future-focused

An environmental emergency means you have to respond now. It also means the legal issues will be tough – unique, high-stakes, complex, and pressing – and what’s been described as a “law school exam question coming in the door every twenty minutes.” For immediate and practical legal guidance in these situations, you need Liskow.

Overview

In an area of law in which experience truly counts, Liskow lawyers are unmatched for the depth and breadth of our work, and thus, our proven knowledge and judgment. We represented BP in the response to Deepwater Horizon. In addition, we have counseled clients in incidents involving barge accidents, pipeline leaks, oil spills, fires, and a wide range of other environmental disasters. Because of our wide breadth of experience, we know how to move fast and do the right things.

Regional Knowledge – National Reputation

We are particularly capable when it comes to helping clients manage emergencies in the Gulf of Mexico, especially involving the oil and gas industry. In such a dynamic, high-risk, high-stakes situation, responding effectively requires an intimate knowledge of both the industry and the region. We bring both. Liskow has been responding to emergencies in the Gulf for decades. We understand the immediacy, know the territory, the technology, and the steps to take better than anyone.

Making Teamwork Work

Another hallmark of our approach to managing emergencies is our flexibility, and our skill at working with (and within) teams. Our team has undergone Incident Management Team training. Our firm culture prioritizes teamwork and stepping in to get the job done. We fit seamlessly and effectively into our clients’ response organizations—along with technical consultants and other counsel—to form effective virtual teams to respond to emergencies large and small.

When Everything Is at Stake

In an ongoing emergency, clients are under immense pressure – the public may be interested and the press is involved, too. We understand very well that, above all, it’s our job to provide clear legal advice in situations that are dynamic and often times chaotic. We can help you prepare for and manage the multitude of legal challenges that can result from an incident response including providing the required notifications to regulatory agencies, contracting for equipment, leasing property for use during the response, engaging specialized environmental consultants, and advertising claims. When everything has come apart, Liskow lawyers know how to help clients put them back together.

Notable Experience

  • We acted as counsel to BP for environmental issues arising from the Deepwater Horizon disaster, a blowout, fire, and leak from a Gulf of Mexico oil platform that led to the largest oil spill in U.S. history, as well as causing 11 deaths and 17 injuries. This required working with a massive global team on an ongoing basis, handling claims from hundreds of thousands of plaintiffs and ultimately resulting in one of the largest settlements in American corporate history.
  • We advised owners of a vessel that capsized in state waters on regulatory issues including compliance with Coast Guard requirements and a myriad oil spill response issues arising under the Oil Pollution Act

We are known for these strengths

  • Organizing and executing initial emergency response, including acting as part of Incident Management Teams.
  • Hiring technical, logistical, and tactical experts as needed in a rapidly changing environment.
  • Overseeing government notification and reporting, both initiating and maintaining ongoing communication with local, state, and federal authorities as the situation progresses, including assisting clients with requests from agencies for documents and materials.
  • Managing and executing the full scope of claims procedures setup.
  • Analyzing, strategizing, and coordinating the defense of future litigation, including assistance with witness interviews during and immediately after the incident.
Liskow & Lewis's professionalism and legal knowledge of environmental regulations is a combination that has produced successful outcomes.
Best Lawyers Client Comment
Litigation – Environmental, 2022

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