Environment: North Carolina

THE FIRM This firm's national footprint and unrivaled bench strength puts it firmly at the top of the list for environmental law in North Carolina. The team has excellent familiarity with the political environment at local, state and federal level, and represents a number of high-profile organizations including utilities, municipalities and industrial associations.

Sources say: "The firm provides a service in giving us a leg-up in dealing with many environmental issues that we wouldn't be able to deal with on our own."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Case leads the firm's Raleigh environmental team. He is described by one admiring peer as "the dean of the North Carolina environment Bar." He has been representing a regional water authority and reservoir owner against tort and inverse condemnation claims brought by the owners of seven dams downstream of the reservoir.

Craig Bromby focuses on water quality and water use and has recently been acting for a publicly owned utility in seeking reissuance of wastewater discharge permits. One grateful client says that he is able "to lead us through the tangles and thickets of environmental law."

William Dannelly, the team's strongest litigator, has also developed a practice in the environmental aspects of corporate transactions. Recently, he has been advising a chemical company on the environmental due diligence regarding a possible transaction.

THE FIRM This Greensboro firm is noted for its superb abilities in the environmental litigation arena. It has recently represented the City of Greensboro regarding the permitting, licensing and associated lawsuits related to the continued use of a municipal landfill, and advised PCS Phosphate in relation to the permitting of a phosphate mine in Aurora, North Carolina.

Sources say: "An exceptionally strong collection of lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS George House is regarded by many as the leading light of the Brooks Pierce environmental team, with sources confirming that he is "a first-rate litigator."

Robert King is an experienced litigator with a focus on environmental law.

Water expert Randall Tinsley is "an excellent attorney," according to sources.

THE FIRM K&L Gates has four dedicated environmental attorneys in Raleigh and Charlotte. Through its global platform, the team is able to provide access to regulators and policy makers in North Carolina and beyond. The team is particularly noted for its brownfield-related work.

Sources say: "Fine lawyers and a good firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Franchina is a hugely respected environmental lawyer whose practice focuses on brownfields development. He is described by a source as "one of the key people in the northern part of the state."

Stanford Baird excels in complex permitting issues and is admired by peers for his calm, methodical style.

THE FIRM This sizable team is noted for its strength in permitting and litigation, and is prized by clients for its deep understanding of the legislature, regulators and courts. Its standout recent engagements include the representation of the City of Raleigh in relation to contamination at the city's Neuse River water treatment plant.

Sources say: "Their legal work is brilliant and they understand the political side of things."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Levitas's practice has traditionally focused on permitting and development in regard to clean water issues, although he is now becoming increasingly involved in permitting work in the renewable energy field. One source says that "he helps us navigate the relationships with the agencies."

Stephen Berlin is "a really good lawyer and a really good environmental litigator" whose broad practice includes brownfields and Superfund work. He negotiated the brownfields agreement that resulted in the creation of the Hanesbrands Theatre in Winston-Salem.

Alan McConnell concentrates on air permitting and compliance issues. One admiring peer describes him as "a leader in the industry."

William Lane is an air permitting attorney whose work is highly valued by clients. According to sources, "he helps us stay abreast of changes in the regulations, and he keeps us ahead of the game." Work includes representing a semiconductor manufacturer in relation to air permitting, waste management and other matters.

THE FIRM This firm's Charlotte team is able to draw on an impressive network of offices in the region to provide clients with a comprehensive environmental offering. It has an established reputation for brownfield redevelopment, Superfund, remediation, land fill and water quality work. Recent standout engagements include defending Chemetall US in a penalty assessment conducted by the EPA for alleged TSCA violations. The team managed to have the penalty reduced from $438,400 to $93,000.

Sources say: "The lawyers I started doing business with there are lawyers with a business sense and orientation. I need business work done at the right price. I've found them to be as practical as they are good lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Compliance expert Benne Hutson focuses mainly on landfills and other sites going through investigations and cleanups involving solid and hazardous waste. Sources variously describe him as "very sophisticated" and "an exceptional attorney." He played a key role in the Chemetall defense mentioned above.

