Simpson Thacher Boosts Environmental Law Team with Key Partner Appointment

In a strategic move to bolster its environmental law expertise, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has appointed Carleigh Rodriguez as a new partner and co-head of its environmental practice in Washington. This addition comes as the firm seeks to enhance its capabilities in navigating complex environmental legal frameworks involved in commercial transactions.

Rodriguez brings to the table a wealth of experience in advising clients on a comprehensive range of environmental law issues. Her expertise extends across various commercial transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, securities, and financing transactions, as well as handling environmental considerations in bankruptcies and restructurings. The firm believes that her multi-industry experience—spanning real estate, technology, energy, infrastructure, waste, chemicals, manufacturing, and other industrial sectors—will be a significant asset for the firm’s clientele.

Prior to joining Simpson Thacher, Rodriguez was with another leading firm, Kirkland & Ellis, where she honed her skills in this specialized area of law. Her transition to Simpson Thacher underscores the competitive landscape of top-tier legal talent acquisition aimed at strengthening key practice areas in major law firms.

The appointment of Rodriguez is a part of Simpson Thacher’s broader strategy to address the growing demand amongst corporate clients for sophisticated environmental legal advice, especially as regulatory landscapes continue to evolve globally. This strategic hire reflects the importance that major law firms place on having robust environmental practices to better serve industries subject to stringent environmental regulations.