Natural Resources & Environment: Wisconsin

THE FIRM This environmental practice enjoys a stellar reputation in the market and is particularly recommended for controversial and complex environmental matters. It advises clients on compliance issues and environment-related litigation, and also lobbies on state and federal legislation. Its clients include companies of all sizes, as well as trade associations and municipalities.

Sources say: "They have long had the most complete and sophisticated environmental practice in Madison."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Henry Handzel continues to enjoy a great reputation in the air field and also represents a fine choice for clients involved in hazardous waste and water pollution matters.

Peter Peshek advises on government relations and has contributed to state legislation across a range of environmental matters, including mining, landfill siting, groundwater standards and remediation.

THE FIRM This group has established a reputation for fielding high-quality lawyers and working on some of the most important environmental matters in the state. Clients also appreciate the excellent advice and quality of customer service, and single out the training the group provides. Its recent highlights include advising Menomonee Valley Partners on its redevelopment, and representing Lemberger Sites Remediation Group in relation to two Superfund sites.

Sources say: "I have enjoyed good responsiveness, thoughtful analysis and solid follow-up."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Linda Benfield "inspires a lot of confidence" with her "sound judgment" and ability to "come up with creative solutions," interviewees attest. In the past year, she advised Wisconsin Public Service and Kimberly-Clark in relation to a Fox River Superfund Site cleanup matter.

Mark Thimke represents a number of industrial clients, such as AVL Powertrain Engineering, Brunswick and Interstate Power & Light in matters concerning CAA litigation, permitting and issues relating to brownfields redevelopment.

Mike Flanagan is regarded as "thoughtful and politically astute." In the past year he represented Maxus Energy in connection with the Milwaukee Solvay Coke & Gas site, and advised Western Industries on the sale, remediation and redevelopment of its former manufacturing facility.

THE FIRM This team represents a wide variety of clients in relation to a number of traditional as well as emerging environmental issues. It continues to act for The Lake Carriers' Association and The Canadian Shipowners Association in initiatives to regulate ballast water discharges. It also advised We Energies on transactional and regulatory issues in connection with the $250 million Rothschild biomass renewable energy project.

Sources say: "They do a very good job of translating legal concepts into business recommendations, which is very helpful when dealing with challenging environmental issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael McCauley remains highly respected for his wealth of experience in the environmental field. Among his recent highlights is the aforementioned Rothschild biomass renewable energy project.

Clients describe Arthur Vogel as "an excellent counsel" who "not only addresses the legal issues" but also offers "reasonable solutions" and a "good assessment of your options." He focuses on remediation and environment due diligence.

Thomas McElligott specializes in water-related matters and draws particular praise from sources for his knowledge of the Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative.

Nancy Peterson continues to represent clients in relation to the Fox River cleanup. She is noted for her expertise on Superfund matters and is singled out for her "even disposition" and ability to "see the big picture on a case and not get sidetracked."

Peter Tomasi concentrates on air regulation and alternative energy, and is noted by commentators as having particularly "made a name for himself in utility and biomass projects."

THE FIRM This 12-strong team provides advice across a broad spectrum of natural resources and environment-related matters, including renewable energy projects, redevelopment of industrial sites, litigation and compliance matters. Its client roster includes Wisconsin Power & Light, Quad/Graphics and American Transmission, as well as a number of municipalities. The team also has Native American expertise and advises a number of tribes on a variety of environmental issues.

Sources say: "They know their stuff and go about their business in a very professional manner."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Arthur Harrington is regarded as a "top-notch" attorney by the market and is particularly known for his work for municipalities on the development of brownfields. He is also routinely sought after to handle renewable energy projects and matters related to environmental enforcement.

John Clancy is known for his handling of sophisticated environmental projects, ranging from contentious land use matters to issues concerning renewable energy and other sustainable development. He recently represented Bad River Tribe in the development of water quality standards, and advised Forest County Potawatomi Community on a large-scale renewable energy project.

THE FIRM This team has made a name for itself with regard to its strengths on the renewable energy side, including solar, wind and biofuels. It is also very well equipped to handle air and water pollution control and permitting issues, brownfield redevelopment matters, and landfill and power plant siting. Its clients include farmer-owned cooperatives, regulated utilities, municipalities and trade associations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly regarded Linda Bochert has a wealth of regulatory experience, which allows her to advise on matters involving state agencies. She is also routinely called upon to assist with regard to permitting issues concerning air and wastewater, stormwater management, wetlands regulation, and the siting of landfills, pipelines and power plants. 

Todd Palmer enjoys a fine reputation in the market and is particularly known for his experience of the CAA, which includes advising on permitting and compliance matters. His clients are drawn from a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, mining, electric utilities and construction.

Raymond Krueger advises on climate change and renewable energy, with an emphasis on biomass and solar. A recent highlight saw him advise Jemez Pueblo on the first commercial solar project on Native American land in the USA.

The up-and-coming David Crass continues to counsel clients on climate change matters and renewable energy projects, and is particularly sought after to assist companies in the food and agricultural sectors.

THE FIRM This team represents manufacturers both large and small, as well as lenders, developers and municipalities in matters including site investigation and remediation, permitting and environmental due diligence. It is also sought after for its litigation expertise and recently represented a client against BP in a federal court case in connection with the migration of contamination onto the client's property.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Donald Gallo is particularly renowned for his knowledge of environmental engineering. He took a leading role in the above matter regarding BP.

John van Lieshout has a wealth of experience in the arena and, in addition to his expertise on environmental matters, has been particularly busy handling foreclosure actions on properties such as condominiums and retail outlets. His clients include Anchor Bank, Amalgamated Bank and TriSail Funding.

Michael Simpson concentrates on advising on environmental and land use issues, and represents a good choice of counsel for professional engineering clients. 

THE FIRM The team at Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek provides representation in litigation environmental matters, as well as compliance and enforcement defense. The group is particularly sought after for its knowledge of the permitting processes of numerous agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the EPA. Its clients especially value the firm's approach to facilitating contact with environmental consultants as well as other professionals in the arena.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jennifer Buzecky elicits praise for her "extremely thorough" approach and ability to "stay on top of all the issues." She advises on air regulatory compliance, permitting and remediation, and is also called upon to assist clients with issues regarding endangered species and historic preservation.

Richard Lewandowski focuses on compliance and enforcement defense, in addition to environmental permitting, and also has experience in working on groundwater protection and Superfund matters.