Environment: District of Columbia

THE FIRM This thriving practice combines environmental regulatory and science expertise with strong litigation skills, offering assistance in CAA, NEPA and RCRA enforcement matters as well as major litigation. The team is widely cited and applauded for its ongoing representation of BP in matters relating to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Sources say: "They are an absolute joy to work with. Their collegiality, a hallmark of the firm, makes a very good impression on everyone they work with. They build excellent relationships across the board." "The quality of work is excellent and the culture of the firm is more relaxed and more modern than at other firms; it's more closely aligned with what companies are today."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joel Gross is "creative as well as deeply expert in all kinds of environmental matters," according to admiring clients. He is especially skilled in environmental enforcement matters relating to clean air, water and hazardous waste. As a former DOJ attorney, he is "highly influential," and offers both a "wealth of relationships and an immense reservoir of respect at the Department." He leads on the representation of BP regarding enforcement actions.

Blake Biles is a distinguished chemical regulations attorney and has recently acted as counsel to Momentive Specialty Chemicals, a leading formaldehyde producer, regarding the assessment of the alleged association between formaldehyde and myeloid leukemia. Clients say he is "very bottom line-oriented" and admire him for being "a true leader" in the area of toxic tort: "He knows the technical issues inside out and he knows how the EPA will react."

Thomas Milch is firm chairman and has overarching responsibility for the BP representation. He is both "a brilliant environmental attorney" and "an extraordinary person," and earns huge respect from clients for being "brilliant at advocating without being disagreeable."

Clients say of Les Sotsky that "in a complex litigation with a lot of people and interests, he is good at forming coalitions." He is also "extremely knowledgeable, very levelheaded and able to give unvarnished advice." He leads the firm's relationship with phosphate mining and fertilizer producer The Mosaic Company, advising on regulatory, litigation and permitting issues.

Air and climate change lawyer Jonathan Martel enters the rankings following widespread market recognition. One source describes him as "a bright guy who does well by his clients."

THE FIRM This preeminent environmental team is involved in everything from legislation to litigation and represents major utility associations like the Utility Water Act Group and Utility Air Regulatory Group (UARG). It has a particularly prominent practice defending utilities against claims that their gas emissions contribute to climate change. The team also does pro bono work for environmental nonprofit organizations, assisting them with legal procedures and land conservation programs.

Sources say: "Incredibly consistent, detail-oriented with great follow-through. They provide great legal advice every step of the way. Very responsive and committed."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrea Bear Field has a busy practice representing utilities and utility groups, including UARG, in clean air permitting and enforcement matters and federal rulemaking procedures. "She knows how to handle difficult situations," according to clients.

William Wehrum is an "outstanding clean air lawyer" noted for his chemical engineering background and for having served two years as acting assistant administrator for air and radiation at the EPA. His clients include the American Petroleum Institute, which he represents in judicial and administrative hearings as well as in ongoing legislative matters.

William Brownell, head of the firm's administrative law team, is another strong air and climate change lawyer. He handles both regulation and litigation and has been involved in numerous precedent-setting cases regarding the impact of electric utilities on climate change. "He is incredibly wise and an incredible communicator and negotiator - a great visionary."

Virginia Albrecht is an expert in the natural resources side of environmental law, with a focus on clean water, endangered species and NEPA. Among her other work, she recently represented a coalition of trade associations in relation to CWA regulatory and rulemaking matters.

Henry Nickel has built an outstanding reputation for his representation of power companies in clean air matters over many years of practice. He is a pillar of the practice, and clients view him as "one of the top five air lawyers for utilities in the country."

Head of the federal government relations team Joe Stanko is a "very smart guy who understands the issues and is willing to do his homework to achieve what he needs to." His policy-focused practice encompasses climate change, renewables and energy, among other things. "He is very comprehensive in his coverage and has excellent contacts, which is important."

THE FIRM This leading environmental law practice offers clients a broad range of expertise, advising on CERCLA, CAA and CWA matters and providing counsel and advocacy in mass torts and criminal investigations. It has been especially prolific representing manufacturing trade associations and power utilities in matters relating to climate change, and recently represented American Electric Power and other utilities in the AEP v Connecticut case, which reached the Supreme Court. The case resulted in the landmark ruling that the CAA supersedes any right to seek curtailment of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants through common law.

