Demystifying Environmental Law
Environmental law is a body of federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and common law that protects the natural environment and public health from harmful effects of human activity, while managing the use of natural resources. Functioning at multiple levels, environmental law encompasses all interactions of the interaction of humans, waste, climate and society. The subject is intrinsically linked to other legal fields, including property, real estate and public law. To help manage the social, economic and ecological functions of the Earth, a deep understanding of the environment is critical and environmental laws address thousands of relevant topics.
Some areas of environmental law include pollution control, natural resource conservation, and the protection of wildlife and ecosystems. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a variety of other national, regional and local agencies enforce these laws. In addition to these government bodies, numerous non-profit organizations, interest groups and others also participate in the development and enforcement of laws.
Pollution Control Laws concerning water and air and regulating pollution are some of the best-known and long-established environmental laws within the US. Since the 1970s , the responsibility for managing the environment has shifted from the states to the federal government. This process started with the establishment of the EPA in 1972, and the Clean Water Act (1972). The Clean Air Act, was subsequently enacted in 1970, but was amended in 1990.
Natural Resource Conservation A range of laws at both federal and state level serve to manage mineral and energy resource development and its negative impacts. These laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Forest Management Act (NFMA), Mineral Lands Leasing Act (MLLA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) maintain sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems, while also managing the economic interests of energy companies and others. Detailed policies ensure the preservation of resources by maximizing and protecting the uses derived from them.
Wildlife Protection Particularly in rural areas, commercial activities can often harm wildlife and natural habitats. Laws such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and National Parks Service Impact Statements protect wildlife and build economic activity around it.
What to Look for in an Environmental Law Firm
When determining the top environmental law firms, it is crucial to consider several key factors. These include the firm’s expertise in environmental law, its reputation within the legal and business communities, the feedback and testimonials from past and current clients, and its successful case history in environmental legal issues.
Expertise in environmental law is a critical component in identifying top firms. Firms that have dedicated teams of lawyers who specialize in various aspects of environmental law are often better equipped to handle complex cases. Their knowledge in different areas such as litigation, regulatory compliance, or transactional work can be a significant factor in the overall quality of their services.
Reputation is another important criterion. A firm’s standing among peers and within the industry can offer insights into its reliability and effectiveness. Law firm rankings, peer reviews, and national accolades can all help to paint a picture of a firm’s capability and authority in the environmental law arena.
Client feedback is an invaluable source of information regarding a law firm’s performance. Testimonials and case studies highlighting a firm’s track record with clients can provide a deeper understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. A high level of client satisfaction is often an indicator of a firm’s commitment to providing quality work.
An examination of a firm’s successful case history is another key factor to consider. This involves looking at the firm’s past achievements and understanding how they have handled various cases and situations. Examples of successful representation can help to provide a basis for comparison when assessing a firm’s work.
Overall, these key factors can help to guide the evaluation process.
The Best Environmental Law Firms In The United States
1. Baker Botts LLP
Baker Botts is a multinational law firm which began as a Houston based litigation practice and now has a substantial worldwide presence. The firm specializes in corporate law and litigation, with strong international recognition. Baker Botts offers environmental law expertise that its clients have consistently listed as "the best." The company focuses in particular on industries such as oil and gas, which often have significant impacts on the environment.
2. Paul Hastings
Paul Hastings has sixty years of experience in environmental law and a large roster of partners in major cities throughout the United States and the world. This company’s focus on environmental law is centered in California, particularly Los Angeles and San Francisco. Paul Hastings’ lawyers work closely with clients such as manufacturers, private equity firms, and other companies engaging in business to address their environmental law needs.
3. Nossaman LLP
Nossaman’s environmental practice addresses the demands of ongoing governmental and regulatory regulations in all of its major offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento. The firm employs environmental engineers and toxicologists to supplement its lawyers and offer effective and efficient legal advice to clients.
4. Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
This international firm was originally founded in 1896 and has since grown to become one of the world’s largest law firms. Recent cases concerning environmental law include matters in energy law, business and environmental law, and commercial litigation.
5. Baker & Hostetler LLP
This company’s environmental law practice leverages the firm’s resources in media and communications in order to help its clients meet environmental law needs. The practice affords wide range of experience, from enforcement lawsuit participation to rulemaking assistance.
