Environment: Virginia

THE FIRM This superb team advises a range of national companies and trade associations across a diverse array of environmental issues. It is particularly noted for its expertise in advising clients operating in the coal sector on regulatory matters. Sources also acclaim its work on issues relating to water and clean air.

Sources say: "They are experts in their field and have an incredibly deep bench."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kevin Finto is singled out by sources for his "vast knowledge of the Clean Air Act." His practice includes advising clients on voluntary remediation and all aspects of business transactions.

Brooks Smith is praised for his "strong command of complex clean water regulations." He advises clients across all areas of environmental law. 

The "highly competent" James Christman has a fine reputation in the arena and is a sound choice to advise clients on Clean Water Act matters.

THE FIRM This stellar team is highly acclaimed for the depth and breadth of its resources in the environmental law field. It frequently advises clients on substantial projects, regulatory issues and litigation matters. Notable clients include Dupont, World Green Building Council and Ford.  

Sources say: "McGuireWoods is a very professional firm, providing a high-quality service that is very attuned to their clients' needs."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly experienced David Evans is praised for his "practical approach and willingness to work through difficult problems" and for his "excellent command of both technical and legal issues." He focuses on advising clients on matters relating to water supply, stormwater and sanitary sewer systems.

Daniel Slone is an "incredibly creative environmental lawyer" praised for his sharp intelligence and hardworking approach. He has particular expertise in counseling clients on sustainable and green projects.

John Lain is an "excellent transactional lawyer" who is recommended for "getting the environmental aspects of business deals done." He is highly experienced in water projects.

James Thornhill is praised for his "highly thorough" approach and comes recommended for his advice to clients on contamination matters in the context of transactions.

THE FIRM This talented firm maintains a formidable reputation for its advice on municipal wastewater matters including stormwater management. Sources also praise its expertise in the defense of US Environmental Protection Agency enforcement actions. Recent highlights include representing the Maryland Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies and the Stormwater Association of Maryland in the Maryland Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan.

Sources say: "AquaLaw is an outstanding firm providing an unusually high level of client service. They really go out of their way to make me feel that my issues are the most important ones they are handling."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "When sitting at the negotiating table or in the courtroom with state and federal regulators, Paul Calamita's expertise is invaluable in that it keeps the playing field level," clients say. Sources particularly acclaim his broad knowledge of US Environmental Protection Agency and US Department of Justice consent orders.

Chris Pomeroy is commended for his negotiation strength and his "thoughtful knowledge of legislative strategies." He recently advised the Virginia Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies and the Virginia Municipal Stormwater Association on Nutrient Credit Trading expansion.

THE FIRM This team is particularly noted for its expertise in rulemaking and policy matters. Sources also praise its abilities in advising clients on regulatory compliance and litigation. Notable clients include the cities of Newport News and Virginia Beach, Dominion Virginia Power and Waste Associates Holdings.

Sources say: "They are highly effective in dealing with the State government."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Shannon Varner is noted for his intelligent approach to advising clients and for his connections to environmental agencies. He recently drafted and ensured the passage of state legislation regarding the trading of nutrient pollution credits.

THE FIRM This group comes highly rated for its expertise across a broad array of environmental matters. Recent highlights include advising the King William County School Board on the successful defense of a Clean Water Act claim relating to stormwater.

Sources say: "They give outstanding advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Channing Martin has "an excellent grasp of the pertinent regulations and exhibits skill and judgment in guiding us through the various legal issues," clients say. He recently negotiated a Prevention of Significant Deterioration permit for a steel mill in Petersburg on behalf of Chaparral (Virginia).

Since publication, two respected attorneys have joined the team from Troutman Sanders. While at his previous firm, the "well-connected" John Daniel counseled Henrico County on securing all the necessary permits for the building and operating of the Cobbs Creek Reservoir Project.

He is joined by the "remarkably intelligent" Lynne Rhodeis making an excellent impression in the market and is being hailed by commentators as a lawyer to watch.