Sources say: "The quality of their work and advice is high - and they have a good grip on the common-sense/business side of the analysis as opposed to just the legal issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to his peers, in the area of civil and criminal enforcement, "no one has as much knowledge of the issues and history of those issues as" David Buente. He has recently handled climate change nuisance cases and provided counsel to the Alaska Pipeline Project in connection with approvals, environmental impact reports and regulatory issues.

Christopher Bell is an expert in hazardous waste regulations as well as a representative for US industrial interests in relation to nanotechnology. Among other things, he has been busy negotiating the development of global standards for nanotechnology at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). "My experience with him has been excellent," said a source. "He's very knowledgeable and creative in his problem-solving skills and very responsive as well."

Angus Macbeth enjoys a high degree of respect from his peers for being a "pioneer in the field." He has been involved in remediation work for GE regarding polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) present in the Hudson and Housatonic Rivers.

Roger Martella is "as good as they come," according to sources, who highlight his "quality in terms of substance and relationships in Washington, DC." He is part of the team providing counsel and representation to a major California water district on CWA issues.

Timothy Webster is a noted air and climate change lawyer who peers say is "making a good run." He has also been busy on behalf of Coronet Industries in a mass tort arising from alleged exposure to chemicals from historic phosphate mining.  

Samuel Gutter is an expert on mobile sources of emissions, such as cars and trucks, as well as hazardous materials and general site cleanup. On the mobile sources front, he has advised vehicle and other manufacturers on compliance with Title II of the CAA. "He is an excellent practitioner."

James Bieke recently joined the firm from Goodwin Procter. He is an expert in CERCLA, RCRA, Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and other contamination-related law.

THE FIRM This environmental practice benefits from the firm's strong ties to the energy and chemical industries. Among other things, the team is engaged in air regulatory matters and judicial challenges, as well as toxic tort and Superfund cost recovery actions, and has recently been acting on behalf of ExxonMobil in a reimbursement claim against the federal government. The practice is at the forefront of industry developments and has also been active recently on behalf of an energy company in regulatory and legislative developments relating to hydraulic fracturing.

Sources say: "The work is highly commendable and it is always done on time or before we anticipate."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Bumpers is very active on CAA and climate change matters, and recently was successful in a representation on behalf of Portland General Electric in an action brought by the Sierra Club and other environmental groups. Clients comment on his "long history and knowledge of case law and precedent," and remark further that he is "realistic and not afraid to tell you if you are going down a path that isn't going to work."

Thomas Jackson has an energy slant to his practice, handling cases that involve, for example, the impact of the Endangered Species Act on renewable energy development or the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing. Clients say that he is "a very cerebral person and a great person to give something to contemplate, to help come up with a creative idea."

Debra Jezouit is an expert in counseling power generating companies on CAA regulations and their impact on operations. Clients note she is "very productive, quick at turning things around, very responsive and also very smart."

THE FIRM This environmental boutique operates at the vanguard of environmental legislation and regulation and has been active on behalf of trade associations in developing positions on the reform of TSCA. In addition, the firm's strong team of litigators is called upon to defend citizen suits alleging contamination and liability. The firm's impressive resume of negotiating and participating in international treaties ensures it is a trusted source of counsel to notable clients such as Chevron, Anadarko and the American Chemistry Council.

Sources say: "It has lived up to its reputation as being one of the top environmental law firms in DC."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice chair Karl Bourdeau is highly regarded for his expert knowledge of both the RCRA and Superfund, and recently successfully defended a suit brought against Chevron for alleged RCRA violations. Clients say he is "very professional, very knowledgeable and a nice person to work with."

The "creative and knowledgeable" Paul Hagen "has unparalleled experience and expertise in international environmental issues," and provides multinationals in the pharmaceutical, chemical and electronics industries with advice on regulations and market access both nationally and internationally. He has recently been acting on behalf of the US electronics industry in regards to PACE, a group set up under the Basel Convention to develop guidelines for the refurbishment and recycling of computers.

John Hanson is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer and is especially adept in complex Superfund damage claims litigation. Peers describe him as a "seasoned practitioner with good judgment."

THE FIRM This environmental practice works with its commercial and white-collar criminal litigation teams to tackle all manner of claims and enforcement matters. The firm is involved in high-profile matters and defends a key party in the Deepwater Horizon matter. It has also been participating in federal and state-level discussions on hydraulic fracturing. Among its clients are some of the largest oil and gas producing and servicing companies in the world.

