Department profile
Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Environment

USA Guide 2026 : Illinois


Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Barnes & Thornburg advises on virtually every area of environmental law, the regulatory and legislative process, and related litigation. Our national team has represented myriad clients in sizable environmental matters, offering creative solutions to meet their objectives. We have negotiated critical consent decrees for municipalities across the country and navigated businesses and trade associations through and beyond the regulatory rulemaking process.

We apply our specialized industry know-how when working with national and international clients such as major oil companies and refineries, industrial manufacturers and suppliers, pipeline owners and operators, and energy and mining businesses. We represent airports, municipalities, water and wastewater utilities, and other public utilities and entities throughout the country. We also represent property owners and construction companies, solid and hazardous waste management facilities, e-waste and scrap and other materials recyclers, as well as industry associations and coalitions in significant areas of environmental law.

We advise on compliance with federal, state, local and international environmental laws, and evaluate and advise on minimizing environmental risks in real estate and business transactions. We resolve disputes with governmental entities and private parties arising under environmental laws and, when necessary, aggressively protect client interests in litigation or alternative dispute resolution.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment - Illinois

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Barnes & Thornburg LLP is a full-service environmental practice renowned for its enforcement and litigation expertise, as well as its excellent transactional counsel. The firm offers notable abilities advising pipeline operators on regulatory compliance, alongside wider strengths counseling on water and air quality matters, contaminated land issues and OSHA-related work. It acts for a varied list of clients ranging from energy and real estate companies to municipalities.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Barnes & Thornburg serves as part of an Allocation Team responsible for allocating shares of responsibility among more than 100 PRPs for remediation and natural resource damages at the Portland Harbor Superfund Site.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team offer commercial advice and excellent communication. When a highly complex issue arises, they skillfully identify the issue and work to resolve it.

    Environment respondentUSA
  • They possess extensive environmental expertise that intersects with numerous other practice areas and they can elucidate complex concepts to clients in an accessible manner.

    Environment respondentUSA
  • They have a deep understanding of the CWA, state-level enforcement frameworks and the practical realities of wastewater treatment. They excel in high-stakes situations and engaging with regulators.

    Environment respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Bruce White
    Band 1Bruce White

    Bruce White

    Bruce White maintains a highly regarded litigation practice which sees him engaged by local authorities and industrial clients in contentious environmental matters.
    • He is an excellent environment litigator specializing in Superfund work.

      Environment respondentUSA
  • Band 1Erika K Powers
    Band 1Erika K Powers

    Erika K Powers

    Erika Powers is highly capable in environmental regulatory matters, offering particular expertise in CWA as well as negotiating consent decrees with the EPA.
    • Erika brings exceptional expertise in environmental and regulatory matters. She has a remarkable ability to break down dense regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidance. She is consistently responsive and her strong relationships with regulators make a significant difference.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • Erika is a really terrific Clean Water Act lawyer.

      Environment respondentUSA
  • Band 2Fredric Andes
    Band 2Fredric Andes

    Fredric Andes

    Fredric Andes leads the firm's water team and is well regarded for his handling of CWA matters.
    • His guidance is consistently clear, strategic, and aligned with our needs. Fredric is highly responsive, thoughtful and able to translate complex regulatory issues into straightforward, actionable advice.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • He is an excellent water lawyer.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • He provides the highest level of service and understands the technical and regulatory aspects of our project. He is the ideal adviser.

      Environment respondentUSA
  • Band 2Joseph F Madonia
    Band 2Joseph F Madonia

    Joseph F Madonia

    Joseph Madonia is well regarded in the market for his litigation expertise. He has significant experience in acting for global chemical companies and is adept at handling large class actions involving soil and groundwater contamination issues.
  • Band 3Michael Elam
    Band 3Michael Elam

    Michael Elam

    Michael Elam is an experienced environmental attorney with broad expertise. He has notable experience advising clients on energy-related matters.
    • He is a great leader with significant industry experience and expertise.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • Michael provides excellent client service, he is able to find solutions where others can't and is really good at advising with an eye towards what customers' business needs are.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • Michael is absolutely fantastic in every facet of support.

      Environment respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Barnes & Thornburg LLP (5)

Illinois

Members

Provided by Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Barnes & Thornburg LLP has rankings in the following guides

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