Morgan Lewis today announced that Christopher B. Amandes will join the firm’s Environmental Practice, resident in Houston. Amandes, most recently a partner at Vinson & Elkins, has more than two decades of experience with environmental laws, both at the federal level and in Texas, as well as with agency regulations and policies affecting the petrochemical, refining, power generation, manufacturing, natural resources, and real estate industries.
“At a time when increased regulation and enforcement are significant concerns for businesses, Chris’ substantial experience counseling companies on environmental laws and his background as an environmental engineer will prove invaluable to our clients,” noted Ron Tenpas, co-chair of the firm’s Environmental Practice and former Assistant Attorney General (AAG) for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. “He is a natural fit for our team, one of the first environmental practices established at a major law firm, where we combine historical perspective on evolving public and legislative policy with experience across a wide range of industries.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to our Houston office, where his impeccable reputation and deep knowledge will enhance our capabilities and continue to set Morgan Lewis apart as a go-to firm both in Texas and nationally,” added Brady Edwards, managing partner of the firm’s Houston office.
Amandes has practiced environmental law since 1986, having previously clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Prior to his legal career, he worked as an environmental engineer. His practice focuses on environmental issues in transactions, regulatory compliance counseling, enforcement defense, and resolution of environmental disputes. His practice also includes air, solid and hazardous waste, and water quality issues.
Amandes joins an Environmental Practice anchored by a team of high-level government agency alumni and veteran environmental attorneys who deliver customized counseling on permitting, compliance, risk avoidance, crisis management, and litigation matters. His arrival continues the firm’s record of successful expansion in Texas, where Morgan Lewis has grown to more than 80 lawyers over the past decade.
