Mr. Freeman has over 35 years of experience representing buyers, sellers, and developers of contaminated properties, as well as both plaintiffs and defendants in Superfund and other litigation related to the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. He frequently authors and speaks on environmental law topics and has received several accolades, including the 2021 Distinguished Service Award from the New York City Brownfield Partnership and the 2012 Burton Award for being an outstanding law firm author. His extensive involvement in bar associations and pro bono activities includes serving as President of the New York City Brownfield Partnership, Vice Chair of the New York State League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, Co-Chair of the New York State Bar Association Environmental Law Section Committee on Hazardous Waste/Site Cleanup, and Special Legal Counsel to the United Nations Environment Programme for North American Environmental Affairs.
Mr. Freeman is recognized as one of six “Band 1” environmental attorneys in New York by the Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Clients have described him as “[a] tremendous environmental lawyer and a really nice guy” and noted that he is “always very responsive,” “the dean of the New York environmental Bar and a very effective negotiator.” His strengths include excellent issue analysis, understanding government agencies, client service, and achieving optimal outcomes. He is also recognized in New York Super Lawyers.
Before entering private practice, Mr. Freeman served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Frank E. Moss (D-Utah) and as a trial attorney at the Federal Trade Commission. He graduated cum laude from Harvard University with both undergraduate and law degrees and is a member of the New York, Massachusetts, and District of Columbia bars.
Mr. Freeman’s practice focuses on:
- Representation of buyers, sellers, and developers of brownfields and other contaminated properties, as well as parties engaged in hazardous waste cleanups.
- Litigation related to remediation, cost recovery, property damage, and exposure to toxic substances.
- Conducting and supervising environmental due diligence.
- Counseling on environmental insurance issues.
