmental legislation, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). From the Washington office, the team is led by Ian A. Shavitz, a specialist in advising clientele regarding environmental and land-use issues, as well as the development of large-scale infrastructure, energy, and commercial projects. Supporting Shavitz from the Rochester office is Amy L. Reichhart, who focuses her practice on site investigation and remediation proceedings regarding brownfield redevelopment ventures, and from the New York office, Berj K. Parseghian, who specialises in environmental litigation and focuses his practice on lawsuits brought forward by local environmental laws.

Home to an experienced team of practitioners, bringing experience from the DoJ and EPA to the Sidley Austin LLP environmental, health, and safety group has allowed the firm to maintain a broad regulatory practice. The team has benefited from the arrival of Jason Mills and Alana Genderson from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in March 2025, strengthening the firm’s OSHA capabilities. Timothy Webster lends his experience to clients on civil and criminal environmental enforcement defense, whereas Justin Savage is recommended for his work for regulated industries, including auto, chemicals, and data centers. Chicago’s Byron Taylor advises clients following environmental incidents, combining this with expertise on the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. The three co-lead the practice, with Webster and Savage operating out of Washington DC, alongside Peter Whitfield, a key contact for environmental issues during the project development process, and compliance and enforcement expert Andrew Stewart. Elsewhere in the DC office, Brittany Bolen counsels clients on federal funding and voluntary programs, while over in Los Angeles, Maureen Gorsen covers enforcement defense and regulatory compliance.

The environmental practice group at DLA Piper LLP (US) is a key point of contact for clients seeking assistance on new contaminations. Washington DC’s Gwendolyn Keyes co-chairs the team, advising businesses, institutional, and organizational clients on environmental policy, compliance planning, and incident response. George Gigounas co-chairs the practice from San Francisco and is a key contact for consumer product issues. The San Francisco office is also home to Caroline Lee, an expert in government enforcement action defense. Adam Baas has left the firm.

Regularly turned to by public bodies and businesses for assistance with environmental issues, Greenberg Traurig is made up of former US government and senior agency representatives, including those at the EPA and DoJ. Acting out of Tampa, David Weinstein is engaged by clients on civil and white-collar toxic tort and environmental litigation. Mining and cement companies turn to Miami’s Kerri Barsh for assistance on wetlands permitting, wellfield compliance, and wetlands mitigation initiatives. Versatile practitioner Steven Russo assists across brownfield redevelopment, permitting, NEPA, and environmental crimes from the New York office.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has maintained a steady presence in emerging environmental issues, engaging in chemical regulation, climate change, and the remediation of contaminated sites. Mark Elliott spearheads the environmental and natural resources group and splits his time between Los Angeles and San Francisco, focusing on issues relating to hazardous materials, soil, water, and air quality. Other key names on the West Coast are San Francisco’s Margaret Rosegay, a seasoned advisor on solid and hazardous waste regulations, and LA’s Michael McDonough, who acts for companies, municipalities, and private entities on air quality regulations. Acting from the Houston and LA offices, Amanda Halter acts for domestic and global industry clients on environmental liability management. Over in Washington DC, Jeffrey Knight is engaged in Clean Air Act regulation matters. Working between the Austin and Houston offices, Ashleigh Myers is recommended for her knowledge of environmental risks and liabilities.

Vinson & Elkins LLP enjoys a reputation for its activity securing and defending permits for development projects on behalf of commercial, industrial, and infrastructure clients. Matthew Dobbins spearheads the practice from Houston and works closely with clients on low-carbon ventures, assisting with permitting issues relating to CCS, negative emission projects, and credits. Elsewhere in the Houston office, Brandon Tuck acts on permits and authorizations for energy, infrastructure, and development projects. Jon Niermann operates out of Austin, taking on environmental permitting challenges and environmental enforcement investigations. Splitting her time between Washington DC and New York, Corinne Snow has a demonstrable track record supporting clients on internal investigations, government investigations, and enforcement actions. Jennifer Cornejo joined the practice from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in March 2025.

The Chicago-based environmental practice at Baker McKenzie is noted for its strength in cross-border environmental issues and challenges for multinational enterprises. Another defining characteristic of the firm is its client roster of Illinois and Midwest-based companies, which the firm advises on the full range of operations. Overseeing the team, John Watson is an experienced advisor to industrial companies regarding environmental risks and liabilities linked to their domestic and international operations. David Hackett is regarded by one client for his ‘decades of experience in this field’, having built up a deep knowledge of domestic and international compliance and environmental projects. Jessica Wicha brings commercial acumen to the fore, advising clients on environmental liability and risk allocation within transactions.

With a strong presence in California, Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP is well positioned to advise clients on the full spectrum of Californian environmental law and litigation. The practice is particularly noted for its strength in brownfield redevelopment, alongside extensive experience in water and air pollution matters and hazardous materials management and enforcement. The team is led by Robert Doty and Andrew Sabey, with the former engaged in contaminated site remediation and brownfield redevelopment, while the latter focuses on land use and real property disputes. Peter Weiner stands out for his work on renewable energy mandates, while Clark Morrison is experienced in habitat conservation planning and natural resource mitigation. All lawyers mentioned are based in San Francisco.