Sources say: "They are extremely knowledgeable, and have good connections with regulators and good understanding of how our agency action and legislative actions works."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Holmstead, a former assistant administrator for air and radiation at the EPA, is an expert on clean air and emissions, and the team's go-to guy for regulatory and policy matters within this field. His recent work highlights include the successful representation of Macquarie Cook Power in a 'deadline suit' brought against the EPA alleging failure to issue a permit for a natural gas power plant.

Scott Segal has an active government relations and lobbying practice, and recently has been representing a coalition of businesses involved in shallow-water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. He is commended by clients for his "good knowledge of the chemical industry when negotiating with the EPA" and for being "very creative and innovative in finding solutions to problems."

Lisa Jaeger has a specialty in administrative law, advising industrial clients on air and other regulations and representing them in proceedings before the regulatory agencies.

THE FIRM This firm has a noted natural resources group that combines the substantive knowledge of its attorneys, many of whom have backgrounds in government, with extensive experience in litigation and regulatory matters. It also assists clients, which include energy, mining and manufacturing companies and associations, with federal policy and rulemaking representations. The firm has recently been representing clients in connection with the EPA's regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under CAA. 

Sources say: "The quality of work product is very high. It's a collegial group: less competitive among itself, more team-oriented."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Menotti focuses on chemicals and is experienced in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), TSCA and other related statutes, and recently undertook a precedent-setting case on behalf of Nalco in which he gained an emergency judicial intervention in a FIFRA enforcement. He is "a good guy and a smart lawyer," according to sources.

Chet Thompson brings his experience in CAA, RCRA and CERCLA when offering regulatory and litigation services to clients. Recently, he was called upon to represent GE Capital in a CAA enforcement action brought against one of its power generating stations. "He is very effective and understands not just how the agency works but also how administrations work when they make regulatory decisions," said a source.

Richard Schwartz is highly regarded among peers for his work in the mining industry and for his expertise in clean water, clean air, resource conservation and Superfund matters. Recently, he has been representing Chevron Mining against damage claims brought under CERCLA. Sources say he is a "top-flight lawyer: an excellent litigator, strategically minded and has a wonderful manner admired by clients and opposing counsel."

THE FIRM This firm is engaged in high-profile and often precedent-setting work, which recently has included securing an air permit on behalf of investment firm Leucadia to develop one of the first coal to synthetic natural gas plants. It has also been defending the State of Florida in the ongoing 'water wars' litigation. Offering breadth and depth, as well as lawyers with backgrounds in government agencies, the firm attracts notable clients that include large energy and renewable energy producers, international and state governments, and vehicle and chemical manufacturers.

Sources say: "Bottom line, we got the result we wanted, so it was excellent. It was a very technical subject and the firm did an extremely good job at getting to that level. There were also numerous political connections they could call on - multiple inroads to the EPA."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Patrick Raher is a preeminent CAA lawyer and an appointed member of the EPA's CAA advisory committee. An expert presenting before legislative committees, courts and governmental agencies, he is currently advising Leucadia in the permitting matter mentioned above.

Jim Banks is cited by peers as "a significant person in the field" - particularly in CWA matters. In addition to playing a central role in the water wars litigation, he also represents the State of Florida in litigation relating to the effort to restore the Everglades.

Ken Kastner is "superlative in the RCRA space," according to sources, who contend that "if there were a complex RCRA matter, you would be completely assured that, in going to him, you would get excellent advice and counsel." He recently represented a manufacturer in connection with consent orders arising from the contamination of drinking water.

Patrick Traylor has experience in representing large energy companies and focuses on Clean Air Act work. Currently, he is representing a coal mining company in connection with claims brought by NGOs and environmental organizations under various statutes.

THE FIRM This strong and diverse practice represents clients in clean air, clean water and chemical regulation matters, and works alongside the firm's impressive transactional practice to advise on the environmental aspects of energy and natural resources projects. The team has also worked with clients on the formation of legal and business positions on alternatives to cap-and-trade. Notable clients include Monsanto, Edison Mission Energy and Toyota.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Julia Hatcher is a highly regarded lawyer with expertise in CERCLA, RCRA, TSCA and other related statutes. She is particularly proficient in her representation of large manufacturers under the CAA and has represented key players in the semiconductor industry on their global climate change policies.

Claudia O'Brien counsels and litigates for clients in relation to clean air, clean water and pesticide regulations. Sources tell us that she is "very good, smart, energetic and represents her clients with vigor." Recently, she represented Edison in litigation related to the EPA's 'Cross-State Air Pollution Rule'.

