Whether evaluating the environmental risk associated with an operating company, a proposed merger or acquisition, purchasing, developing, managing or selling real estate, seeking environmental approvals for an existing or new project, or managing litigation stemming from contamination, companies turn to us for environmental advice. With a client base spanning the range of manufacturing, automotive, steel, real estate, food processing, chemicals, petrochemical, energy, natural resources, utilities, transportation and waste management, to name a few, our environmental group assists clients to identify and resolve issues locally, nationally and internationally.

We focus on finding practical solutions in the most efficient manner possible.

We have built strong relationships with businesses, consultants, lawyers, governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations around the world, which allows us to provide timely, efficient solutions to the various legal, technical and public policy issues facing our clients.

The core of our practice involves compliance matters, including the management of environmental risks, as well as the advancement of sustainability (which include compliance and “beyond compliance” elements). Our practice covers many different areas, including the development of environmental/sustainability policies and implementation practices and procedures; relevant and practical proactive (and where necessary reactive) compliance advice; the management of litigation risks; assisting with the purchase, sale and management of properties and businesses; the management and development of contaminated properties, including site investigations, remediation work and brownfield initiatives; conducting environmental assessments for projects, including in the energy sector; assisting with insolvency matters, including with respect to environmental liabilities related to an insolvent or bankrupt company; and obtaining approvals for projects and facilities. We appear in court and before various tribunals and boards to represent clients on liability and enforcement proceedings arising out of contaminated sites, and prosecutions under federal and provincial statutes, as well as municipal by-laws.

We advise buyers, sellers, investors, lenders, borrowers, property managers, underwriters and financial advisors about the various environmental risks related to business and transactions, including the identification of liabilities and the proper management and allocation of these liabilities. This can also include advising on various insurance products that may be available for environmental matters.