Andrew Otis has joined Locke Lord’s New York office as a Partner in the Firm’s Environmental Section of the Real Estate and Real Estate Finance Practice Group. Otis’ extensive environmental experience and knowledge will provide greater depth to the Firm’s nationwide Environmental practice.
Otis, who previously served as head of the environmental group at a prominent firm, provides clients strategic and cost-effective solutions to their remediation, permitting and compliance needs. He advises clients in the commodity trading, mining and energy sectors, and he has experience in international arbitrations involving claims outside the United States. He routinely helps clients navigate environmental risks, advising on numerous domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, financings and real estate developments.
“Andrew brings greater depth to our well-known Environmental Section. His nationwide and international practice enhances our already strong presence around the country,” said Elizabeth Mack, Chair of the Firm’s Finance, Banking and Real Estate Department. “Andrew brings a wide-ranging practice in the environmental space to Locke Lord with strong experience working on cross-border environmental issues. We are excited to welcome him, and we know he will be integral to helping our clients navigate the significant environmental matters they face.”
“Andrew is a highly regarded, very knowledgeable and experienced lawyer,” added Greg Casamento, Managing Partner of Locke Lord’s New York office. “His addition reflects our continued focus on strategically growing our New York office with top-tier lawyers across key practice groups.”
Otis spent nine years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he played a key advisory role in policy areas such as global climate change, use of market mechanisms and economic analysis methodology. He has coordinated contributions from the EPA’s Policy Office to President Clinton’s 1992 Climate Change Action Plan. Otis also served the Enterprise for the Environment multi-stakeholder project chaired by former EPA Administrator William Ruckelshaus.
“Locke Lord’s robust platform offers me an excellent opportunity not only to grow my practice but also provide my clients access to a dedicated team of highly skilled environmental practitioners across the country,” said Otis. “I believe my experience working with the EPA and background advising on policy compliance will nicely complement this already strong team.”
Otis has been recognized as one of the top environmental lawyers in New York by Super Lawyers and as a BTI Client Service All-Star. He has developed and taught classes in environmental policy and law at both Indiana University and Vassar College. He is a past Chair of the International Law Section of the New York State Bar Association and Co-Chair of its International Environmental Law Committee. Additionally, Otis is a Vice Chair of the American Bar Association’s Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Ecosystems Committee.
Locke Lord’s Environmental team has extensive experience helping clients navigate and respond effectively to regulatory compliance issues, environmental liability concerns, civil and criminal enforcement actions and citizen complaints. Many of the Firm’s lawyers have hands-on experience and training in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science and geology, making Locke Lord particularly effective in understanding clients’ issues.
Source: www.lockelord.com
