Environment and Land Use Practice Group Named Practice Group Of The Year By Law360

Nossaman's Environment and Land Use Practice Group was profiled in Law360 as a result of being named as an  Environmental Practice Group of the Year for 2016. The article noted that over the past year the Group has bolstered its reputation…as the firm to call about major developments on environmental issues, [and is] aiding Energy Transfer Partners LP’s Dakota Access Pipeline project, the biggest freeway project in Arizona history [the $1.8 billion South Mountain Freeway] and a $20 billion water infrastructure overhaul in California [the California Waterfix Project].

The article also highlighted work the Group’s deep bench of lawyers is doing on matters related to wildlife, historical preservation and contamination issues—including its work as lead counsel for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in a suit against the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service accusing the feds of releasing captive-bred Mexican wolves without first getting required state permits.

There’s no other firm that has the kind of depth that we do in wildlife, Group Chair Paul Weiland said. Where we did well this year and are looking to do even better next year is our work on significant infrastructure projects and other projects that involve wildlife issues.

Additionally, Law360 reported on the Group’s recent expansion in Seattle, Austin and Washington D.C, which allows it to better service its wide-range of national clients.

That’s been the breakthrough for us in the last couple of years, and it really gives us the ability to compete for and work on significant projects throughout the U.S., Mr. Weiland added.

With an eye toward landmark matters and general excellence, Law360 selected winning groups across 34 practice areas. In the awards program's seventh year, the Practice Groups of the Year hailed from 80 law firms and rose to the top of 619 submissions.