Environment: Texas

THE FIRM This preeminent group excels in a wide range of matters, from regulatory counseling and litigation to air quality matters and contaminated site remediation. Clients highlight outstanding client service and an ability to produce work of a consistently high quality as key strengths of the practice. Recent work includes representing BP in lawsuits filed by the Texan Attorney General for the alleged infringement of the Texas CAA. An impressive client list includes such names as ExxonMobil, NRG Texas Power and Union Pacific.

Sources say: "They are outstanding; the best firm we have overall ever worked with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Supremely qualified" and "extremely talented," Pamela Giblin wins accolades for her "total can-do attitude - she will not accept that something cannot be accomplished." Peers respect her seniority and experience in all matters environmental, acknowledging that she is "influential figure" in the profession.

Sara Burgin is known for her extensive experience in water quality matters, and has been busy this year advising clients on water availability issues due to drought problems within the state. She is an "outstanding lawyer," and is universally praised for her "excellent judgment and thorough knowledge of water regulations." 

Matthew Kuryla focuses on air quality litigation, where sources say he has "a very strong market presence." He is representing BCCA Appeal Group in proceedings against the federal EPA over a CAA implementation plan. Kuryla is also adept at providing transactional advice and regulatory counseling. 

"Technical and creative" Derek McDonald has been pivotal this year in defending various high-profile civil lawsuits. He recently represented NRG Texas Power in a long-running case involving the issuing of permits for a coal-fired unit at an existing generating station.

Jennifer Keane is a key adviser on regulatory air quality issues, in particular the issuance of permits. She is acknowledged by interviewees as "an exceptionally qualified attorney" and "one of the best in her field."

"Professional, timely and proactive" Molly Cagle has a special focus on water quality matters. She receives plaudits for her high-quality work product and extensive local knowledge and for being "on top of all the issues." She recently joined the firm from Vinson & Elkins.

THE FIRM The team at V&E continues to thrive and earns commendation for its work in environment litigation, counseling and securing key permits for high-profile clients such as BP. The team operates out of three offices across the state and is famed for its sterling efforts in both regional and national cases. A highlight for the team was assisting lead petitioners seeking a review of the EPA's greenhouse gas control scheme.

Sources say: "High quality of work. "Definitely still top-tier."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "extraordinary" Carol Dinkins enjoys a legendary reputation among peers and clients alike. Described as "the dean of environmental law," she is "a fierce and effective advocate" yet also "an extremely gracious person who influences and is respected by adversaries." She maintains a busy practice advising the firm's key clients on a broad range of environmental issues. She has continued her lead role in defending BP in investigations and enforcement actions initiated by regulatory agencies. 

Eric Groten specializes in CAA issues. He is currently representing Sandy Creek Energy Associates in a matter involving a petition to the US Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari.

Sharon Mattox concentrates on counseling in administrative regulatory matters relating to the NEPA. She has particular expertise in matters concerning cultural resources, endangered species, wetlands, water rights, floodplains and coastal zone consistency.

Larry Nettles is best known for his finesse in representing clients facing environmental problems in the course of large business transactions.

Robert Schick has a leading profile as a toxic tort defense lawyer. "He is an excellent litigator," say sources. 

THE FIRM Backed by the firm's full-service capabilities and resources, this sizable team handles regulatory, climate change, air quality, energy and a wide range of other environmental matters. It enjoys a sterling reputation for attracting a host of big-ticket clients, such as Bank of America, who engaged the firm on the environmental components of a financing transaction. TPC Group also retained the team in respect of the reorganization and reissuance of air emissions and other environmental permits. 

Sources say: "Extremely smart attorneys."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Timothy Wilkins receives widespread praise from sources, who deem him "fantastic, detailed and very strong with management systems" as well as capable of delivering "practical, cost-effective solutions for his clients." He represented the Energy Transfer Company in applying to the EPA for new Prevention of Significant Deterioration permits required since the new Tailoring Rule came into force.

"Experienced, client-focused and outcomes-oriented" John Riley represents clients from the air, water and waste industries in permitting and enforcement matters.

THE FIRM This practice earns accolades for its diverse, loyal clientele and knowledgeable bench of attorneys. The group possesses wide-ranging expertise in civil and criminal enforcement, climate change issues and high-stakes litigation. With offices in a number of key locations the group offers national and international reach as well as the ability to represent clients before state and federal environmental regulators.

Sources say: "Some of the most knowledgeable attorneys I have ever worked with in the environmental field." "They communicate their message to clients well and enjoy a strong following."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of practice Eva Fromm O'Brien has been busy working with clients in ensuring their environmental programs comply with new legislation. Peers describe her as "an excellent lawyer" who "really knows her materials and is good at working on strategies." She also advises on Superfund (CERCLA) remuneration issues.

