Attorney-to-Attorney Environmental Law Consultations
Environmental issues arise for our clients in many ways. Many attorneys, who are in sole practice or who work in law firms without an environmental law practice, may face challenging environmental issues that they are unfamiliar with. In matters which raise questions of liability or when an agency is seeking a penalty clients may have a great deal at stake.
As attorneys, our professional oath requires us to provide competent and ethical representation to our clients. What do we do when our clients present issues with which we are unfamiliar or that we feel raise unique issues that are beyond our core areas of competence? How do we provide service to our clients under these circumstances?
One option for an attorney is to do the required background research, understand the context of the issue, complete any appropriate research of applicable law, statutes and regulations and do their best to respond. Another option may be to seek out an experienced attorney to assist with a consultation.
At Hessian & McKasy’s Environmental Practice Group, we are often asked by other lawyers to provide consultations on environmental and administrative law issues. We are always available for consultations with our peers, friends and fellow colleagues in the legal profession. We have had many successful collaborations with professional colleagues.
As with any new legal matter, we first need to complete a conflict check before we can proceed. We are available to provide a range of services to other attorneys.
We regularly consult on a range of environmental issues including:
- Issues relating to the environmental condition of real property;
- Evaluation of potential legal claims related to environmental liability including cleanup, cost recovery and insurance matters that may be subject to litigation;
- Environmental matters arising in business or real estate transactions;
- Assistance in responding to federal, state or local inspections, notices, permits, requests for information, orders or enforcement actions;
- Negotiations with federal, state or local authorities;
- Representation in federal or state court or in administrative proceedings.
Once we receive background on a matter, we can help in several ways. We may be able to offer a quick consultation and can provide advice so that you can proceed. We often work as co-counsel with our attorney colleagues. In other cases, counsel prefer to refer a specific matter to the environmental attorneys at the Hessian & McKasy Firm’s Environmental Practice Group.
With any consultation, you can be assured that we will respect your relationship with your client. We are most pleased to assist your client while at the same time respecting your attorney–client relationship. We welcome your call and inquiry to consider whether a consultation is the proper course of action for you and your client.
Please see the disclaimer at the bottom of this page that relates to limitations on this blog and to legal advice. For information on attorney-to-attorney consultations, please contact:
Joseph G. Maternowski
Hessian & McKasy, PA
Work: 612-746-5754
jmaternowski@hessianmckasy.com
Please Note Disclaimer Found at Top Right of Our Website, Thank you