THE FIRM This prominent environmental practice offers advice and counsel to its clients, which include auto-makers, manufacturers and energy companies, on project permitting, climate change, hazardous waste and other matters. Its notable list of clients includes American Electric Power, PacifiCorp and the Coalition for Emission Reduction Policy (CERP).

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Penna is well versed in CAA matters, and in particular in Title II and mobile source emissions. His clients include well-known automobile manufacturers such as Ferrari, which he has recently advised on matters related to the development of greenhouse gas emission and fuel economy standards.

Kyle Danish has strengths in clean air, climate change and emissions trading as well as "that additional thing which is great common sense - he understands the nature of the issue in a sophisticated way." He leads the firm's litigation and strategic support of CERP.

THE FIRM This team provides its clients with legal counsel on a wide variety of regulatory issues, including air emissions, hazardous waste, water discharges, endangered species and natural resources. It is particularly distinguished in its representation of clients in criminal enforcement matters and is regularly engaged in high-profile cases. The team also provides advice on the development of technologies with implications for cleantech and renewable energy.

Sources say: "Its environmental group is quite responsive and has good subject matter experts in almost every, if not every, major area of practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Judson Starr, a former chief of the DOJ's environmental crimes section (ECS), is hailed by sources as an "excellent criminal lawyer." He recently represented a client in matters relating to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Joseph Block, also a former ECS chief, is, according to sources, "well known for his work in the enforcement of environmental cases." He has recently worked with Starr in defending a client against claims brought under the CWA.

Douglas Green has a broad practice that covers RCRA, CERCLA, TSCA and other statues. He has a focus on legislative issues within the power industry and has recently been working with a utility industry group in connection with regulatory policy on the beneficial use of coal combustion.

Margaret Strand also has DOJ experience, having served as chief of the Environmental Defense Section. She has expertise in wetlands and environmental compliance for development projects. Clients find that "she is very good at seeing the big picture, organizing large complex things and giving unvarnished advice, which I find necessary."

THE FIRM This environmental practice draws on the firm's nationwide network when representing clients in major litigation and has the capacity to advise in all manner of regulatory, compliance and enforcement matters. Its manufacturer, developer and energy clients include the likes of Anadarko, which the team recently represented in matters relating to Deepwater Horizon.

Sources say: "The quality of lawyers we dealt with was high and consistent. We work well with them, as a team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Wigmore advises clients on regulatory matters and transactional due diligence, and has recently advised Anadarko on natural gas drilling matters. He has also been involved in the first full-scale carbon capture and storage project with American Electric Power. "He is a delight to work with," say clients; "he is very good on strategic advice in terms of regulatory and other issues."

THE FIRM This thriving international firm fields an impressive transactional environmental team, handling the regulatory and due diligence aspects of the firm's numerous deals on behalf of high-profile corporate and private equity clients. This firm also has a strong group of environmental litigators that has, among other things, been counseling BP in matters stemming from Deepwater Horizon. Other clients include ConocoPhillips and Dow Chemical.

Sources say: "I've been extremely impressed with them; the thing that stands out for me is that the partners are of the type that will roll up their sleeves and get the work done. Overall, the most efficient firm that I work with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Walter Lohmann is touted by clients as "the best transactional environmental lawyer out there." He has represented private equity investment firms and corporate clients in connection with site remediation, compliance, acquisition and disposition projects.

Granta Nakayama represents his clients in enforcement defense and litigation, and is part of the team representing BP in matters pertaining to Deepwater Horizon. His clients feel he has "good inside knowledge of how enforcement aspects of the EPA work as well as contacts within the agency."

Stuart Drake is adept at providing enforcement defense, regulatory litigation and rulemaking representations. He represents motor vehicle and automobile industry clients whose products are subject to air pollution regulations. His clients find that he has "outstanding understanding of environmental regulations and procedure."

Brian Land is a strong environmental lawyer who is known for bankruptcy work. Peers commend him for being "a smart person and a good person to deal with." He has been working for private equity firms, providing support for acquisitions and sales.  

THE FIRM This firm's environmental team has a strong focus on energy and renewable energy development projects. It represents clients in major rulemaking processes in relation to clean air, climate change and hazardous waste, and defends them in DOJ enforcement actions. It also has an active presence in hot topic issues such as hydraulic fracturing. The firm's clients are drawn heavily from the technology, energy and manufacturing fields.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Steinberg, an expert in Superfund and RCRA, is also steeped in environmental justice matters, and serves as an industry voice for his clients in addition to providing litigation and counseling services. His clients claim that on "environmental waste issues, he is an encyclopedia of knowledge and will turn things around fast."

