Troutman Pepper Locke LLP, Environment

About

Provided by Troutman Pepper Locke LLP

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

Provided by Chambers

Environment - Virginia

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP 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.

On 1st January 2025, Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord merged to form Troutman Pepper Locke LLP.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Troutman Pepper Locke LLP

The firm 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 team more than once for resources on non-routine issues, and they always deliver."

Environment respondent
USA

"They are quick and very responsive; their work quality is top notch and they give understandable advice. I trust them greatly."

Environment respondent
USA

"Once we find a law firm and attorneys who are responsive, cost-efficient, smart and practical, there is no need to look elsewhere. They are one of the best I've dealt with."

Environment respondent
USA

"The issues in our industry can be very complex, but their extensive knowledge of environmental law and policies has been extremely beneficial to us."

Environment respondent
USA

"I have asked the team more than once for resources on non-routine issues, and they always deliver."

Environment respondent
USA

"They are quick and very responsive; their work quality is top notch and they give understandable advice. I trust them greatly."

Environment respondent
USA

"Once we find a law firm and attorneys who are responsive, cost-efficient, smart and practical, there is no need to look elsewhere. They are one of the best I've dealt with."

Environment respondent
USA

"The issues in our industry can be very complex, but their extensive knowledge of environmental law and policies has been extremely beneficial to us."

Environment respondent
USA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Andrea W Wortzel

Band 1

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."

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Brooks M Smith

Band 1

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."

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Shannon Varner

Band 2

Shannon Varner advises clients on a range of issues, including permitting and regulatory compliance, brownfield redevelopment and voluntary remediation programs.

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