The Top Global Environmental Law Firms
The global landscape is scattered with firms whose influence has reached far beyond their borders. These international giants possess deep environmental law expertise and an ability to handle cross-border environmental issues that can arise from companies operating in multiple countries. For example, Hogan Lovells has long been a global leader in environmental law. From advising on the first-ever citizen suit under the Clean Water Act, to helping to shape national reuse standards for new products, to representing clients in lawsuits involving potential cancer risks from polychlorinated biphenyls, the firm is well recognized. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP takes the lead on UK and EU public law, announcements and advice, with a particular emphasis on business processes and internal communications. Latham & Watkins is a market leader in Germany and an established firm in the Netherlands, Spain and the UAE. It has helped structure deals around EU and non-EU and UK environmental legislation, such as the interplay of EU non-financial information requirements and emissions trading schemes. Finally, there is Squire Patton Boggs, which excels in waste management and represents a range of clients in both the public and private sectors.
The Importance of Environmental Law Firms In Sustainability Efforts
Environmental law firms play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility by aiding companies in their efforts to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of environmental regulation and compliance. These law firms assist organizations in formulating and implementing green business practices, whether through resource conservation strategies or waste management protocols. Given their extensive experience and knowledge of not only environmental policy but also the various permits and licensing procedures that must be followed to stay in compliance, environmental law firms are often consulted by businesses and non-profit organizations alike to offer essential guidance. Furthermore, these firms are well-equipped to handle all matters relating to environmental litigation, real-estate activities, tax regulations, or even commercial transactions regarding contaminated properties.
Numerous environmental law firms have also worked hand-in-hand with government agencies and law enforcement to improve the efficacy of existing environmental laws , as well as promote and devise new ones. With an eye towards promoting sustainability throughout society, many of these firms carry out pro-bono work, assisting community organizations and local governments in protecting the natural environment from damage caused by land development and other projects. Furthermore, environmental law firms are often called upon to assist with public interest concerns regarding the environment, ranging from air and water pollution to global warming and climate change.
In recent years, the concept of environmental law has begun to expand to fully incorporate the critical issue of human impact on the environment. This has led to the development of a dizzying array of environmental specialties that encompass fields as diverse as water law, biota law, and endangered species law. Additionally, environmental law now deals with many aspects of business and human rights law, thus making it an interdisciplinary area of practice. By combining environmental and social responsibility, environmental law firms have begun to embrace a more holistic view of how law and policy should be utilized to promote sustainability.
Environmental Law Trends To Keep An Eye On
Current and future trends in environmental law are likely to be shaped by the evolving regulatory environment, as well as the complexities introduced by new challenges such as climate change, renewable energy, and corporate sustainability. As climate change becomes an ever pressing concern, it is likely that countries will move more quickly toward a global consensus on strategies to combat its effects. In the U.S., the landscape may also change following the 2016 election, in which control of Congress and the Presidency will be up for grabs at a time of peak environmental awareness. Climate change legislation may also be called into question if energy and economic policy shift.
Renewable energy law has been gaining notoriety as lawmakers, stakeholders, and citizens recognize that a greater emphasis on renewable sources may prove crucial in the goal to limit global temperature rise under the Paris Agreement. Corporate sustainability and compliance can be expected to increase in importance, as both consumers and investors are keenly aware of the fact that climate change poses a threat to their bottom lines.
How To Pick The Right Environmental Law Firm
When it comes to finding the right environmental law firms for your specific needs, due diligence is essential. The first step in this process lies in clearly defining your legal needs. Are you an individual facing criminal prosecution due to violations of federal law? Or are you a company trying to get permit approval from state regulators? Your answers here will guide you in determining which firms have experience handling similar cases.
Next, consulting potential costs is critical. Many law firms work on a retainer basis, which may make sense for companies dealing with ongoing environmental compliance matters, since there’s no telling what kind of legal issues might arise . But when your matter is clearly defined or time-limited, such as a SEC investigation, litigation over alleged emissions violations, or an enforcement action, a firm might offer you a better deal through a flat fee.
Lastly, consider fit. You may think that the biggest, flashiest environmental law firm your business has worked with, or which pops up first in an online search, would be the most capable. But not all firms have experience dealing with the kind of environmental situation you’re involved in. A firm that specializes in EPA clean-up actions, for instance, might not have enough experience with litigating Superfund cases.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to your environmental law challenges, nor is there a "best" environmental law firm. Find the team that’s the best fit for your business or case.
