The second quarter of 2025 was an exciting time for B&D as we continued our strategic growth to meet client needs across the country. Learn more about B&D's newest additions and other firm news below.
Texas Office Welcomes Former Harris County Assistant Attorney Blake Welborn
Following the addition of Principal Lisa Dyar in March, our Texas office continues to grow as we welcomed Associate Blake Welborn in June. A former Harris County Assistant Attorney, Blake brings a strong foundation in environmental science and public service to his legal practice. He helps clients navigate environmental laws and enforcement actions with a focus on air compliance, as well as litigation. Blake has experience working on a diverse array of environmental enforcement matters brought under federal, state, and local regulations, including citizen suits. He also has experience with the Title V comment and petition process, public access and notice, and other regulatory requirements. While working for Harris Country, he was a Justice Catalyst/Public Rights Project Fellow within the Environmental Division.
Our Growing California Team
In case you missed it, in April, B&D's California office expanded with the addition of seven distinguished attorneys from Barg Coffin Lewis & Trapp, LLP, a premier California environmental law boutique. These lawyers have now seamlessly integrated into the firm and bolster B&D's robust California capabilities.
All practicing Barg Coffin lawyers joined B&D, including Morgan Gilhuly, Brian Haughton, David Metres, Emily Haldeman, Griffin Williams, John Barg, and Stephen Lewis. Gilhuly, Haughton, and Metres joined as firm Principals. Haldeman and Williams joined as Associates. Barg and Lewis joined as Senior Counsel. In addition to the seven lawyers, two paralegals and two office staff members also joined B&D.
Client Success Story – Launching a Carbon-Negative Rum
Earlier this Spring, B&D helped client Copalli Rum, an environmentally-focused rum producer based in southern Belize, launch a carbon-negative rum, marking a major milestone in environmentally responsible distilling. Boston-based Principal Brook Detterman led the multi-office B&D team that served as lead counsel on this many-faceted project, providing legal and strategic guidance on ESG and sustainability efforts, environmental claims, and green marketing compliance.
Award Roundup
Chambers and Partners – USA
In its 2025 edition, Chambers ranked B&D as a leading environmental practice in every where B&D has an office in which Chambers produces environmental practice rankings. B&D was named a leading environmental law practice in California, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and Washington. Chambers also named our New York office a leading Insurance Coverage (Policyholder) practice. The publication also ranked 23 B&D lawyers as leading environmental practitioners.
The Legal 500
In June, The Legal 500 ranked B&D as a top tier firm in the environmental regulatory law category for the eleventh consecutive year, a top tier firm in climate change litigation for a third year, and a leading firm in environmental litigation for the sixteenth consecutive year. The publication also recognized 14 lawyers.