Overview
Companies have never been more vulnerable to environmental and toxic tort litigation. Through social media, even the most localized cleanup effort can become global news within minutes, and potential claimants can network and coordinate with greater ease—giving rise to even more class actions. Companies face unprecedented shifts in government regulation and increased public scrutiny about environmental legacies and as you bring projects and products to market.
Go from crisis to resolution with Manatt’s trial-tested environmental litigators
Manatt’s trial-tested litigators have decades of experience navigating complex environmental claims. From novel legal theories to cutting-edge technologies, our team has the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the risks that may accompany complex environmental disputes.
With experience at every level of local, state and federal court, including multidistrict litigation and class actions, we have resolved cases involving climate change, groundwater cleanup, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, products liability, Proposition 65, the California Environmental Quality Act, natural resources and chemical exposure, to name a few.
Many of our lawyers have technical backgrounds that enable them to fully understand the complex scientific issues at play and can go up against the best of experts. When combined with our deep legal experience, our team can help you stay ahead of emerging trends and spot red flags and potential liabilities. Our clients include:
- Electric, gas and water utilities
- Energy companies
- Manufacturers
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Pharmaceutical and laboratory diagnostic companies
- Oil refiners
- Real estate developers
Whether confronted with allegations of drinking water contamination, toxic emissions or other situations, we will vigorously protect your interests, assets and reputation—from the initial investigation through the resolution of any necessary litigation. When an accident occurs, we will help you quickly safeguard those affected while limiting your liability to the strictest definition of the law. If other parties are to blame, we will vigorously pursue liable parties and protect you from unjust litigation, witch hunts and media circuses.
Insight and experience on government investigations and enforcement actions
Manatt’s environmental litigation team has extensive administrative and criminal practice experience. Because many of our litigators have backgrounds in government and have worked in harmony with government regulators, we can help ensure your compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In administrative reviews and enforcement proceedings, we will steadfastly represent your interests.
We are never afraid to challenge an unfair regulation or to argue that an agency overstepped its jurisdictional authority or misinterpreted the law. Likewise, many of our attorneys previously served as prosecutors and are uniquely positioned to defend against criminal investigations and prosecution.
