In a notable move, Paul Hastings LLP has secured Brian Israel, a seasoned environmental litigator renowned for his pivotal role in the BP oil spill aftermath. Israel, previously at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer, now joins Paul Hastings as a co-leader of their environmental litigation practice, splitting his expertise between the firm’s Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., offices.
Brian Israel has been instrumental in navigating the complex web of environmental regulations and legal challenges. His tenure at Arnold & Porter saw him as a central figure in the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, one of the most significant environmental catastrophes in recent history. Under his guidance, BP navigated the treacherous legal waters, culminating in a landmark $20 billion settlement in 2015 to address claims from the U.S. government and several states.
At Paul Hastings, Israel is poised to bring his formidable expertise to a wide array of environmental cases, anticipating a busy docket as environmental litigation continues to surge. His past work has included representing major corporations like Dow Chemical and Monsanto, tackling high-stakes environmental issues.
Israel’s transition to Paul Hastings marks a significant addition to the firm’s environmental practice, promising robust representation for corporate clients facing complex environmental challenges. With a career defined by high-profile cases and substantial settlements, Israel’s arrival signals Paul Hastings’ commitment to expanding its influence in the realm of environmental law.
