Department profile
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Environment

USA Guide 2026 : Texas


Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Kelley Drye’s environmental practice represents clients in significant environmental matters in Texas and across the country. We are nationally recognized for our work on some of the highest profile and most complex natural resource damages, environmental remediation, and contamination cases in the country. We have deep experience representing some of the most heavily regulated industries gives us the insight necessary to help clients proactively manage risks through due diligence, environmental management systems, and compliance auditing.

For more than 25 years, our litigators have represented states, port authorities, and other government entities in the most sophisticated and largest contamination and natural resource damages cases in the United States. We represent plaintiffs and defendants in clean-up, natural resource damages, cost-recovery actions, and insurance recovery cases under federal environmental laws—such as CERCLA—and similar state law actions.

Our nationally recognized PFAS team represents more than a dozen states and sovereign entities, together with dozens more water providers and private sector clients, in high-stakes litigation related to PFAS contamination from industrial sources and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment - Texas

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is highlighted for its representation of both public and private sector clients in high-profile disputes, particularly those concerning water contamination and catastrophic events. The firm's attorneys are especially well-versed in handling clean-up and liability matters related to port and railroad operations. Kelley Drye is particularly noted for its significant regulatory practice, which includes particular expertise in advising energy industry clients.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Kelley Drye & Warren LLP acted for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey's Attorney General Office, securing a $450 million settlement with 3M related to PFAS contamination at the Cambers Works site in Salem County and around the State.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • KDW has extensive expertise and a strong team specializing in environmental tort and natural resource damages, particularly in the PFAS arena.

    Environment respondentUSA
  • KDW put together an excellent team of lawyers. The team was well prepared, diligent and able to present our arguments effectively in court.

    Environment respondentUSA
  • The firm offers exceptional talent, ability and depth.

    Environment respondentUSA
  • They are highly experienced and knowledgeable.

    Environment respondentUSA
  • The firm is a thought leader on PFAS issues and how companies and states impacted by PFAS can think through possible remedies from the original manufacturers.

    Environment respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Bill Jackson
    Band 1Bill Jackson

    Bill Jackson

    Bill Jackson is widely recognized for his expertise on cases involving emerging contaminants.

    • Bill is a savvy attorney with deep experience handling complex environmental matters.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • Bill is top-notch on all levels.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • Bill is an excellent communicator and sophisticated lawyer who understands both the legal landscape and the political landscape and is able to integrate consideration of many relevant variables into his recommendations.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • Bill is the gold standard.

      Environment respondentUSA
  • Band 2John Gilmour
    Band 2John Gilmour

    John Gilmour

    John Gilmour is a go-to environmental litigator, sought out for his expertise on groundwater, surface waterways and mining sites.
    • John is great to have on your side.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • John is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. He's a great partner and a pleasure to work with.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • John communicates clearly and frequently.

      Environment respondentUSA
  • Band 5Jennifer Barks
    Band 5Jennifer Barks

    Jennifer Barks

    Jennifer Barks assists clients with responses to federal and state agency proceedings under the CAA and RCRA.
    • Jennifer is an excellent lawyer with an impressive work ethic who is able to juggle many workstreams at once with ease.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • Jennifer is an excellent lawyer who uses her understated style to accomplish great results.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • Jennifer is a dedicated attorney who has a great rapport with her clients.

      Environment respondentUSA
    • She is extremely talented.

      Environment respondentUSA
  • Band 5Kenneth Corley
    Band 5Kenneth Corley

    Kenneth Corley

    Kenny Corley is a litigator with considerable expertise in environment matters. His clients include transportation and energy organizations as well as government entities. He has notable experience in PFAS litigation and other contamination claims.

    • Kenny has great litigation sense. He synthesizes complex information and presents very well to the court.

      Environment respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP (4)

Texas

Members

Provided by Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

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