Environmental law is a complex and ever-evolving field, particularly in a bustling industrial and commercial hub like the Chicago area. Businesses operating in and around Chicago face a myriad of federal, state, and local environmental regulations that can significantly impact their operations. Having a skilled Chicago Area Environmental Lawyer is crucial for navigating this intricate legal landscape, ensuring compliance, and mitigating potential risks.
Barnes & Thornburg brings a national reputation and extensive experience in environmental law to serve clients in the Chicago area. Our environmental attorneys possess a deep understanding of the regulatory and legislative processes, offering strategic counsel and robust representation across a wide spectrum of environmental matters. We work proactively with businesses, municipalities, and other organizations to develop creative and effective solutions tailored to their specific environmental objectives in the Chicago region.
Our team distinguishes itself by fostering strong, productive relationships with government agency professionals at all levels. This proactive approach allows us to effectively advocate for our clients’ interests and achieve favorable outcomes in regulatory negotiations and compliance matters. We understand the intricacies of environmental rulemaking and permitting processes in Illinois and the surrounding states, enabling us to guide clients through every stage, from initial concept to final implementation. While our primary goal is to avoid environmental litigation, our strategic involvement in the regulatory process positions our clients favorably should disputes arise.
Barnes & Thornburg’s environmental lawyers bring specialized industry knowledge to clients operating in diverse sectors within the Chicago area and beyond. We represent major industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and real estate, as well as municipalities, utilities, and various public and private entities. Our broad client base reflects our comprehensive understanding of the environmental challenges and opportunities across different industries in the Chicago metropolitan area.
What sets our Chicago area environmental lawyer team apart is the depth of technical expertise that complements our legal acumen. Many of our attorneys hold advanced degrees in fields like environmental engineering, chemical engineering, environmental policy, and related scientific disciplines. This technical background allows us to thoroughly analyze complex environmental issues and provide informed, practical legal advice. Furthermore, our team includes former high-level officials from environmental regulatory agencies, providing invaluable insight into agency perspectives and decision-making processes.
Barnes & Thornburg offers the focused attention of an environmental law boutique, combined with the extensive resources and collaborative expertise of a large national law firm. We provide comprehensive counsel on compliance with environmental laws at all levels, from federal regulations to specific Chicago area ordinances. Our services extend to evaluating and minimizing environmental risks in real estate transactions and business deals within the region. When disputes arise, whether with regulatory bodies or private parties, we are adept at resolving them efficiently and, when necessary, vigorously protecting our clients’ interests through litigation and alternative dispute resolution methods.
We are committed to thought leadership in environmental law and strive to set precedents in the field. Clients in the Chicago area and nationwide rely on our substantive experience, responsive service, and dedication to achieving their environmental goals. Our key service areas include:
- Developing and implementing environmental crisis and emergency response strategies for Chicago area facilities.
- Engaging with Illinois and federal regulatory agencies on permitting, compliance, enforcement, and administrative proceedings.
- Advocating for clients’ environmental priorities with state and federal legislatures relevant to the Chicago area.
- Negotiating settlements, consent orders, and compliance plans related to environmental enforcement actions in Chicago.
- Overseeing environmental remediation projects at sites in and around Chicago.
- Addressing Superfund and cost allocation issues at complex sites in the region.
- Securing site-specific environmental permits and approvals for facilities in the Chicago area.
- Conducting environmental due diligence for commercial and real estate transactions in the Chicago market.
- Defending against white-collar environmental criminal charges in federal and state courts.
- Litigating and appealing environmental matters in courts throughout Illinois and the country.
- Advising on chemical regulatory matters relevant to businesses in the Chicago area.
- Addressing emerging environmental law issues such as vapor intrusion, climate change, and green infrastructure in the Chicago context.
For businesses and organizations in the Chicago area seeking experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel to navigate the complexities of environmental law, Barnes & Thornburg’s team of dedicated environmental lawyers provides comprehensive and effective representation. Contact a Chicago area environmental lawyer at Barnes & Thornburg to discuss your environmental legal needs and how we can help you achieve your objectives.
