Introduction to Environmental Litigation: Key Litigation Strategies, Regulatory Frameworks, and Common Challenges

To best represent any client in environmental matters, attorneys should understand the intricacies of environmental litigation and the regulatory landscape. These subjects are not typically covered in depth in law school, leaving new attorneys with gaps in their knowledge.

It is crucial to understand the various environmental laws, the role of regulatory agencies, and the litigation process. Each of these elements has different requirements and implications for legal practice. Environmental litigation often involves complex scientific data, multiple stakeholders, and significant public interest, making it essential for attorneys to be well versed in these areas.

Listen as our panel provides new attorneys with essential, real world knowledge about environmental litigation that will enable them to better understand how to effectively represent clients in environmental law matters.

1. Overview of major environmental laws
   • Clean Air Act (CAA)
   • Clean Water Act (CWA)
   • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
   • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
   • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
   • Endangered Species Act (ESA)
2. Regulatory framework
3. Key case types within environmental litigation
   • Permitting disputes and regulatory litigation
   • Superfund and remediation disputes
   • Environmental damage claims
   • Toxic torts
   • Environmental enforcement and agency investigations
   • Regulatory compliance
4. Common challenges
5. Case studies

The panel will review these and other important questions:

• What are the key types of environmental litigation?
• What are current trends in environmental litigation?
• How does a new attorney add value to an environmental law firm?