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Sidley Austin LLP environmental services: Expert Legal Environmental Solutions

Written by Polina Martinuka
Published August 7th, 2024
5 min read
Updated August 27th, 2024

Summary

Sidley Austin LLP provides a wide range of legal services, particularly in the realm of sustainability and environmental law. Their legal services are designed to help clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes, manage risks, and implement sustainable practices. The firm is highly regarded for its expertise in handling complex environmental issues for major clients across various industries.
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Details

Name
Sidley Austin LLP environmental services
Date of establishment
2010
Organization

Deep dive

"Talent.Teamwork.Results."

Source: sidley.com

Services

Environmental Law and Climate Change

Sidley Austin offers comprehensive legal services related to environmental compliance, regulatory issues, and climate change. This includes advising clients on matters such as air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and contaminated site management. The firm also provides counsel on environmental permitting, litigation, and enforcement actions.

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)

Sidley Austin’s ESG practice assists clients in developing and implementing robust ESG strategies. They provide guidance on ESG disclosures, compliance with regulatory requirements, and managing risks related to ESG issues. This includes advising on sustainability reporting, shareholder proposals, and responsible investment policies.

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Finance

The firm advises on a wide range of renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and other clean energy initiatives. They assist clients with project financing, regulatory compliance, and navigating the legal aspects of green bond issuances and other sustainable finance mechanisms.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration

Sidley Austin has expertise in carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) projects. They provide legal support for the development, permitting, and financing of CCUS projects, helping clients to meet regulatory requirements and mitigate climate change impacts.

Environmental Justice

The firm is committed to promoting environmental justice and provides pro bono services to underserved communities. This includes legal support for initiatives aimed at addressing environmental inequities and improving access to clean air, water, and land.

Compliance Management and Regulatory Advocacy

Sidley Austin helps clients develop and implement compliance programs to meet environmental regulations. They also advocate on behalf of clients in regulatory proceedings and provide counsel on legislative and policy developments impacting their operations.

Crisis Management and Strategic Response

The firm offers crisis management services to help clients respond to environmental incidents and regulatory investigations. This includes advising on public relations, managing legal risks, and coordinating with regulatory authorities to resolve issues effectively.

Case studies

  1. Angel City Football Club: Sidley represented this client in its agreement with Willow Bay and Bob Iger to become the new controlling owners, highlighting the firm's capabilities in sports and media law.

  2. Invenergy Renewables: Sidley advised Invenergy on its $1.5 billion acquisition of a renewable energy portfolio from American Electric Power, showcasing its expertise in renewable energy and large-scale transactions.

  3. Eldridge Industries, LLC: The firm represented Eldridge in the acquisition of Golden Globes' assets, emphasizing Sidley’s strength in high-profile entertainment transactions.

  4. Sunac China Holdings Limited: Sidley handled the restructuring of Sunac’s $10.2 billion offshore debt, demonstrating their prowess in complex international financial transactions.

  5. Amgen Inc.: The firm secured a significant legal victory for Amgen in a patent infringement case, highlighting its capabilities in life sciences and intellectual property litigation.

Competitors

  1. Latham & Watkins LLP: Known for its strong environmental law practice, Latham & Watkins provides services in ESG compliance, climate change, and sustainable finance. They are highly ranked in various environmental and sustainability-related categories.

  2. Kirkland & Ellis LLP: This firm has a robust practice in environmental law, particularly in ESG-related compliance, sustainable finance, and environmental litigation. They are well-regarded for their work with private equity funds on ESG matters.

  3. Beveridge & Diamond, P.C.: A leader in environmental law, Beveridge & Diamond focuses extensively on environmental compliance, litigation, and regulatory issues. They are considered one of the premier firms in this specialization.

  4. Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP: This firm is recognized for its expertise in environmental law, including climate change, ESG compliance, and environmental litigation. They have a strong presence in the environmental law field and are ranked highly in related practice areas.

  5. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP: Known for their environmental law practice, Gibson Dunn provides services in ESG risk management, compliance, and environmental litigation. They are highly ranked for their expertise in environmental and sustainability issues.

  6. White & Case LLP: White & Case offers comprehensive services in sustainability and environmental law, including green bond issuances, renewable energy projects, and ESG compliance. They are recognized for their innovative approaches and global reach in sustainability matters.

What makes Sidley's services stand out?

Source: https://www.sidley.com/en/sustainability
Source: https://www.sidley.com/en/sustainability

Comprehensive and Integrated Approach

Sidley Austin integrates sustainability across all aspects of their operations and legal services. Their approach is structured around three main pillars: Legal Services, Global Business Operations, and Stakeholder Engagement. This comprehensive strategy ensures that sustainability is a core part of their business model and not just an ancillary service.

Expertise and Recognition

The firm's environmental group is highly regarded, with top rankings in Chambers USA and Chambers Global for their climate change and ESG practices. They have also been awarded for innovation in sustainability and ESG by the Financial Times. Their lawyers have held senior governmental positions, bringing invaluable insights and expertise to their practice.

Pro Bono Commitment

Sidley Austin’s Emerging Enterprises Pro Bono Program is a standout feature. The program supports sustainable and economic growth in developing regions by offering high-quality legal services to socially and environmentally focused businesses. This commitment to pro bono work highlights the firm’s dedication to using its expertise to make a positive impact on a global scale.

Stakeholder Engagement and Leadership

Sidley actively engages with key internal and external stakeholders to promote sustainability best practices and solutions. The firm is a member of the Law Firm Sustainability Network, which aims to enhance sustainability across the legal profession. Their leadership in developing ESG-related policies and their involvement in significant environmental legislative and regulatory initiatives further distinguish them from their competitors.

Pricing

Sidley Austin LLP does not publicly disclose specific pricing for their environmental services, as costs can vary widely depending on the complexity and scope of each case. However, the firm is known for handling high-stakes, complex environmental and sustainability issues for major clients across various industries. For precise information regarding service costs, it is best to contact Sidley Austin directly to discuss your specific needs and obtain a tailored quote. You can visit their website for more details.


Polina Martinuka
Written by:
Polina Martinuka
Sustainability Research Analyst
Recently graduating from a university in the UK, with a Bachelor's degree in Multimedia Journalism, Polina brings a unique blend of investigative skills, the ability to analyze complex data and environmental awareness.