Edward Lewis enjoys a strong reputation in the water pollution and air enforcement fields. According to interviewees, "he is an extremely capable lawyer." 

Heather Corken has experience across a range of environmental matters, but is particularly adept at representing clients over state and federal Superfund matters.

THE FIRM This practice provides advice and representation to clients from a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, oil and gas, alternative energy and insurance. The team has been busy advising clients on concerns such as climate change and brownfield redevelopment in addition to handling more familiar air, water and permitting issues. Practitioners are also called upon to handle regulatory compliance issues, environmentally affected deal structurings and litigation. Voices in the market commend the firm for its solid client base and cost-effectiveness.

Sources say: "An environmental boutique that occupies a good niche in the market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Guida is widely respected for his broad environmental practice comprising air and water quality control, solid and hazardous waste management issues, toxic substances and state and federal Superfund matters. He continues to represent clients in a diverse range of commercial industries.

Although he is especially accomplished in handling brownfield redevelopments, John Slavich also represents clients across a variety of risk management and compliance matters. Peers concede that he is a "strong and knowledgeable lawyer."

Jean Flores focuses on solid and hazardous waste management issues but is also adept at handling CWA and CAA issues, Superfund defense and liability issues as well as pollution control regulation.

Shareholder Paul Seals has practiced for over 35 years in environmental regulatory matters and earns praise for his tenaciousness.

Since publication, Patricia Finn Braddock has joined the team from Fulbright & Jaworski. Braddock has a "superb reputation" in the air arena. She has an active practice focusing on permitting and enforcement matters before federal and state regulatory agencies.

THE FIRM Ten attorneys operate from four Texas offices on a wide range of environmental regulatory, transactional and litigation concerns. The team focuses on representing clients from the private sector, a significant proportion of which hail from the energy industry. Recent highlights include representing Wingate on legacy environmental issues connected with the sale of an industrial drum cleaning business. Other clients of the firm include Shell and KMG Chemicals. Practitioners are also frequent speakers on a wide range of environmental topics.

Sources say: "A very good group; extremely knowledgeable and always well prepared."

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to sources, Jeff Civins is "listed as a star for a good reason - he is a terrific lawyer." He is very active in regulatory and transactional matters, and recently assisted Aruba Petroleum in dealing with a wide range of issues arising out of production activities.  

Clients rave about James Braddock, who is said to be "very knowledgeable, and immeasurably helpful." He is an expert in handling air quality issues on behalf of a range of clients including airports, oil and gas producers and manufacturers.

Clients are enthusiastic in their praise for John Eldridge. "He is an excellent environmental attorney who is extremely knowledgeable, has good connections with Texas regulators and is astute in dealing with difficult environmental issues."   

Carie McKinney brings a vast amount of experience to her regulatory practice due to her previous position as an environmental engineer for the federal EPA. She is adept at handling Superfund negotiations, water and waste discharges and other transactions including environmental due diligence and contract negotiations. 

Austin-based Mary Mendoza represents clients in regulatory compliance matters, hazardous and solid waste cleanups, contested case hearings, enforcement matters, appeals of agency decisions and toxic tort litigation. She recently acted as brownfields and site remediation counsel to a major retailer.

THE FIRM Locke Lord receives extensive praise for its deep bench of "sophisticated, meticulous and time-sensitive" lawyers. Clients also appreciate the team’s extensive knowledge of relevant rules and regulations as a result of several members having spent time working for environmental agencies and consulting firms. The ten-strong group acts in the state and beyond on a broad range of matters, including permitting, auditing, regulatory compliance, enforcement and litigation matters. Active clients of the firm include Tyco International, Panhandle Eastern Pipeline and Honeywell.

Sources say: "An exceptional firm. They are excellent at digesting huge volumes of complex information and translating it into layman's terms.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gerald Pels continues to act as adviser and environmental counsel for Cooper Industries in relation to Superfund matters and the company's acquisition of electronic components manufacturer Martek Power.

"A gentleman and an excellent lawyer," Gerald Higdon elicits praise for his extensive regulatory compliance practice. He is also adept at handling brownfield redevelopments, enforcement defense, environmental risk assessment and Superfund litigation support. Clients appreciate his attention to detail.

Head of practice Elizabeth Mack is highlighted for her expertise in dealing with environmental regulators. Highly respected for her roles as national environmental counsel, she recently served as lead adviser to Samson Hydrocarbons in defense of a Safe Water Act order over cleanup costs estimated to exceed $50 million. According to clients, her "advice has been invaluable in reaching resolutions."  

