McAfee & Taft, Oklahoma’s largest law firm, has announced the expansion of its Environmental Law practice with the addition of J. Derek Hardberger and Garry L. Keele, II. Together, they bring nearly 50 years of experience in environmental permitting, regulatory compliance and enforcement, environmental due diligence associated with transactional matters, and litigation.
Derek Hardberger’s practice encompasses nearly every aspect of environmental law ranging from regulatory guidance for existing facilities and guidance for construction of new facilities to environmental litigation. Over the course of his practice, he has developed a business-oriented approach and works closely with not only the environmental leadership of his clients but the business leaders as well. His diverse client based includes chemical manufacturers, refineries, metal equipment manufacturers, food additive manufacturers, electric power plants, aircraft maintenance facilities, waste management companies including landfills, glass manufacturers, oil and gas exploration companies, midstream facilities and mining companies.
Hardberger holds an LL.M. with an emphasis in environmental law from the George Washington University National Law Center, a J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law, and a B.B.A. in finance from the University of Oklahoma. He is a member of the Oklahoma County Bar Association and Oklahoma Bar Association.
Garry Keele’s practice encompasses the areas of permitting, regulatory compliance and enforcement, rulemaking, environmental due diligence associated with real estate and other commercial transactional matters, and litigation. He routinely counsels and represents U.S. and international clients on matters related to air quality, water quality, hazardous waste, solid waste and remediation. He also represents clients before regulatory bodies throughout the region and provides support in environmental and energy litigation.
Keele earned his J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law and his B.B.A., with honors, in Management Information Systems/Marketing from the University of Oklahoma.
Keele is a member of the Tulsa County Bar Association and is the past chair of the Environmental Law Section of the Oklahoma Bar Association. His achievements have earned him inclusion in Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business and Oklahoma Super Lawyers.
Source: www.mcafeetaft.com
