Holland & Knight has appointed Matt Leopold, former General Counsel of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as a partner and co-chair of its national Environment Team in Washington, D.C. Leopold served as the EPA’s chief legal officer from 2018 to 2020, where he played a pivotal role in developing and defending key environmental regulations, including the Affordable Clean Energy Rule and the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. Prior to his tenure at the EPA, he was General Counsel for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and an environmental litigator at the U.S. Department of Justice. Most recently, Leopold was a partner at another major law firm in Washington, D.C. ([hklaw.com](https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2025/10/former-trump-admin-epa-general-counsel-matt-leopold-joins-holland?utm_source=openai))
Rich Gold, leader of Holland & Knight’s Public Policy & Regulation Group, emphasized the significance of Leopold’s addition, stating, “Matt’s arrival marks a significant step forward for our environmental practice nationwide.” He highlighted Leopold’s expertise in environmental regulations affecting industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, agriculture, and energy, noting that his insights into Trump Administration environmental policy will enhance the firm’s representation in federal regulatory processes. ([hklaw.com](https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2025/10/former-trump-admin-epa-general-counsel-matt-leopold-joins-holland?utm_source=openai))
Leopold’s appointment is part of Holland & Knight’s broader strategy to strengthen its environmental practice by bringing in professionals with substantial government experience. In March 2025, the firm welcomed Zach Pilchen, former Senior Legal Counsel for the EPA’s Office of General Counsel, as senior counsel in its Washington, D.C., office. Pilchen’s background includes advising on air pollution and climate matters under the Clean Air Act during multiple administrations. ([hklaw.com](https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2025/03/top-clean-air-lawyer-and-former-epa-senior-legal-counsel-zach-pilchen?utm_source=openai))
Additionally, in April 2025, Holland & Knight added Michal Ilana Freedhoff, Ph.D., former Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, as a senior policy advisor. Freedhoff’s extensive experience includes leading an office of 1,100 employees overseeing chemical and pesticide safety and serving over two decades in Congress, where she played a key role in bipartisan environmental legislation. ([hklaw.com](https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2025/04/former-epa-chemical-safety-assistant-administrator-michal-freedhoff?utm_source=openai))
These strategic hires underscore Holland & Knight’s commitment to enhancing its environmental practice by integrating professionals with deep regulatory and policy expertise, positioning the firm to effectively navigate the evolving landscape of environmental law and policy.