Paul Hastings Recruits Top Environmental Litigator from Rival Firm

Paul Hastings, a prominent U.S. law firm, has announced the recruitment of Brian Israel, a seasoned environmental litigator, from rival firm Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer. Israel, known for his role as lead counsel to BP in the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, will co-lead Paul Hastings' environmental litigation practice, operating from both Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. offices.

The Deepwater Horizon incident, which occurred on April 20, 2010, is recognized as the largest marine oil spill in history. The disaster resulted in the release of approximately 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, affecting over 1,300 miles of coastline. Israel played a crucial role in navigating the complex legal landscape that followed this catastrophic event.

"A web of actors have been bringing public and private environmental cases, and I anticipate staying busy regardless of the outcome of the U.S. presidential election in November."

Israel's expertise extends beyond the BP case. He has represented other major corporations such as Dow Chemical, Honeywell, Monsanto, and Motorola in significant environmental matters. In 2019, Israel negotiated a $77 million settlement for Dow Chemical with the federal government, the state of Michigan, and a Native American tribe, addressing claims of hazardous substance release.

The environmental litigation landscape has evolved significantly since the Deepwater Horizon incident. While federal environmental enforcement saw a decline during the Trump administration, there was a corresponding increase in state-level enforcement and lawsuits from non-governmental organizations and citizens' groups. This shift highlights the dynamic nature of environmental law and the need for adaptable legal strategies.

Looking ahead, Israel anticipates continued demand for environmental litigation expertise. The upcoming U.S. presidential election in November 2024 is not expected to significantly alter this trend, as environmental concerns remain a priority across various sectors of society.

The Deepwater Horizon case led to substantial financial repercussions for BP. By September 2017, the company had paid at least $63.4 billion in clean-up costs and legal fees. This included a $18.7 billion settlement in 2015, the largest corporate settlement in U.S. history. The incident also prompted significant changes in offshore drilling regulations and the creation of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.

As environmental issues continue to dominate legal and corporate agendas, the addition of Brian Israel to Paul Hastings' team underscores the firm's commitment to strengthening its environmental practice. With ongoing studies into the long-term effects of major environmental incidents and advancements in prevention and response technologies, the field of environmental litigation remains both challenging and crucial in shaping corporate responsibility and environmental protection efforts.