Susan Rainey is an increasingly widely recognized figure in the market and is frequently called upon to represent clients facing regulatory compliance and voluntary cleanup issues. She assisted the HYM Investment group in the acquisition, remediation and development of a tract of land that will become a $250 million development.

THE FIRM This team provides expertise in a range of areas, including litigation, enforcement, compliance counseling and permitting. The team is valued by clients for its extensive experience and tremendous depth of knowledge across environmental law. The group recently facilitated a favorable settlement in a Texas Superfund cost recovery action for client Union Carbide. It is also defending Red River Development against a CWA citizen suit and is increasingly active among clients from the shale gas industry.

Sources say: "They have a scientific answers to problems we are having as well as knowledge of the law - it's like getting two different experts at once."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Harris receives strong acclaim this year for his administrative law, Superfund and litigation work. He is currently representing railroads BNSF Railway, Union Pacific and HBT in challenging an ordinance adopted by Houston City Council.

Clients "feel very lucky" to have "top-notch" James Morriss as their lawyer. He is well respected for a broad practice that covers everything from environmental permitting to wetlands and endangered species work, with a particular emphasis on counseling clients in environmental risk management.

Kay Roska earns high acclaim as a "a complete professional" who is "well informed at explaining complex legal issues in layman’s terms."

THE FIRM Feedback rates this team for its responsiveness and professional, proactive approach. The team represents a diverse range of clients including waste management facilities, utilities and energy and chemical companies in compliance and regulatory litigation before the EPA, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and various other state and federal agencies. The group recently handled several matters on behalf of DuPont, including an enforcement case before the TCEQ where it successfully secured the dismissal of noncompliance allegations. 

Sources say: "The attorneys at Brown McCarroll are subject matter experts and are always seeking unique ways to reduce regulatory burdens and enhance compliance. They are very quick in responding to time-critical issues and the service is always outstanding."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients rave that they would trust Danny Worrell with "a life or death matter." He earns accolades for his vast knowledge of the law and sound judgment. Clients also point to his skill in "obtaining excellent results while keeping costs down."

Keith Hopson is hailed for the sheer breadth of his understanding of environmental law. He advises on anything touching on Superfund, solid and hazardous waste, environmental litigation, permitting and brownfield concerns.

Rodman Johnson focuses on air quality, permitting and regulatory compliance work. Market sources commend him in particular for his technical abilities and grasp of air quality regulations. Clients say that his previous experience working within an environmental agency helps in seeing matters from a regulator's perspective.

THE FIRM Kelly Hart & Hallman moves up the rankings this year after widespread praise for its involvement in numerous high-profile cases. Operating out of two Texas offices, the ten-strong team offers expertise in regulatory matters, compliance counseling, transaction advice and representation in administrative, civil and criminal proceedings. A substantial proportion of the team has experience of working in a regulatory or technical role prior to joining the firm.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Stewart is highlighted as an "excellent litigator" and he brings experience in representing a broad array of clients before the federal EPA and the TCEQ.

THE FIRM This 16-strong team handles the full spectrum of environmental law matters, with strong specialties in air and water pollution control, Superfund, toxic tort, hazardous waste management, endangered species and environmental impact analysis. A number of the team have experience working for environmental regulatory agencies, a factor that ranks highly among clients. It is currently advising Tesoro Companies in an investigation into a refinery accident. Other active clients of the firm include Mitsui and Chevron. 

Sources say: "They have gained strength quickly in this market. A good concentration of environmental lawyers.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jerry Ross is known for his strategic advice on groundwater litigation, corporate compliance programs and government and private-party enforcement actions. He continues to lead the firm's extensive work for oil giant Chevron in a range of matters.

THE FIRM Winstead's ten-strong environment team is best known for representing energy companies and earns praise for its reasonable fees and timely service. The group has recently been boosted by several lateral hires and continues to counsel clients on a wide range of legislative, transactional and contentious matters. It acted for Texas Oil & Gas Association (TxOGA), the state's largest association of energy companies, on environmental regulatory compliance. Other notable clients of the firm include Exterran, Maximus Coffee Group and clients from the waste management, electrical and chemical sectors.

Sources say: "I have a very favorable impression of the firm. Their advice always takes account of the practical realities of a particular situation as well as the legal issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice chair Albert Axe is "easy to work with" and offers "mature judgment," according to market sources. Clients are appreciative of his understanding of administrative agencies and he is considered an expert in hazardous waste, CERCLA, air quality and injection well matters.

