Linda E. Benfield

Linda E. Benfield

Linda E. Benfield is a partner with Foley & Lardner LLP and chair of the Environmental Regulation Practice. She is also a member of the Corporate Compliance & Enforcement Practice.

Ms. Benfield has 24 years of experience in litigation and counseling in all aspects of environmental law, including air and water permitting and compliance issues, and solid and hazardous waste handling and disposal. She has extensive experience on the cutting edge of Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Superfund, and RCRA enforcement, as well as citizen suit litigation, settlement strategies, and related cost recovery, insurance coverage, and indemnity disputes.

Ms. Benfield's recent cases and administrative proceedings include the defense of numerous complaints by U.S. EPA or state environmental agencies alleging air emissions or "new source review" violations, representation of clients in U.S. EPA multi-media audits, and prosecution and defense of citizen suit actions and cost recovery actions in federal and state courts. Ms. Benfield also advises clients regarding the variety of issues involved in the redevelopment, sale, or other transfer of contaminated properties.

Ms. Benfield is a regular speaker on issues relating to environmental enforcement, litigation, compliance, Brownfield development, and transactions.

Ms. Benfield graduated from Colorado College (1981 B.A., summa cum laude) and earned her J.D. from the University of Chicago (1985). She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America® (1995-2010) and was named as the Best Lawyers' 2010 Milwaukee Environmental Lawyer of the Year. She was also selected for inclusion in the Wisconsin Super Lawyers® lists for her environmental work (2005-2009) and was recognized as one of the Top 25 Women for Wisconsin Super Lawyers in 2008 as well. In addition, Ms. Benfield was recently honored by the Wisconsin Law Journal as one of the Women in the Law 2009, an award bestowed on only 21 female attorneys in Wisconsin.

Ms. Benfield is admitted to practice in Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. She is also admitted to practice before numerous federal courts, including the district court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

Ms. Benfield's community activities include:

· Milwaukee Ballet, chair of the board (2003-2006); board member (1996-present)

· Milwaukee Jewish Day School, board member (2007-2009)

· Wild Space Dance Company, board president (2001-2003), board member (1995-2003)

· Racine Lead Advisory Board (1993-1996)