Latham & Watkins environmental services: Pioneering Green Legal Services and Sustainability Initiatives Globally

Services

Regulatory Compliance

Latham & Watkins LLP offers extensive services in regulatory compliance, ensuring that clients stay up-to-date with the latest environmental laws and regulations that may impact their operations. The firm assists in designing and implementing comprehensive compliance programs tailored to meet specific regulatory requirements. Their services include monitoring regulatory changes and providing timely updates, preparing and submitting permit applications for air quality, water discharge, and waste management, and negotiating favourable permit conditions with regulatory authorities. Additionally, Latham & Watkins offers training sessions to educate employees on environmental compliance issues, helping clients maintain adherence to all applicable regulations.

Sustainable Business Practices

In the realm of sustainable business practices, Latham & Watkins supports clients in developing robust sustainability strategies that align with their business objectives and regulatory mandates. The firm helps clients create and implement corporate sustainability policies and frameworks, set measurable sustainability goals and targets, and develop detailed implementation plans to integrate sustainability initiatives across their operations. They also assist with corporate sustainability reporting, ensuring that clients meet global standards for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability.

Environmental Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Latham & Watkins LLP excels in environmental litigation and dispute resolution, representing clients in a wide range of environmental disputes. The firm defends clients against regulatory enforcement actions and citizen suits, providing strategic legal representation in court. They also offer alternative dispute resolution services, including mediation and arbitration, to help clients resolve environmental conflicts efficiently and effectively, minimizing the impact on their operations and reputation.

Environmental Due Diligence

The firm provides comprehensive environmental due diligence services, particularly in the context of mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions. Latham & Watkins conducts thorough environmental assessments to identify and mitigate potential liabilities, ensuring that clients are aware of any environmental risks associated with their transactions. Their services include evaluating environmental risks and liabilities related to real estate and corporate deals, helping clients make informed decisions and managing potential exposures effectively.

Climate Change and Carbon Management

Latham & Watkins LLP offers specialized services in climate change and carbon management, advising clients on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with climate change regulations. The firm assists clients in developing and implementing climate change mitigation strategies, participating in carbon trading markets, and managing carbon credits. Their expertise helps clients navigate the complex landscape of climate regulations and leverage opportunities in the emerging carbon economy.

Renewable Energy and Clean Technology

In the renewable energy and clean technology sectors, Latham & Watkins supports the development and financing of projects involving wind, solar, bioenergy, and other renewable sources. The firm advises on legal issues related to the deployment and commercialization of clean technologies, ensuring that projects comply with regulatory requirements and achieve financial viability. Their services encompass project development, regulatory compliance, and transactional support for renewable energy initiatives.

Environmental Impact Assessments

Latham & Watkins provides comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) services, conducting detailed studies to evaluate the potential environmental effects of various projects. The firm helps clients prepare EIA reports, facilitate public participation and stakeholder engagement, and develop mitigation strategies to address identified impacts. Their expertise ensures that clients meet regulatory requirements and obtain necessary approvals for their projects.

Resource Management

The firm’s resource management services include advising on water rights, water quality regulations, and sustainable water management practices. Latham & Watkins assists clients in navigating the complex legal landscape of water law, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and promoting sustainable water use. Additionally, they provide guidance on waste management regulations, recycling programs, and hazardous waste disposal, helping clients implement effective and environmentally responsible waste management practices.

Sustainable Finance

Latham & Watkins LLP is at the forefront of sustainable finance, assisting clients in the issuance of green bonds and other sustainable finance instruments to fund environmentally beneficial projects. The firm advises investors on integrating ESG factors into their investment decisions, managing related risks, and leveraging opportunities in the growing market for sustainable finance. Their expertise supports clients in achieving their financial and sustainability objectives while contributing to broader environmental goals.

Case studies

Terra-Gen Wind Energy Project

Latham & Watkins represented Terra-Gen in a lawsuit challenging the approval of a $400 million, 60-turbine wind energy project on the Campo Indian Reservation in southern California. The firm successfully navigated the complex regulatory and environmental landscape, securing the necessary approvals for this significant renewable energy project.