William Lewis, who leads the firm's CAA practice, acts as counsel to the Clean Air Implementation Project, a trade organization providing rulemaking assistance on climate change matters. His peers find him to be preeminent in this field.

Ronald Tenpas, cochair of the firm's environment practice and a former Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ's Environment & Natural Resources Division, is an expert in federal enforcement matters. He is well versed in NEPA, CAA, Superfund and other statutes and is "one of the most talented lawyers out there," according to a source.

THE FIRM The environmental practice at this full-service firm is complemented by dedicated climate change and PPP practices. The team's lawyers focus on providing regulatory, transactional and litigation services to clients in the waste, energy and manufacturing industries.

Sources say: "Akin Gump is uniquely able to develop innovative, practical and effective approaches and does not rely solely on litigation as a remedy."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Gutermann is the main contact for the firm's environmental practice.

THE FIRM This practice handles regulatory enforcement and compliance in regards to air, water, waste and climate change laws, and offers support in transactional matters. The firm is active both nationally and internationally, servicing clients such as Rio Tinto Alcan, Eli Lilly and Northrop Grumman.

Sources say: "Everyone I ran into there is top-drawer."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Theodore Garrett leads the firm's DC environmental practice. He focuses on regulatory and transactional matters under CAA, TSCA and other statutes, and recently advised a chemical company on the TSCA compliance of its new eco-friendly flame retardant product.

Since publication, Donald Elliott has joined the firm as senior of counsel from Willkie Farr & Gallagher.He focuses on regulation and litigation relating to pesticides and other toxic chemicals. He is "one of the smartest people I know," said one client; "you can bring anything to him and he will help you figure it out." Another points out that "he knows how the EPA works and the kind of language it requires in its settlement language." 

THE FIRM This strong team of environmental practitioners has a substantial amount of litigation experience and familiarity with the courtroom. The team is also very busy on behalf of its energy and cement industry clients in CAA permitting for new developments, particularly power plants.

Sources say: "They exceeded my expectations. Extremely well done."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Deborah Jennings is experienced in CAA and other greenhouse gas statutes and is, according to sources, "incredibly bright and always accommodating - she has a nice way of telling you when you shouldn't do something and why." She is currently working on obtaining licenses for a nuclear power plant, among other things.

THE FIRM This firm's deep bench sees it at the forefront of CAA and other climate change-related litigation, as well as counseling clients in connection with groundwater and soil contamination and toxic tort litigation. Its attorneys have represented numerous companies in the oil and gas field, including industry giants such as BP and Chevron.

Sources say: "I think the firm puts a premium on teamwork and strategy, and they don't overvalue the business component of law. They put it in its proper place."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Raymond Ludwiszewski's experience as general counsel and assistant administrator for enforcement at the EPA lends him additional insight into complex environmental litigation and enforcement defense. He has recently been representing automobile manufacturers throughout the USA in litigation regarding greenhouse gas emissions.

Peter Seley is, according to clients, "an excellent strategic thinker and an excellent writer." He focuses on compliance and the defense of enforcement and toxic tort suits. He has been involved in opposing a $27 billion claim against Chevron for alleged environmental damages in Ecuador.

THE FIRM This diverse environmental practice assists its clients in transactional matters and litigation, as well as regulatory counseling and advocacy. It has recently seen a lot of activity in CAA enforcement and Superfund, and in particular contaminated sediment sites. Its clients span the mining, manufacturing and chemical industries.

Sources say: "We have a good impression of their work because they appropriately and promptly handle our questions and concerns."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "very accomplished" Laurence Kirsch represents chemical manufacturing and oil and gas companies in Superfund and site remediation matters. He is also noted for his speaking engagements and work with industry associations, and is cochair of the legal subcommittee of the ASTM's Vapor Intrusion Task Group.

Michael Giannotto focuses on the mining industry, offering expertise in RCRA, CERCLA and CWA. He has been assisting key client Newmont Mining on various matters of late, including a high-stakes administrative proceeding before the EPA.

THE FIRM This team, adept in compliance and enforcement issues, represents clients from across the natural resources spectrum, including agriculture, mining, oil and gas and renewables companies. Recently, the firm has worked on clean air, clean water, climate change and endangered species matters and has been developing its practice in areas such as land use and sustainability. Its work centers around the mid-Atlantic region.

