When industry, cities, counties, state and local agencies and private individuals need advice on environmental matters, Duane Morris attorneys are often the advisors and advocates turned to first. Members of our practice group represent clients with regulatory compliance, environmental review, enforcement proceedings, litigation and transaction-related needs. Our attorneys also assist federal and state legislators, regulators and agencies, both directly and on behalf of clients, in the formation and implementation of environmental and natural resource laws, regulations and policy. Duane Morris lawyers have a depth of experience in environmental defense matters as well as internal investigations and criminal grand jury proceedings.

Our group has been involved in multibillion-dollar transactions and litigated significant cases on complex regulatory issues before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. Duane Morris attorneys have been members of, and frequently deal with, numerous agencies, committees, commissions and associations that impact our clients regarding environmental matters.

Duane Morris’ environmental lawyers have represented clients on environmental matters arising under an array of federal laws and their state equivalents, including, among others, the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), Superfund, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Clean Water Act (CWA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and state “mini-NEPAs” and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and state counterparts. Duane Morris’ lawyers also have particular experience with the laws and regulations governing water rights and water supplies. With wide-ranging experience, Duane Morris’ lawyers have, for example, served as lead counsel for PRP groups in multiparty Superfund litigation; defended clients in civil and criminal CAA, CWA and ESA investigation and enforcement proceedings; represented clients in CAA Title V permit proceedings; assisted clients in obtaining permits pursuant to the CWA and CAA; advised current and prospective landowners on issues concerning protected wetlands; assisted clients with the development of endangered species mitigation banks and habitat conservation plans; represented parties in proceedings concerning hydroelectric relicensing and CWA 401 certifications; and helped develop and defend, as well as challenge, NEPA and ESA documents such as environmental impact statements and biological opinions, respectively.

On behalf of clients, our attorneys regularly participate in the development and implementation of large-scale programs, such as major real estate commercial and industrial sites, river and wetlands restoration and hydroelectric relicensing. Our attorneys also have been involved in developing and leading cutting-edge challenges to various CAA enforcement matters including regulatory compliance and challenges.

Our strategic approach to each matter is calculated with the client’s business goals in mind. Our environmental group has led and managed many client/counsel teams to successful resolutions of multifaceted problems, often in the face of potential exposures in the tens and hundreds of millions of dollars.

Partners in our group have served in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, various state and local agencies and have had signification responsibilities with the American Bar Association and state bar associations.

As seasoned practitioners, our attorneys are often asked to solve the largest and most intricate compliance and regulatory problems. We defend clients in litigation matters through trial and on appeal.

Duane Morris lawyers are knowledgeable and experienced in the international arena, including environmental regulations that affect the operations of cross-border businesses and lending institutions.

Our Clients

Our clients report that they have chosen to work with Duane Morris because of the depth of experience we offer in all areas of environmental law. Our clients include chemical, electronics, oil, pharmaceutical and consumer products companies; refineries; environmental consultants and engineers; water districts; investor-owned and municipal electric utilities; large energy users; real estate and financial institutions; multistate and international operating facilities; private water supply developers; agricultural interests; sanitary and utility districts; joint power authorities; industry associations; landowners; and national, state and local governments and agencies.

Services

Our Environmental Practice offers a full range of services and, as a result of our broad experience and capabilities, often advises on long-term planning and competitive strategies to help guide clients toward growth and profitability.

Types of matters:

  • Civil and administrative governmental enforcement actions
  • Regulatory counseling and agency advocacy
  • Environmental audits and compliance
  • Environmental review
  • Risk assessments
  • Cost recovery and contribution actions
  • Internal investigations
  • Real estate and corporate transactions
  • Development of environmental management systems
  • Environmental crimes
  • Litigation and compliance matters
  • Permitting - both defense and appeals

Substantive areas include air, water, drinking water, endangered species, environmental review, solid and hazardous waste, Superfund, RCRA, FIFRA, compliance with above and underground storage tanks requirements, children’s health, toxic torts, brownfields and TSCA.

Our environmental lawyers often work closely with other members of Duane Morris’ Energy, Environment and Natural Resources group, as well as with members of the firm’s practices dedicated to Trial, Corporate, Finance, Real Estate, Construction, Insurance, Business Reorganization and Financial Restructuring and Tax, to assist our clients in solving problems. In addition, our lawyers frequently coordinate their work with that of our clients’ government and public relations advisors, including our affiliate, Duane Morris Government Strategies.

For More Information

For more information, please contact Phil Cha, Rosemarie DaSilva, Joseph T. Walsh or any of the practice members referenced in the Attorney Listing.