Dentons has a broad environmental offering, allowing the team to advise on domestic and international energy projects, emissions reporting, and remediation, coupled with knowledge of chemical and pesticide regulatory systems. The team is led from Los Angeles by Robert Schuda with a demonstrable track record handling siting, permitting, and environmental review for energy producers. Out of Salt Lake City, Bradley Cahoon is sought out by mining, energy, and manufacturing clients, among others, for assistance on environmental risk management. Also in Salt Lake City, Cole Crowther takes point on land use, and Tyler Cahoon handles land use and water rights.

K&L Gates‘s environmental practice is well equipped to advise clients on a varied portfolio of environmental and natural resources matters. The firm is active in state and federal regulation of, inter alia, air, wetlands, and mining. Acting out of Newark, Brian Montag is sought by clients in the industries and manufacturing sectors for assistance on regulatory, enforcement, and litigation mandates. Harrisburg-based Craig Wilson receives a varied stream of work on energy project development, environmental permitting, and natural gas operations. The pair jointly head the practice.

Well equipped to advise on Prop 65 chemicals, Morrison Foerster regularly handles regulatory enforcement defense and compliance counseling, with particular knowledge on hazardous waste management, government reporting obligations, and enforcement actions brought by a number of departments. The practice is headed up by San Francisco-based duo William Tarantino and Susan Mac Cormac. Tarantino is engaged by clients in connection with their climate-related goals and claims, assisting clients with avoiding greenwashing. Cormac is a go-to for social enterprises, impact investors, and both public and private companies on ESG mandates.

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s environmental practice is regularly turned to by clients across sectors, including energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, and chemicals, for assistance across the full spectrum of regulation. Co-heading the environmental and mass tort group alongside Brett Young, Scott Burton splits his practice between Los Angeles and Washington DC, covering government enforcement regulations and contaminated site remediation. Eddie Lewis, of the Houston office, co-heads the energy, infrastructure, and resources practice and supports clients in major industrial incidents. LA’s Hubert Lee adds broad expertise in key environmental statutes to the practice, acting on government investigations, permit challenges, and providing regulatory counselling.

Reed Smith LLP‘s environmental, health, and safety department assists domestic and international clients across a varied practice. Notably, the firm’s climate change-focused team covers emissions trading, carbon disclosure, and emission-reduction projects. Jennifer Smokelin provides support to her clients on the impact of current and emerging energy issues, organizational risk management, and climate change projects, and Megan Haines represents energy, manufacturing, and construction companies on environmental contamination, permit appeals, and compliance orders. The two are based in Pittsburgh and head up the practice alongside Houston-based Benjamin Patton, whose practice spans the full environmental, health, and safety arena, having acted on internal investigations, compliance assurance, and crisis response.

Squire Patton Boggs‘ environmental, safety, and health department has a diverse client roster covering the mining, chemical manufacturing, and infrastructure industries, among others. An area of particular activity for the firm is on crisis management following disasters and in post-accident investigations, evidence, and document collection. The practice is headed up by Peter Gould from Denver, who is regularly engaged by a variety of clients on crisis management, government investigations, and administrative law in the chemicals, energy, and natural resources sectors, among others. Other key practitioners in Denver include Keith Bradley, a name of note for challenges to regulatory policy, and Carolyn McIntosh, who takes point on federal land use approvals and renewable energy matters. In the Cleveland office, Douglas McWilliams is an expert for issues regarding the Clean Air Act and Allen Kacenjar is a specialist in risk management counseling.

With practitioners across the US, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP is positioned to advise a varied clientele list on a broad remit of regulatory mandates, spanning from the securing and defending of permits to enforcement defense. Richmond-based practice head Andrea Wortzel works closely with clients on water quality, water quantity, and endangered species issues. James Beers takes point on compliance and permitting issues for manufacturing industries from the Washington DC office, which is also home to Emily Huggins Jones, who adds knowledge at the intersection of maritime and environmental matters to the team, and Josh Kaplowitz, who lends his experience in offshore wind and renewable energy to clients on clean energy infrastructure projects. San Francisco’s Shawn Zovod adds a wealth of knowledge to the practice across the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Historic Preservation Act, among other areas, whereas Houston-based Benjamin Cowan is noted for his work related to the Endangered Species Act.

Regarded for its ‘blend of knowledge, agency experience and real‑time policy tracking’, Wiley Rein LLP is positioned as a first port of call for clients in the battery and electronics industry, advising on environmental, safety, and EPR requirements. Tracy Heinzman heads up the Washington DC practice, acting for regulated consumer product clients on the development of product defense strategies. Martha Marrapese is engaged on matters relating to chemical control under the Toxic Substances Control Act, while Jennifer Giblin‘s broad practice extends to PFAS and hazardous material transportation regulations. Hume Ross is noted for his work on the Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.