Sources say: "Holland & Knight is a very professional law firm with a wealth of talented staff."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Amy Edwards, national cochair of the firm's environmental practice, is experienced in redevelopment and sustainability issues, and recently worked on Constitution Square, a seven-acre brownfield site in Washington, DC. She earns respect for her ability to "facilitate a group of people getting together and working collaboratively."

Lawrence Liebesman is an experienced litigator proficient in the areas of wetlands, water pollution, Endangered Species Act and coastal environmental impact. Recent work includes representing the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), a group of clean water utilities, in connection with a fee dispute under the CWA. "He has been extremely articulate and knowledgeable on the pertinent environmental regulations, assisting our office through a complex series of law and processes," said a source.

According to sources, Bonni Kaufman "is extremely knowledgeable and practical, sees the big picture, is highly focused on customer service and goes the extra mile." She is skilled in compliance, enforcement and litigation and has recently represented a military housing developer in an environmental case stemming from the development of military family housing units.

THE FIRM This firm's environmental practice comprises outstanding litigators and trial lawyers, while also providing regulatory, transactional and counseling services. Its clients are drawn primarily from the mining, manufacturing, oil and gas, real estate and waste industry sectors. Recently, the firm represented EME Homer City Generation in climate change litigation relating to a coal-fired power plant.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Heidi Bumpers has a lot of experience in resource conservation as well as Superfund and natural resource damages matters. She has been active in managing Superfund sites for Bridgestone.

Experienced trial lawyer Kevin Holewinski coordinates the firm's environmental health and safety practice and is expert in toxic tort and climate change litigation. He has recently been representing Old Carco Liquidating Trust. Sources say he "really knows his stuff; he is terrific."

THE FIRM This well-established firm has a broad range of experience in air and water-related matters, hazardous waste and toxic torts, and advises its clients in compliance, due diligence, environmental impact analysis and enforcement. It is a trusted adviser to the boards of several major international companies, including Chevron, Emerson Power Transmission and BP.

Sources say: "Professional, polished, timely. You feel like you are their number-one client when you are working with them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Donald Carr is a strong environmental litigator who is especially adept in defending criminal environmental enforcement matters. He also has a subspecialization in wind power generation and represents companies such as BP Wind Energy with major installations in the USA.

Sheila Harvey is a well-regarded attorney with a broad practice covering Superfund, resource conservation, NEPA, and air and water quality matters. She represents major electronics companies and power companies in connection with toxic tort suits and site remediation. "I would highly recommend her to someone who is looking for legal advice in environmental affairs," said a source.

THE FIRM This firm's environmental practice partners regularly with its huge projects practice, providing transactional due diligence and other support. Recently, much of this has involved developments in the renewable arena, such as solar. The team has also been active in regulatory matters, advising chemical and power clients on clean air, clear water and hazardous waste issues.

Sources say: "I would go there if I wanted a job done properly and needed a high-end, high-quality service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Don Frost, head of the firm's environmental and climate change practices, has a diverse litigation and counseling practice. He recently represented CF Industries in a judicial challenge to the EPA's nutrient standards for Florida.

THE FIRM A giant in oil and gas, V&E distinguishes itself in high-profile civil and criminal enforcement matters and large-scale citizen suits. The environmental team also offers assistance in counseling, permitting, judicial review and transactional support.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kevin Gaynor is strong in compliance, enforcement and litigation, particularly with respect to Superfund. He has recently worked for an international mining company in connection with cost recovery, enforcement, toxic tort class actions and rulemaking proceedings.

THE FIRM This team is often called upon by the firm's excellent transactional and bankruptcy practices to perform due diligence and provide support on sales and acquisitions. It has recently been active in the GM Chapter 11 reorganization on all environmental law aspects. The team's lawyers bring expertise in water and air quality, Superfund and resource conservation.

Sources say: "Excellent. They know the law and guide us to comply with it fully. At the same time they do not get bogged down in reciting detailed rules and regulations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Transactional lawyer David Berz is adept at negotiating the environmental consequences of bankruptcies and restructurings, and was involved in the GM engagement mentioned above. He "is very pragmatic, understands well what needs to get done and is excellent at dealing with regulators to obtain reasonable settlements," said a source.

Annemargaret Connolly, also a transactional specialist, is leader of the firm's climate change group. She advises clients on the environmental issues arising from investments, M&A, infrastructure developments and real estate transactions.

Senior litigator David Hird is a "strategic thinker" who is knowledgeable in Superfund matters. Experienced in bankruptcy-related litigation, he has recently represented debtors against various environmental claims.