America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2005: Environment

Chambers & Partners has compiled their independent and objective list of America's Leading Lawyers for Business based on comments gathered from thousands of interviews with clients and lawyers from Maine to Hawaii. This guide -- which is designed to reflect market opinion -- contains a view of the firms and attorneys who are considered leaders in their field.

 

In Chambers' 2005 review of national legal talent in the area of "Environment," our Firm and our lawyers are listed among the best in the country.

 

Chambers' comments:

District of Columbia Ranking:  3

The Firm: This seven-attorney practice is active in several fields. A "premier appellate firm," say some commentators, while others stressed its representation of mobile source clients in CAA issues. It is one of several DC practices seen to be providing very effective support on corporate transactions where environmental issues and liabilities are of key importance. Bankruptcy is another steady source of work, and in this sphere the group is recommended for its know-how. In litigation, the firm's representation of automobile industry clients, including GM, is the aspect most commented upon. Finally, the firm has made an impression in rulemaking challenges concerning California's stance on emissions.

The Lawyers: Walter Lohmann is the group's best-known environment transactional expert. Peers enthuse that he is "pragmatic and congenial," adding that "he understands the real world and what risks can be accepted." His approach is viewed as "zealous in the advocacy of his client's interests, but not unreasonably so." Lohmann's practice has come to be regarded by some as one of the top for transactional support outside of New York, though he is also acknowledged for his general environmental counseling. In a recent highlight he acted for Madison Dearborn Partners in its acquisition of the forest products division of Boise Cascade for $3.7 billion. Edward Warren is a name that impresses commentators. As one of the "first generation" of environment attorneys, he has an "excellent and extensive appellate record," with rulemaking challenges now his "bread and butter." Warren is an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago. Stuart Drake is another name frequently mentioned by commentators, in his case as "one of the best for mobile source CAA knowledge." He has the loyalty of major clients in the automobile industry and possesses enviable vehicle and engine expertise as well as an extensive counseling and litigation track record.

The Clients: GM; Madison Dearborn Partners; Sun Capital; Bain Capital; First Atlantic Capital; ICV Capital Partners and JPMorgan Partners.

Illinois Ranking: 4

The Firm: This well-known "force in Chicago's legal market" has ample capability on the environmental side, offering an impressive clientele services in litigation and arbitration as well as regulatory advice. Commentators most often think of them in connection with major asbestos cases where a bankruptcy element is involved.

The Lawyers: The greatest reputation here belongs to Andrew Running, whose skills in environmental and insurance litigation and arbitration ensure a steady stream of high-value work. He recently successfully established at trial his client's right to $111 million of insurance coverage in pending tort class actions.

Reprinted with permission from Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2005 - www.chambersandpartners.com.