Greensfelder Expands Chicago Environmental Law Practice

 CHICAGO – March 21, 2016 – The law firm Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. is pleased to announce that it has expanded its environmental law practice in Chicago with the addition of attorney Matthew E. Cohn as an Officer in the Litigation Practice Group. Mr. Cohn brings substantial experience in regulatory matters, joining Officers William J. Anaya in the firm’s Chicago office and Gregory C. Mollett, Richard Greenberg and Shannon L. Haney in Greensfelder’s St. Louis office as core members of the environmental practice.

“Matt’s environmental experience began as a hydrogeologist working for an international environmental consulting firm,” said Mr. Anaya, a recent addition to the practice group in Chicago. “Our clients gain the benefit of two for one — a scientist and a lawyer.”

Mr. Cohn focuses his practice in environmental law, including litigation, regulatory counseling and due diligence. He has handled matters involving the Clean Air Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund) cost recovery and contribution; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act citizen suits; toxic tort cases; federal and state enforcement actions involving air, water and waste laws violations; permit challenges; and insurance coverage disputes; among other matters.

“We are thrilled that Matt has decided to join our firm in Chicago,” said David B. Goodman, Managing Officer of Greensfelder’s Chicago office. “Matt significantly adds to the depth and experience of our environmental group in Chicago that serves clients throughout the Midwest and nationally. Matt melds his environmental consulting, litigation and counseling skills to help clients best utilize their assets, as well as interact with government agencies to comply with state and federal regulations.”

Mr. Cohn said, “I very much look forward to working closely with the other members of Greensfelder's experienced team and adding to the firm's significant capabilities in the area of environmental law. Environmental law is multidisciplinary, and I was particularly attracted to Greensfelder's culture of appreciating teamwork, as well as the need for serious individual work, and bringing the necessary resources and personnel to the service of the client."

Prior to joining Greensfelder, Mr. Cohn was a partner in the Environmental Practice Group at Arnstein & Lehr LLP in Chicago. Prior to his law career, he worked as a hydrogeologist with a global environmental engineering and consulting firm, where his work included planning and implementing environmental investigations, assessing risks and identifying cost-effective remedies.

Mr. Cohn currently serves as vice chair of a committee of the American Bar Association’s Section on Environment, Energy, and Resources. Previously, he was chair of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) Environmental Law Section Council. In addition, Mr. Cohn frequently plans and contributes to ISBA Environmental Law Section Continuing Legal Education programs, and regularly writes and speaks on environmental law topics including fracking and vapor intrusion.

Mr. Cohn also currently serves on the Plan Commission for the Village of Buffalo Grove, Ill., reviewing proposals and advising the village on matters concerning land use, zoning and development.

Mr. Cohn earned his J.D. from Chicago Kent College of Law. He also holds a Master of Science from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science from Bucknell University.

Greensfelder’s environmental attorneys handle a variety of environmental claims in state and federal courts and before state and federal regulatory agencies. The firm’s environmental clients include cement plants, environmental remediation companies, farming and animal producers, hazardous waste processors and transporters, landfill owners, manufacturers, mineral processors, oil and gasoline jobbers and marketers, petroleum refiners and marketers, chemical manufacturers and real estate developers.

Greensfelder Hemker & Gale, PC, founded in 1895, is a full-service law firm with offices in Chicago, St. Louis and Belleville, Ill. The firm’s attorneys provide clients locally, nationally and internationally with comprehensive legal solutions in areas including communications and media, construction, corporate, creditor's rights and bankruptcy, educational, religious and tax-exempt organizations, employee benefits, environmental, franchising & distribution, health care, immigration, intellectual property and technology, labor and employment, litigation, real estate, tax, and trusts and estates. Find out more at www.greensfelder.com