Routinely handling biodiversity net gain projects, nuisance abatement notices, and environmental assessments, Browne Jacobson LLP has a strong track record in representing non-departmental public bodies and national trusts. The firm has vast knowledge in the mining, manufacturing, and waste fields, consistently focusing on civil sanctions and enforcement work for corporate clients. Richard Barlow and Laura Hughes co-head the Birmingham-based offering, each specialising in environmental law issues and complex judicial reviews. Andrew Hopkin concentrates on pollution and emission proceedings; and Rachel Lyne is a health and safety law specialist; while Stephanie McGarry advises local authorities and agricultural clients on investigations and inquests.

Spearheaded by Rob Elvin in Manchester, Squire Patton Boggs has extensive expertise in complex environmental and green claims made on product packaging, alongside water regulation and contaminated land regime matters. The practice is well equipped to handle odour nuisance cases and environmental permit appeals, showcasing a special focus on the nuclear, electricity, and wind farm industries. In Birmingham, Dave Gordon is an expert in EU environmental regulation proceedings, Nicola Smith is highly knowledgeable in general product compliance issues, while Caroline Almond specialises in all facets of water law and contamination liability. Francesca Puttock is also highlighted for her safety and health law insight.

Regarded as a ‘terrific and highly knowledgeable team’, DWF covers a broad scope of water quality issues, regulatory investigations, and environmental legislation breaches. The practice is consistently instructed by blue chip companies and water distributors, with Michelle Headrige leading the outfit. From Birmingham, Eloise Adams concentrates on complex environmental cases, while the ‘brilliant’ Felicity Wooley is also recommended.

With a strong track record of advising on Environment Agency investigations and complex breaches of environmental law regulations, Gateley Legal specialises in supporting major home construction companies and financial institutions. The Birmingham-based practice is led by the ‘exceptionally talented, clever’ Ruth Armstrong, who primarily focuses on the housebuilding, construction, and waste management industries, providing crisis management services. Pauline Munro is a health and safety expert, Sophie McCormick concentrates on food safety and hygiene investigations, and Sadie Rice is knowledgeable on waste management and pollution matters.

Headed up the Sheffield-based Teresa Hitchcock, the DLA Piper team is highly renowned for its contentious offering, predominantly centred around regulatory investigations and waste management disputes. Hitchcock covers all aspects of health and safety, environmental, and licensing law issues, while in Birmingham, Taryn Jones concentrates on product stewardship and non-contentious matters. The firm is especially active in the life sciences, industrial, and consumer goods sectors.