The Law of the Land: Environmental law firms ensure clients remain on solid legal ground.

• Author: Orr, Vanessa

Environmental law is a vast field, especially in Alaska where so many different factors come into play. From protecting endangered species to developing natural resources in a safe and efficient way and making sure that landowners--including Alaska Native entities--are involved in decisions that affect their way of life, companies working in the Last Frontier must make sure that they're on solid legal ground,

For this reason, many companies choose to hire firms that specialize in environmental law to work in conjunction with, or in addition to, inhouse counsel.

"In-house counsel usually does not specialize in environmental risks or hazards, and the broad umbrella of environmental law is very specialized within discrete subject matter areas," explains Anna Crary, a senior associate at Landye Bennett Blumstein. "While in-house counsel can advise on governance matters and general risks across the organization, it is necessary for organizations to be aware of any possible environmental repercussions of their proposed activities."

While many environmental firms are involved in long-term issues such as the effects of climate change, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and clean-up sites, these firms are also called on in times of crisis, such as when there's an oil spill, newly found contamination, or if a client receives a notice of violation from a regulatory agency.

"Part of our role is to anticipate issues, such as knowing when proposed regulations will be coming out and helping clients draft comments on them or making sure that, when a company takes over another business or operation, they are doing all of the things they are legally obligated to do," explains Tina Grovier, chair of the Stoel Rives Environment, Land Use and Natural Resources group in Anchorage. "We want to be proactive and create a plan for any issues that are likely to arise."

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In Alaska, as well as the other fortynine states, there is no shortage of environmental issues for legal firms to address on behalf of their clients. While many are overarching, such as changes in rules and regulations as a result of the new presidential administration, others, like Alaska Native subsistence issues, are more specific.

"If you own a company that wants to become involved in resource extraction, development, or transportation on the North Slope, for example, you need to work with a firm that is familiar with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the different kinds of...