Department profile
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Environment

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada

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Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

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About

Provided by Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Gowling WLG's Environmental Law Group combines the strength and flexibility of a global, full-service law firm with the advanced experience and quality of service of a boutique environmental practice.

We help clients anticipate new developments in environmental law, delivering practical advice and effective representation that helps them address environmental issues as they arise.

The legal professionals at Gowling WLG are recognized nationally and internationally for their strength in environmental law. Several members of our team are “Certified Specialists in Environmental Law” – a designation granted exclusively by the Law Society of Ontario to those who have met established standards of experience and knowledge, and maintained exemplary standards of professional practice.

Our environmental law services include:

  • Brownfields
  • Climate change
  • Corporate transactions
  • Corporate advice
  • ​Emergency response
  • Environmental assessments
  • Litigation and advocacy
  • First Nations
  • International development
  • Real estate transactions
  • Toxic substances
  • Training
  • Transportation of dangerous goods
  • Waste management
  • Water and wastewater treatment and management

Members of the team work in close collaboration with Gowling WLG’s Indigenous Law Group on matters at the confluence of environmental law and Indigenous law.

Industries (10)

  • Chemicals
  • Energy
  • Government
  • Automobiles & Parts
  • Transportation
  • Real Estate
  • Construction & Materials
  • Consumer Product Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Retail

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment - Nationwide - Canada

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Gowling WLG (Canada) houses a well-recognised environmental law team which draws upon the law firm's interdisciplinary approach to offer experience across a range of jurisdictions and different environmental services. The practice has substantial expertise in brownfield development, waste and wastewater management, and climate change with regard to cap-and-trade systems. The law firm regularly handles environmental litigation and also offers expertise representing clients in Northern Canada, including acting on behalf of Indigenous communities.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Gowling WLG (Canada) represented Groupe Somavrac in litigation before the Superior Court of Trois-Rivières pertaining to the presence of on-site historical contamination, which originates from Irving Oil's past petroleum activities at the site.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • It is a very cohesive team that is super responsive.

    Environment respondentCanada

  • The lawyers are very practical, wonderful to deal with and good business partners.

    Environment respondentCanada

  • Gowling is knowledgeable, organised and gives a detailed delivery of facts.

    Environment respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Rodney Northey
    Rodney Northey

    Rodney Northey

    Rodney Northey is well-versed in regulatory issues, assisting with matters such as environmental approvals and waste management disputes on behalf of private and public clients, including municipalities. He operates out of the law firm's Toronto office.

    • He is very intelligent and well-versed in environmental law, with very creative solutions.

      Environment respondentCanada

    • Rodney has not just technical knowledge, but also strategic thinking.

      Environment respondentCanada
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  • Adam Chamberlain
    Adam Chamberlain

    Adam Chamberlain

    Adam Chamberlain heads the climate change and environmental law group at Gowling, typically advising private and public sector clients on the environmental aspects of various mining and infrastructure projects. Based in Toronto, he is noted for his activity at the intersection of environmental law and the representation of Indigenous peoples.

    • Adam is incredibly knowledgeable and knows what he is talking about.

      Environment respondentCanada
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  • Mark Youden
    Mark Youden

    Mark Youden

    Mark Youden handles both contentious and advisory matters on behalf of a wide range of clients, including utility providers, public bodies and development companies. He notably advises on environmental assessments and litigation relating to spills and land contamination.

    • He is organised, communicative and does a good job at managing complex matters.

      Environment respondentCanada

    • Mark is a very strong collaborator and brings reliable expertise and insight.

      Environment respondentCanada

    • Mark is very responsive and dedicated to clients. He is astute and pragmatically addresses complex issues.

      Environment respondentCanada
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  • Sebastian Ennis-Brown
    Sebastian Ennis-Brown

    Sebastian Ennis-Brown

    Sebastian Ennis-Brown is a Vancouver-based associate with broad expertise encompassing complex environmental disputes and compliance advice.

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Ranked Individuals at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP (4)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

Provided by Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP has rankings in the following guides

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