Environmental Litigation

Environmental situations affect more than our ecosystem. They alter our livelihoods, affect our economic health and — in some instances — change the course of a company’s history.

The environmental litigation team at McGuireWoods draws on our in-depth legal and industry experience and the firm’s broad technological resources to deliver strategic counsel to clients almost anywhere they do business. As members of a firm that values and is driven by relationships, we work closely with clients to understand their companies, markets and regulatory challenges, and collaborate with lawyers from throughout the firm to provide focused, issue-specific counsel.

We have extensive familiarity with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policies and procedures, and work closely with EPA staff to negotiate appropriate responses to investigations and enforcement action. We also have represented clients before state legislatures and environmental and natural resources agencies. Taken together, this broad experience with regulatory and legislative bodies enables us to move readily between national issues and site- or company-specific engagements.

When unforeseen events arise, we understand that immediate action is often required, not only to reduce the potential impact on the environment, but also to minimize the effects of environmental claims on the companies involved. These decisions must also be made in the context of broader regulatory requirements and in a manner that takes into account the long-term ramifications of any response under consideration. While we are fully prepared to mount an aggressive defense at trial and before federal and state regulatory agencies, we are particularly proud of those cases that do not make it to court. We also recognize the value of a positive reputation, and we work with McGuireWoods Consulting’s public relations and government relations teams to manage the publicity that often surrounds environmental complaints. We also work with these professionals to help ensure that our clients’ perspectives on important issues are heard and understood.