Environmental Law

​Osborn’s environmental law practice focuses on the representation of public and private owners and developers in real estate and corporate transactions; problems encountered during construction and renovation; and large-scale brownfield and environmental cleanup projects.
The Firm’s environmental attorneys are detail-oriented problem solvers, troubleshooters and team players who are adept and effective at managing unanticipated problems. Their in-depth familiarity with environmental laws and regulations and their understanding of the perspectives of government agencies and professionals in related fields allows them to bridge gaps in communication and to achieve practical solutions.   ​
Our environmental attorneys seamlessly collaborate with our construction attorneys and clients to create an effective team to address each of the issues anticipated during the construction, renovation and remediation processes.

Environmental Law Services

  • Provide regulatory advice in connection with remediation of hazardous substance and petroleum contamination, including cleanups before local, state and federal agencies
  • Advise clients on brownfield transactions, voluntary cleanups, and redevelopment of contaminated properties
  • Counsel clients regarding property portfolio management, exit strategies, plant closures, demolition and re-use
  • Represent clients in permitting, enforcement proceedings, multi-party Superfund proceedings and litigation of cost recovery claims
  • Provide proactive compliance counseling (solid and hazardous waste, clean air, clean water, community right-to-know) and assist clients with compliance audits​​
  • Prepare and negotiate contracts for design and implementation of environmental clean-up programs for asbestos, mold, lead-based paint and hazardous waste, including soil and groundwater contamination, and underground tanks
  • Analyze sustainability efforts including product life cycle, recycling, and supply chain analysis.
  • Counsel on solid waste handling requirements on construction and environmental sites
  • Assist with green infrastructure projects and prepare the contracts required to carry out those projects
  • Address issues in waterfront development and prepare analyses relating to sea level rise and impact on waterfront properties, including maritime industry development, waste water treatment plants, transit systems, and roadways as well as a review of the impact of sea level rise on hazardous waste cleanups such as those which may be required at the Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek properties.
Our attorneys are skilled at focusing on objectives and building an effective team with the skill and expertise needed to reach a resolution of complex technical and legal issues.