Dow Chemical Company

In a high-profile case, Latham & Watkins defended The Dow Chemical Company against a lawsuit brought by the City of Modesto. The case involved allegations of perchloroethylene (PCE) contamination, a compound used by dry cleaners and manufactured by Dow. The firm leveraged its expertise in environmental litigation to manage the complex legal issues surrounding chemical contamination and liability.

Navistar Environmental Litigation

Latham & Watkins represented Navistar in multiple class and individual actions filed in state and federal courts throughout the US and Canada. These cases involved significant environmental and product liability claims, showcasing the firm’s ability to handle large-scale, multi-jurisdictional environmental disputes.

Chevron Environmental Issues

The firm has also advised Chevron on various environmental litigation and regulatory compliance matters. This includes defending the company against enforcement actions and managing complex environmental permitting processes, demonstrating their deep expertise in handling high-stakes environmental issues for major corporations.

Competitors

1. Kirkland & Ellis LLP: Known for its leading corporate practice, particularly in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and litigation. It consistently ranks among the highest-grossing law firms globally.

2. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP: Specializes in corporate transactions, including M&A, securities law, and litigation. Skadden is renowned for its work in complex, high-stakes legal matters.

3. Jones Day: Offers comprehensive legal services with strong practices in litigation, labour law, and corporate law. It has a notable presence in the U.S. and international markets.

4. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP: Provides wide-ranging legal services, including labour and employment, intellectual property, and corporate law. Known for its client-focused approach and extensive global network.

5. Baker McKenzie: A global law firm with expertise in international trade, tax, and corporate law. Baker McKenzie is recognized for its ability to handle cross-border legal issues effectively.

6. Hogan Lovells: Offers services in regulatory, litigation, corporate, and finance law. The firm is known for its strong government and public policy practice.

7. DLA Piper: One of the largest law firms in the world, providing services in corporate law, litigation, real estate, and regulatory matters. DLA Piper has a significant global presence.

8. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP: Specializes in corporate law, with a strong focus on M&A, financial services, and securities law. The firm is known for its high-profile client base and complex transactions.

9. Sidley Austin LLP: Offers services in litigation, regulatory and government affairs, and corporate law. Sidley Austin is known for its broad industry expertise and global reach.

10. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP: Recognized for its litigation and dispute resolution practices, corporate transactions, and regulatory expertise. The firm is also noted for its strong appellate practice.

What makes L&W stand out?

"We are committed to operating in an environmentally conscious manner and decreasing our global footprint, aiming for full renewable energy procurement across all offices by 2030."

Source: lw.com

Global Reach and Integration

With over 30 offices worldwide, Latham & Watkins offers a truly global platform. The firm’s integrated approach ensures seamless service across jurisdictions, providing clients with comprehensive and consistent legal support.

Diverse Practice Areas

Latham & Watkins boasts expertise in a wide range of practice areas, including corporate law, finance, litigation, tax, real estate, and regulatory matters. This diversity allows them to serve clients in multiple sectors and address complex, multifaceted legal challenges.

Innovation and Technology

The firm is committed to leveraging technology to enhance legal services. They invest in legal tech and innovation hubs, streamlining processes and improving client service through advanced technological solutions.

Pro Bono and Social Responsibility

The firm has a strong commitment to pro bono work, providing significant legal services to non-profits, individuals, and communities in need. They focus on human rights, civil liberties, and social justice, reflecting their dedication to making a positive impact beyond the commercial realm.

High-Profile Client Work

Latham & Watkins is known for representing high-profile clients in landmark cases. Their ability to handle significant and complex legal matters has earned them a reputation for excellence and reliability in the legal industry.

Commitment to Sustainability

Latham & Watkins is dedicated to sustainable operations and helping clients with environmental challenges. The firm has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2030 and is transitioning to renewable energy sources for its offices. Their sustainability efforts are complemented by their pro bono work, which includes donating thousands of hours to sustainability-focused clients.

Pricing

Specific pricing information for Latham & Watkins LLP’s services is typically not publicly disclosed, as it can vary widely depending on the nature and complexity of the legal matter, the experience level of the attorneys involved, and the location of the services provided.

For more detailed information on their pricing, it is best to contact the firm directly or refer to specific client agreements.

For more information, visit their official website.