George S. Van Nest

Superfund sites. Brownfields. Petroleum spills. Toxic tort actions. These are some of the most difficult issues in environmental law today. As chair of the firm’s Environmental and Municipal Practice Groups, and a partner in the Litigation Group, George has handled all of these—and more.

George has handled Superfund and petroleum spill site matters throughout the northeast, civil and criminal environmental enforcement matters, defense of toxic tort actions claiming personal injury and property damage, cost recovery litigation, municipal and private Brownfields redevelopment, SEQR environmental impact review, landfill permitting, wetlands permitting, land use and rezoning, and litigation of related matters. George’s construction practice includes the representation of owners, contractors and subcontractors in litigation and arbitration of Lien Law claims, delay and extra work claims, and termination and breach of contract claims. In addition, his municipal practice includes serving as municipal counsel and special counsel for environmental and land use matters.

George's work at the EPA, Office of Regional Counsel in Chicago, focused on Superfund and hazardous waste remediation and cost recovery matters.