THE FIRM Aside from its traditional areas of practice, which include landfill, brownfields, Superfund and water quality work, the Parker Poe team is carving out an increasingly noticeable presence in the alternative energy space, acting on wind generation and biomass projects. The team is relied upon for regulatory and permitting issues and related litigation.

Sources say: "They give me all the service of a big New York law firm but with conservative fees. The service is superb."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Litigator and environmental law specialist Thomas Griffin has recently been busy in the alternative energy space, advising on wind energy permitting and other matters. "Preeminent in his field," sources say that he "has a great attitude and is a great lawyer."

Max Justice is among "the best attorneys in the state" for environmental work, according to one source. He focuses on regulatory and administrative proceedings and related civil claims, and has been involved on behalf of AVX Corporation in a case alleging groundwater contamination. Steven Weber worked alongside Justice in this matter. He is another strong environmental litigator and regulatory lawyer.

THE FIRM The Moore & Van Allen environmental practice provides permitting, regulatory and compliance advice to many of the firm's industrial and energy clients, including the likes of Nucor and ConocoPhillips. It has had a recent focus on clean air and water issues and has been representing Galvan Industries in relation to alleged exceeding of North Carolina air quality standards.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Peter McGrath, based in Charlotte, handles environmental compliance, transactional matters and the defense of clients in government or private litigation. Sources describe him as "a fine attorney who understands the regulatory bureaucracy of environmental law." He worked on the matter mentioned above.

William White focuses on regulatory compliance and permitting, and has recently been busy with a number of Superfund site cases. 

THE FIRM Poyner Spruill maintains its presence in the environmental arena, assisting municipal and business clients on a range of permitting, compliance and litigation matters. The firm's five North Carolina offices give it good geographical coverage, with key bases in Raleigh and Charlotte providing support for the state's main business districts.

Sources say: "They understand the interaction between the political and regulatory worlds."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Glenn Dunn is the leader of the environmental practice group. Peers recognize him as "one of the most respected practitioners in the state."

Richard Kane is a "fine lawyer" with a wealth of experience in environmental mediation and litigation.

THE FIRM The Robinson Bradshaw environmental team advises industrial, real estate and technology clients in regard to a host of issues, including brownfield redevelopment, hazardous waste and property contamination. Recently the team has handled due diligence on behalf of Landmark Properties and assisted in securing a brownfield agreement for the construction of student housing on contaminated land.

Sources say: "They have a very good reputation for navigating the various levels of bureaucracy, but back it up with excellent litigation support where needed."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Toole is the firm's go-to attorney for environmental issues, particularly multiparty Superfund sites, and was the key player involved in the Landmark Properties work mentioned above. He receives high praise from clients, who say that he is "remarkably well informed and well connected with the right people at various levels of government. He is well respected, so we have instant credibility when we meet with them."

Associate Emily Sherlock looks to have a bright future and has impressed in her work alongside William Toole. Sources attest that she "identifies the critical items in a complex matter and cuts through the peripheral issues." 

THE FIRM This environmental team retains a strong presence around its Greensboro heartland. It is most active in permitting and brownfield redevelopment and also handles related litigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Earp is the fulcrum of the Smith Moore Leatherwood environmental practice and is described by admiring peers as "a truly exceptional environmental lawyer."

Ramona Cunningham O'Bryant counsels clients on environmental permitting and compliance matters.

THE FIRM This firm has a long track record in the environmental arena and is continuing to make inroads into the growing energy space. The group's regional capacity allows it to provide essential support to clients in the manufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical and mining industries. Significant clients include Syngenta and GlaxoSmithKline.

Sources say: "This group is the best I've ever worked with; the firm exceeds my expectations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bradford De Vore focuses on toxic tort litigation and has defended multiple class actions involving chemicals and alleged personal injury and property damage. "He is superb," said a source.

Richard Morton leads the team's move into energy, backed by close ties to the Houston oil industry. He regularly represents clients before the state regulatory agencies and is also sought out to defend toxic tort and class action claims.