Department profile
Environment
USA Guide 2026 : South Carolina
Rankings
Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
Provided by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
We put our creativity and experience to work for you when you need help
- navigating environmental regulation
- defending claims by agencies, environmental groups, or citizens
- reacting to natural disaster and catastrophic releases
- identifying, evaluating and negotiating liabilities in transactions and effectively allocating liability
Experience with complex issues and cases has prepared us to be strong, creative advocates for environmental disputes
We have defended clients in administrative appeals, civil and criminal suits (including citizen suits and suits by NGOs), which were based on federal and state constitutions, CERCLA, RCRA, Clean Water Act, groundwater and wetlands protection, Clean Air Act, toxic tort, personal injury, exposure, property devaluation, property rights, takings, condemnation, zoning, land use and all other common law theories and principles
Our clients span diverse industries
Manufacturing
Aerospace
Agricultural chemicals, maintenance vehicles, lawn equipment and hand tools
Appliances (commercial and residential)
Automotive and automotive parts
Biomass and other alternative energy producers
Ceramics
Chemicals and specialty chemical manufacturers, processors, and suppliers
Consumer products
Electrical and lighting
Pesticides and pesticide devices
Pharmaceutical drugs and devices
Plastics and Polymers
Recreational vehicles
Textiles
Commercial waste management and recyclers
Asbestos
C&D
Coal ash
Scrap metal
Solid and hazardous waste
Used oil
Tires
Waste-to-energy
Construction
Chambers Review
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Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Nelson are extremely knowledgeable on local laws and requirements. In addition, they provide a problem-solving attitude that is unmatched.
Environment respondentUSANelson has a very deep understanding of environmental law. The firm is very thoughtful and has delivered excellent legal advice and results.
Environment respondentUSANelson are absolutely at the top. They are local folks who know what's going on long before we do.
Environment respondentUSA
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 Bernard F Hawkins Jr
Bernard Hawkins is experienced in environmental issues pertaining to air quality and waste management, including hazardous waste. His broad practice includes advising on permitting and compliance matters, as well as representing clients in environmental litigation. He is the best environmental lawyer anywhere. Bernard is an expert in the field, experienced, practical, clear communicator and well connected.
Environment respondentUSABernie is very responsive, brilliant and incredibly insightful and helpful.
Environment respondentUSABernie is top notch in what he does and is a significant asset to the company for providing important and expert advice.
Environment respondentUSABernie is so good; he has continued to be an invaluable resource and is incredibly knowledgeable.
Environment respondentUSABernie is a pleasure to work with; he is the top environmental lawyer in the state and is a valuable adviser for me.
Environment respondentUSA
Band 2 
Band 2 Newman Jackson Smith
Newman Jackson Smith has a strong reputation for his environmental practice, which focuses on the regulatory and permitting aspects of major development projects. Jack Smith has been instrumental in achieving our goals and he works seamlessly with his fellow attorneys.
Environment respondentUSAJack was always responsive and did an excellent job helping my company.
Environment respondentUSAJack was a pleasure to work with, has a great amount of knowledge and breadth of experience.
Environment respondentUSA
Ranked Individuals at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP (2)
South Carolina
Bernard F Hawkins Jr
Head of Environment
View profile Newman Jackson Smith
Environment
View profile
Members
Provided by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
Jack Smith
Wendy Parker
Weston Adams
Newman Jackson Smith
View profile of Newman Jackson Smith
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