CHEMICALS: DESCRIPTION

McKenna Long & Aldridge's Chemicals attorneys represent clients in litigation, regulatory and transactional matters. In each area, we structure client services in light of a single, guiding principle: our legal solutions must reflect a sound business perspective.

Litigation

In matters of environmental litigation, we encourage practical, cost-minimizing approaches to dispute resolution. In the regulatory arena, we have found that regulators are often more willing to accept cost-reducing alternatives, provided that the company's approach can be persuasively documented to protect human health and the environment. As a result, we often encourage clients to adopt a more forthcoming approach to the agencies, with more time spent in up-front discussions and correspondingly less time (and money) spent in contentious disagreements after the fact.

Regulatory

Our attorneys guide clients through complex regulations affecting all stages of chemical manufacture and use. We regularly represent clients in EPA proceedings governing the limitation or ban on chemicals they may produce.

Our familiarity with issues in the chemicals, mining and mineral processing, oil and gas and general manufacturing sectors enables us to assist clients in interpreting a variety of federal regulations, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, EPCRA, FIFRA, hazardous waste regulations, RCRA, and TSCA.

Transactional

We regularly guide both buyers and sellers through the labyrinth of environmental regulations that affect mergers, acquisitions and divestitures in the chemical industry. This process involves identifying liabilities through environmental audits, assessing those liabilities, performing environmental due diligence to ensure transfer of permits, and drafting and negotiating contract terms to address the allocation of risks and liabilities.

Pesticides

MLA has been the leading authority in the field of pesticide regulation since it began. We have represented numerous individual and trade association clients in some of the most important pesticide cases and regulatory developments of the last 30 years.

California Regulations

McKenna Long & Aldridge is at the forefront of the Proposition 65 defense bar in California. We represent a broad range of manufacturers, refiners, distributors and retailers, and have brought about some of the most significant developments in the law to date.

Product Liability and Toxic Torts

We have an active, national practice in product liability and toxic tort litigation. Our toxic tort work includes representation of manufacturers of diverse range of products.

European Union Regulation and Litigation

Attorneys in our Brussels office counsel and litigate on all aspects of EU chemical and pesticide regulation. We have close working relationships with personnel of the European Commission and Member State Authorities, and work in association with legal and technical experts in each of the Member States.