Keith Courtney represents clients on a wide range of environmental issues including enforcement, hazardous and solid waste counseling, permitting and legislative developments. He is also specifically highlighted by clients for his expertise in air quality matters.

According to feedback, Rebecca Rentz offers "first-rate communication skills and an amazing ability to break down complicated issues into manageable portions." She represents both government and private clients on state and federal air quality regulations, permitting and environmental enforcement.

THE FIRM Andrews Kurth's team of experienced Texas environmental lawyers is spread across four offices. It maintains a strong focus on environmental transactions and litigation affecting the energy sector, delivering representation to such names as Duke Energy, Pattern Energy Group and Tristream Energy. Recent highlights include counseling a major US retailer on the environmental liabilities of a real estate development and advising Highlander Partners on environmentally affected corporate transactions.

Sources say: "They are experienced in our sector." "They will work to meet our schedule."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Bohannon is best known for his expertise in contested matters, and is currently serving as lead defense counsel in two class action cases involving environmental damage issues.

Lisa Shelton advises on a wide spectrum of energy concerns, from coal, oil and gas to renewable and clean power projects. "She is responsive, enjoyable to work with and takes her time to fully explain legal jargon," sources say. Shelton also advises companies from the chemical and semiconductor industries.  

THE FIRM This Houston boutique is recognized for its litigation work, particularly in Superfund and natural resource damages claims. An experienced team regularly handles multiparty contamination cases, environmental enforcement issues and claims arising from multitenant and co-located facilities. It also addresses transactional due diligence and complex regulatory concerns.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Michael Connelly brings four decades of experience as a trial lawyer that leaves him well equipped to handle litigation ranging from mass community suits and government cost recovery actions to toxic tort cases. "I would trust him completely with anything," enthuses one interviewee.

Debra Baker earns particularly strong commendation for her regulatory and Superfund work, yet she is equally equipped to handle the full gamut of environmental concerns. 

THE FIRM This team has an impressive record in the climate change arena and attracts praise for handling challenging and sophisticated work.  It also has extensive experience advising on air, water and land pollution cases, hazardous substance disposal liability and remedial actions. Notable clients include American Chemistry Council, American Coatings Association, National Association of Manufacturers and National Petrochemical Refiners Association.

Sources say: "This group is very knowledgeable and also very good at communicating in English as opposed to legalese." "Client service is always a strong point - they are always available when needed."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Faulk is the subject of enthusiastic client feedback that rates him as "a cutting-edge environmental attorney." He is an experienced litigator and toxic tort practitioner, and is noted for heading the Connecticut v American Electric Power et al Supreme Court climate change dispute.

Frances Phillips commands a wide practice that spans environmentally affected business transactions, risk transfers, permitting, remediation, NEPA compliance and enforcement actions.

Since publication, Scott Deatherage has joined the firm from Patton Boggs LLP. He is seen as a bright spark in this field and his name is well received by market sources. He has been particularly active this year on climate change matters.  

THE FIRM This group operates out of the firm's two Texas offices and is best known for its environmental litigation practice. It also handles air, water, endangered species and solid and hazardous waste concerns. The team represents clients from various industries such as energy, banking and consumer goods, including such names as Shell and Chevron.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources consider Tracie Renfroe an "excellent trial lawyer." She represents clients at federal and state level on toxic tort, product liability, environmental and commercial disputes.

THE FIRM Although based in Houston, this boutique firm enjoys a strong statewide presence. The group counts among its ranks attorneys with experience of working in municipal government, the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the Texas Legislature and TCEQ, leaving the team well equipped to handle the full range of environmental matters. The team is particularly renowned for representing municipalities and receives praise from peers for its technical abilities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Gosselink is an expert in solid waste permitting and compliance, and a regular speaker on these issues.

THE FIRM This firm offers a comprehensive environmental practice to companies in the chemical, manufacturing, real estate development and oil and gas sectors, covering compliance, enforcement and due diligence. The team is also becoming increasingly well known for its excellent environment litigation work. Highlights include serving as lead counsel in an appeal over an environmental tort and property damage case and advising ConGlobal in settling a citizen suit brought under the CWA.

Sources say: "A fine group of lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Smith receives widespread praise from sources for the strengths he adds to the firm's handling of environmental litigation. He is particularly well regarded for his work on behalf of clients in the refining, petrochemical and natural resource sectors.

Ragna Henrichs concentrates on noncontentious environmental matters such as permitting and compliance. She recently represented Cameron International on the environmental aspects of its $375 million acquisition of LeTourneau Technologies' Drillings Systems and Offshore Products divisions.