Environmental Law
We represent clients in complex environmental litigation, advocating urgently to protect communities, defend ecosystems, and promote clean air and water.
99%
99% of the global population breathes air exceeding WHO pollution
guidelines,
causing an estimated 7 million premature deaths annually.
causing an estimated 7 million premature deaths annually.
1
World Health Organization, “Billions
of People Still Breathe Unhealthy Air:
New WHO Data,” (Apr. 4, 2022).
of People Still Breathe Unhealthy Air:
New WHO Data,” (Apr. 4, 2022).
$14.7B
Volkswagen’s 2016 diesel emissions scandal resulted in a $14.7 billion settlement for alleged use of software to cheat emissions tests.
2
U.S. Department of Justice, “Volkswagen
to Spend Up to $14.7 Billion to Settle
Allegations of Cheating Emissions Tests
and Deceiving Customers on 2.0 Liter
Diesel Vehicles,” (June 28, 2016).
to Spend Up to $14.7 Billion to Settle
Allegations of Cheating Emissions Tests
and Deceiving Customers on 2.0 Liter
Diesel Vehicles,” (June 28, 2016).
8M+ MT
An estimated 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans each year, wreaking havoc on marine life, ecosystems, and the food chain.
3
Marta Fava, “Ocean Plastic Pollution:
An Overview,” Ocean Literacy Portal
(May 9, 2022).
An Overview,” Ocean Literacy Portal
(May 9, 2022).
1°C
The global temperature has risen by 1°C since pre-industrial times, and an additional 0.5°C could severely impact ecosystems essential to life.
4
Myles R. Allen et al., “Global
Warming of 1.5 ºC,”
Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) Special
Report (2018).
Warming of 1.5 ºC,”
Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) Special
Report (2018).
Deforestation claims 10 million hectares annually-roughly the size of Portugal-while even more is lost to illegal operations, mismanagement, and intentional destruction like arson.
5
Hannah Ritchie, “Deforestation and
Forest Loss,”Our World in Data
(Feb. 2021, revised May 2024).
Forest Loss,”Our World in Data
(Feb. 2021, revised May 2024).
The urgency of climate action is clear as we face significant challenges: increasing carbon emissions, rising sea levels, and ecosystems at risk due to pollution.
Our environmental law practice works to address these challenges by holding corporations accountable, advancing environmental regulations, and supporting renewable energy efforts. We advocate for policies that prioritize environmental sustainability and long-term ecological health.
Civil litigation plays a key role in driving corporate accountability, supporting initiatives like net zero, electrification of transit, grid decarbonization, food system innovation, and industrial cleanup. Eliminating carbon emissions is essential, and transitioning to nuclear power with companies like TerraPower presents a powerful step toward addressing the climate crisis.
Overview
Annually, human activities contribute to more than 40 gigatons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere (equivalent to the carbon sequestered by over 980 billion trees), exacerbating climate change and irreversibly altering the Earth’s natural balance.
Deforestation not only halts the absorption of 2.6 billion tons of CO2 by the world’s forests annually but also releases this stored carbon back into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.
Environmental Justice
Each year, people release billions of tons of greenhouse gases, including particulate matter and various pollutants from burning fossil fuels, into the atmosphere. These emissions are drivers of climate change and have a direct impact on health, including lung cancer—a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally.
Civil litigation is crucial in holding polluters accountable and driving positive changes in policies that protect our environment and public health. We empower communities and individuals harmed by environmental hazards in class-action lawsuits, fighting to secure compensation for health problems and property damage caused by corporate negligence.
Human-induced climate change from burning fossil fuels and deforestation is accelerating glacier melt, threatening vital freshwater sources for billions, jeopardizing agriculture, drinking supplies, and increasing conflict over water scarcity.
Your Rights
- Legal Action: Individuals and communities can pursue class action suits against parties responsible for environmental harm, seeking redress and compensation for health impacts and diminished property values.
