Natural Resources & Environment: Wisconsin

THE FIRM This Madison-based firm has one of the largest environmental practices in the state. The team advises clients on a range of complex environmental issues, from air regulation to governmental compliance and public policy. It is a also renowned for its litigation practice, recently advising on environmental cleanups and related liability issues, including a range of matters related to the Fox River remediation.

Sources say: "The firm is a one-stop shop for all our environmental law needs."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients value Henry Handzel's "wealth of knowledge in air regulation matters." He represents clients in permitting and enforcement work, and has also been involved in remediation and cleanup matters. Peter Peshek is considered to be "a dean of the Bar" in public policy matters. He has made key contributions to the development of the state's environmental legislation.

THE FIRM This group has a strong reputation for environmental work across the region. It is recognized for its expertise in air regulation, and has recently been representing clients in a range of water and Superfund enforcement and compliance work.

Sources say: "The attorneys are intelligent, efficient and cost-effective."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Linda Benfield chairs the environmental regulation department and "is one of the first names to come to mind" in this practice area. She recently acted for Integrys in the defense of a permit issued to construct a 500 MW coal-fired power plant. Mark Thimke is described as a "major force" in environmental law. He specializes in groundwater remediation, contaminated sediment cleanup and CAA litigation. Key clients include the Wisconsin Public Service and Brunswick. Douglas Clark focuses on energy and natural resources, including hydroelectricity and dam safety matters. He is acting for the Wisconsin Public Service and other participants in a hydropower project. Mike Flanagan enters the rankings this year after receiving strong recommendation from clients. One interviewee says: "He has superb regulatory expertise and always follows up issues in a timely manner." Flanagan advises clients such as Western Industries on auditing, risk assessment, permitting and regulatory compliance.

THE FIRM This established practice has a strong presence in developing areas of environmental law. This has recently included advising clients on issues relating to the threat of invasive species, climate change and alternative energy matters. Clients value the group's business acumen and client-focused approach.

Sources say: "Quarles & Brady has an extraordinarily deep environmental practice and a strong commitment to client service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael McCauley is a "tremendously well-versed" regulatory and enforcement attorney. His client base includes large utilities and manufacturers; he recently represented WE Energies in the construction of a $2.2 billion coal-fired electric-generating facility. Clients recommend Arthur Vogel for his "incredible organization and ability to navigate through complicated legal issues." He is primarily an environmental litigator with a significant focus on cleanups at Superfund sites. He acts as the national practice group chair. Thomas McElligott moves up the rankings this year due to the strength of his water law practice. Interviewees comment that he is "a skilled and knowledgeable attorney who has a keen sense of his client's interests." He recently represented The Lake Carriers Association in vessel permitting matters in the Great Lakes. Clients praise Nancy Peterson's "ability to anticipate and achieve the long-term objectives of a client." She focuses on due diligence, environmental reviews and remediation, and has led the team's representation in the Fox River PCB matters. Peter Tomasi has an "impressive knowledge base" in regulatory and permitting work. He receives wide praise for his representation of large utilities in this area.

THE FIRM This team represents a diverse range of clients including local governments, large energy companies and Native American tribes. It has a diverse range of experience, advising on energy, site remediation and water and air quality issues. The team has also been focusing on developing areas such as climate change and renewable energy. It recently represented the State of Wisconsin in the conversion of a coal-powered plant to a biomass facility.

Sources say: "The lawyers are always thoughtful, detailed and solution-focused in their responses."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients appreciate Arthur Harrington's "incredibly creative legal thinking and candid communicative style." He has been working with clients on the development of cleaner technologies and the redevelopment of industrial sites. A recent highlight was representing the City of Kenosha in its acquisition of the former Chrysler engine plant. John Clancy is the head of the firm's environmental and energy strategies department. He enters the rankings this year, after receiving acclaim for his expertise in climate change and greenhouse gas matters. He recently represented the Forest County Potawatomi Community in CAA matters and the procurement of energy grants.

THE FIRM Michael Best has a strong team of environmental attorneys, many of whom have experience of working at government agencies or in private industry. It advises manufacturing, agribusiness and utility clients on the full range of environmental compliance, lobbying and litigation matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Linda Bochert is a state leader in environmental policy matters. Clients say "she is superb at laying down the issues and their ramifications in a way that is easy to understand." She is a former Department of Natural Resources attorney, and has a wealth of experience in regulatory issues and government enforcement matters. Raymond Krueger is a "tenacious litigator" with a strong renewable energy practice. He has been involved in the development of wind and solar projects in Southwest Wisconsin and has been advising Native American tribes on renewable energy practices. David Crass is described as a "determined attorney, who always represents his clients to a high standard." He has a niche practice advising on agricultural environmental issues, biofuels and renewable energy. Todd Palmer recently joined the group from DeWitt Ross. He is at the forefront of CAA matters and helps clients to develop compliance programs. Interviewees say "he is always up to speed with the latest legal developments." The Wisconsin Paper Council is among his key clients.

THE FIRM The environmental team is recognized for its strong technical expertise in the sector. It advises predominantly small to midsized businesses on environmental audits, due diligence, permitting and remediation matters.

Sources say: "The lawyers are extremely responsive and have a strong presence in the local business community."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John van Lieshout climbs the rankings amid praise for his "deep understanding of developments in the sector." He has a diverse practice and is particularly sought after for condemnation and eminent domain issues. Clients value Donald Gallo's technical background in engineering: "He understands the science as well as the law." His clients include the City of Waukesha and Advanced Waste Services. Interviewees comment that Michael Simpson is "very good at analyzing issues and formulating workable solutions." He advises small businesses on environmental compliance issues, and is an expert on the Green Tier relief program.

THE FIRM Whyte Hirschboeck has a diverse environmental practice, including regulatory compliance, remediation and renewable energy. It advises both international and domestic clients, primarily from the industrial, corporate and real estate sectors. The team has been involved in the Fox River PCB cleanup matter.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients deem former EPA attorney Jennifer Buzecky to be "extremely detail-oriented, thorough and knowledgeable in regulatory matters." She is head of the environmental practice group, and advises on air permitting, renewable generation and government enforcement proceedings. Richard Lewandowski handles environmental cases at state and federal courts around the country. He excels in environmental permitting matters such as water rights, waste disposal and wetland regulation, as well as hazardous waste matters and cleanups.