Environment
USA Guide 2024 : Virginia
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 804 697 1200About
Provided by Troutman Pepper
Our national practice develops creative solutions to complex environmental problems. In a dynamic regulatory landscape, we help navigate critical energy and environmental issues in the context of complex litigation, compliance, enforcement and transactional matters.
Our Virginia lawyers are recognized for the following:
- One of the most experienced and diverse environmental practice groups in Virginia: Our full-time environmental attorneys and professional staff geologist provide GC-level representation to major U.S. and international companies, trade associations, municipal governments, and federally grant-funded nonprofit environmental organizations in virtually all areas of local, state, and federal environmental and natural resources law.
- Steady growth: Our group has grown steadily in recent years, and continues to expand to meet the needs of our clients. We have increasingly become not just trusted advisors to long-time clients, but also “big project” counsel in major federal and state court litigation, as well as development projects.
- Deep understanding of local agencies: We have a unique understanding of the state and federal government agencies with whom we work, because of the past experiences of our lawyers in key, high-level roles inside of government.
Chambers Review
Troutman Pepper has a well-respected environment practice, renowned for its strength in water matters. It routinely handles site development and environmental litigation, as well as conducting environmental due diligence on business transactions. The department acts for a diverse range of clients, including major energy and water companies, trade associations and municipalities. It is also noted for its strength in state and federal regulatory matters, offering clients the benefits of its attorneys' strong links with the relevant bodies. The firm's strength in Virginia is supplemented by a strong national presence and environmental law department.
Work Highlights
- Troutman Pepper advised Berkshire Hathaway Energy on multiple aspects of environmental compliance, assisting the company with its species protection, Clean Water Act and RCRA coal ash-related permits.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I have asked the Troutman team more than once for resources on non-routine issues, and they always deliver."
"They are quick and very responsive; their work quality is top notch and they give understandable advice. I trust them greatly."
"Once we find a law firm and attorneys who are responsive, cost-efficient, smart and practical, there is no need to look elsewhere. I have no qualms in recommending them. They are one of the best I've dealt with."
"The issues in our industry can be very complex, but their extensive knowledge of environmental law and policies has been extremely beneficial to us."
"I have asked the Troutman team more than once for resources on non-routine issues, and they always deliver."
"They are quick and very responsive; their work quality is top notch and they give understandable advice. I trust them greatly."
"Once we find a law firm and attorneys who are responsive, cost-efficient, smart and practical, there is no need to look elsewhere. I have no qualms in recommending them. They are one of the best I've dealt with."
"The issues in our industry can be very complex, but their extensive knowledge of environmental law and policies has been extremely beneficial to us."
Notable Practitioners
Andrea Wortzel has a highly regarded environmental practice that sees her handling water-related issues such as permitting and supply planning, as well as advising clients on landfill and waste management matters.
"Andrea is top notch."
"She is really fantastic. She is tremendously skilled in the field of environmental law and exceptionally good at working with regulators; she is very effective at getting permitting challenges resolved."
Brooks Smith is particularly well known in the field of water law. He represents clients such as water treatment facilities, public sector organizations and coal companies in litigation and enforcement actions, as well as advising them on permitting and compliance issues.
"Brooks communicates clearly, manages expectations, challenges assumptions, and provides relevant guidance."
"He is very knowledgeable and very responsive."
"Brooks is simply the best."
Shannon Varner advises clients on a range of issues, including permitting and regulatory compliance, brownfield redevelopment and voluntary remediation programs.
Andrew Flavin is a well-regarded environmental practitioner, earning praise for his skills in regulatory and administrative litigation.
"Andy is one of the smartest people I've ever come across."
Ranked Lawyers at
Troutman Pepper
Virginia