- Injunctions Granted: Victims can obtain court orders, or injunctions, to immediately halt activities that cause environmental harm.
- Cleanup Costs: Polluters can be held financially responsible for the costs of cleaning up environmental contamination they have caused.
- Restoration Claims: The law allows for claims that demand restoration of environments damaged by pollution to their original state.
- Whistleblower Protection: Those who report environmental violations are protected under whistleblower laws, encouraging the reporting of illegal pollution without fear of retaliation.
Annually, over 300 million tons of plastic are produced, with just 9% recycled, resulting in pervasive microplastics from ocean depths to Arctic ice, and massive CO2 emissions exacerbating climate change.
Lawyers' Role
- Corporate Accountability: Enforce responsibility for corporate environmental harm by promoting compliance with environmental standards and implementing restorative measures.
- Environmental Justice: Advocate for communities impacted by pollution, pursuing legal remedies and environmental restoration.
- Public Health: Challenge hazardous waste disposal and toxic emissions, seeking legal protection for community health.
- Class Actions: Lead impactful class actions addressing significant environmental damage, driving collective justice and reform.
How We Can Help
Environmental Harm and Toxic Exposure
Represent individuals and communities harmed by pollution, hazardous chemicals, or toxic exposure, including asbestos, lead, and industrial waste. Pursue compensation and environmental cleanup under laws such as CERCLA (Superfund), RCRA, and the Clean Water Act, protecting public health and securing justice for victims.
Industrial Accountability and Pollution Prevention
Hold industries accountable for violating environmental laws, using the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and TSCA to compel companies to reduce emissions, adopt cleaner production methods, and fund restoration efforts.
Climate Change and Carbon Reduction
Advocate for climate action by litigating against industries that fail to meet emission standards under the Clean Air Act. Assist businesses with compliance efforts for carbon reduction and net-zero targets, promoting sustainability through legal and policy initiatives.
Class Actions for Community Relief
Lead class action lawsuits addressing widespread environmental harm, such as air and water pollution, hazardous chemical exposure, and community contamination. Secure compensation for affected communities and demand restoration under state and federal environmental laws.
Plastic Pollution and Ocean Protection
Litigate cases involving plastic pollution and marine ecosystem harm, using laws like CERCLA and the Clean Water Act to hold corporations accountable for waste mismanagement and ocean contamination.
Ecosystem Defense and Biodiversity Protection
Protect ecosystems and biodiversity from corporate and governmental threats under the Endangered Species Act and Public Trust Doctrine. Challenge illegal deforestation, harmful land use changes, and actions threatening endangered species and critical habitats.
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Practices
Support the transition to renewable energy by promoting solar, wind, and electric vehicle adoption. Use the Energy Policy Act and PURPA to advocate for integrating clean energy into state and national grids while advancing sustainability goals.
Emerging Technologies and Environmental Risks
Address environmental harm caused by tech manufacturing, waste disposal, and emerging industries. Pursue accountability for violations of RCRA, CERCLA, and the Clean Water Act so innovation aligns with environmental responsibility.
Mass Transit and Infrastructure Pollution
Represent communities impacted by pollution from mass transit systems, airports, and infrastructure projects. Pursue remedies for contamination and public health impacts under Massachusetts environmental laws and federal regulations.
Toxic Exposure in Schools and Housing
Advocate for families exposed to lead, mold, or hazardous chemicals in schools and housing. Pursue legal remedies under Massachusetts housing codes and federal environmental regulations to secure safer living and learning conditions.
Sustainability and ESG Litigation
Advocate for transparency in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, holding corporations accountable for greenwashing or false sustainability claims. Assist businesses in implementing ethical governance and compliance with SEC disclosure requirements and other sustainability initiatives.
Whistleblower Protection in Environmental Violations
Protect whistleblowers exposing environmental misconduct under federal and state whistleblower laws. Advocate for safe reporting channels and pursue legal remedies for retaliation to encourage accountability and environmental justice.
