McGuireWoods partners Gregory Hinojosa Evans, Aaron Flynn, Makram Jaber and Allison Wood were recognized in the 2023 edition of “Lawdragon Green 500: Leading Environmental Lawyers,” a guide to top U.S. lawyers who advise clients in environmental law.
Evans was honored for environmental litigation. He has over 25 years of experience in courtrooms across the United States and an exemplary record of success in difficult, novel and important environmental cases. His notable accomplishments include serving as first-chair trial counsel in Asarco v. Atlantic Richfield Co., in which he won a CERCLA judgment in favor of copper mining giant Asarco in a $200 million groundwater cleanup at a Superfund site in Montana. Law360 twice named Evans an MVP for environmental litigation and The National Law Journal recognized him as an Energy & Environmental Trailblazer. In addition, Evans was named to The National Law Journal’s exclusive Winning Litigators list and has been honored by The American Lawyer. Last August, U.S. Rep. Adam B. Schiff, D-Calif., nominated Evans to serve on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee, which advises the EPA administrator on issues affecting children’s health.
Flynn was recognized for environmental law, particularly matters related to air quality. He represents utilities, national trade associations, oil and gas companies, and manufacturers on major environmental litigation and regulatory matters. He has resolved complex regulatory issues before the EPA, at the White House, and through his litigation experience across the country. He focuses on reducing and managing clients’ regulatory burdens and liabilities under federal environmental statutes, including the Clean Air Act.
Jaber earned recognition for environmental litigation, especially air quality matters. A former professional engineer with more than 20 years of legal experience, Jaber partners with clients to obtain and defend permits, defend enforcement actions, and represent their interests in federal rulemaking proceedings and related Court of Appeals litigation. His experience includes matters involving a broad range of Clean Air Act programs, with particular focus on EPA’s New Source Review permitting program and regulation of hazardous air pollutants.
Wood was honored for environmental law and climate change, areas in which she is recognized as a national leader. She guides clients through politically charged, precedent-setting matters, including three landmark cases involving climate change before the U.S. Supreme Court. Wood leads McGuireWoods’ ESG Task Force, which helps clients achieve company-specific environmental, social and corporate governance goals.
“We are pleased that Lawdragon once again honored our lawyers for excellence in environmental law and litigation,” said David Franchina, head of McGuireWoods’ environmental practice. “This recognition is another reflection of the deep experience and diverse capabilities we deliver for clients.”
McGuireWoods’ environmental lawyers are experienced in permitting, enforcement defense, rulemaking, legislation, project development and crisis management and they act as agency liaisons at the federal, state and local levels. The group includes former governmental regulators and lawyers with technical backgrounds in engineering and the natural sciences who work with clients to provide cost-effective ways to solve problems.