Environmental Litigation Lawyers
Helmsing Leach attorneys draw upon years of experience in helping clients navigate the maze of environmental law and regulation at the local, state, and federal levels. We handle administrative and legal issues related to land, air, and water. Not only are we well-versed in regulatory compliance to avoid litigation and damages from such matters, but our environmental lawyers are experienced litigators who can handle any case should it arise from an environmental issue.
What is Environmental Law?
Environmental law encompasses a wide range of legal issues related to protecting the environment and natural resources. It covers regulations and statutes that aim to prevent pollution, preserve ecosystems, and promote sustainable practices.
Best Environmental Lawyers in Alabama
Through its attorneys, the firm has served as general counsel to Partners for Environmental Progress, Inc., a non-profit corporation consisting of hundreds of local and regional business and non-profit organizations with a common purpose of promoting economic prosperity and environmental sustainability in the Gulf Coast region.
Our environmental legal services in this field fall into three categories:
Regulatory Compliance
Helmsing Leach attorneys counsel clients regarding state and federal regulatory compliance involving land, air, and water. We have assisted clients in obtaining and complying with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits under the Clean Water Act, Title V permits under the Clean Air Act, §404 permits for dredging or filling of wetlands, and state permits for the storage and transportation of hazardous waste. Firm attorneys have represented clients charged with violations of the permit programs for air, water, and land and assisted in defending and negotiating notices of violation, orders of non-compliance, and penalty assessments.
Environmental Litigation
Our environmental law attorneys have represented clients in administrative agency proceedings as well as in state and federal courts involving issues of environmental law. Clients have included owners and operators of contaminated “Superfund” sites in Mississippi and Louisiana, and we have successfully litigated the issue of insurance coverage for various claims of environmental liability arising out of these sites. We have successfully defended claims of personal injury allegedly caused by exposure to toxic chemicals as well as claims of contamination to the environment. We have obtained compensation for landowners whose land has been contaminated by the migration of chemicals from adjacent properties or other sources.
Real Estate Transactions
The purchase and sale of potentially contaminated land is fraught with risks of future environmental liability to both the seller and buyer. Such transactions require a working knowledge of such liabilities and skill in the negotiation of the necessary disclaimers and/or indemnities in the instruments used in the conveyance or lease of real estate. Without such legal expertise, the buyer or seller may face enormous liabilities that could have been avoided, minimized or allocated to others.
Our environmental law practice has experience negotiating and drafting the appropriate documents for such real estate transactions. They can also assist respective purchasers, investors, and lenders in assessing the environmental risks discussed in the property’s Phase I and/or Phase II environmental assessments.
Get in Touch with an Experienced Environmental Litigation Lawyer
Environmental regulation is complex and always evolving. We represent our clients in this unique field to ensure the costs and risks associated with this area of the law are mitigated. With a proven track record of successful outcomes and satisfied clients, our attorneys have the technical skills and experience to handle all aspects of environmental law.
Ready to discuss your environmental law defense needs?