Who We Are

Jennifer T. Nijman, Susan M. Franzetti, E. Lynn Grayson and Susan E. Brice of Nijman•Franzetti LLP each have more than 30 years experience in all aspects of environmental law. After leaving two of Chicago’s largest firms, Ms. Nijman and Ms. Franzetti formed Nijman•Franzetti LLP in early 2008 in order to better serve their clients. Ms. Grayson joined in 2018 after chairing the environmental practice group of another large Chicago law firm. In a boutique, women-owned firm setting, Nijman Franzetti, LLP offers clients hands-on personal attention at reasonable hourly billing and alternative rate structures.

Our attorneys handle all aspects of environmental litigation defense and enforcement, including administrative and civil agency enforcement matters, private party actions for property contamination, and toxic tort cases. We have broad experience before the Illinois Pollution Control Board, participating in rule making proceedings, pursuing permit appeals (or defending against third-party permit appeals), seeking variances and adjusted standards, and representing clients at contested hearings.

We have represented companies in more than 100 Superfund matters across the nation. Our Superfund work includes representing groups of Potentially Responsible Parties and individual clients. We also have extensive experience in property remediation projects pursued under federal and state cleanup programs. In connection with property contamination matters, we prepare and file regulatory submissions, negotiate and submit environmental plans, pursue No Further Remediation letters, manage due diligence and Phase I and II property reports, and handle day-to-day environmental counseling.

We serve as national environmental counsel working with our clients’ in-house attorneys on day-to-day environmental issues and management of material environmental liabilities. We have assisted in-house attorneys regarding permitting issues, questions concerning the applicability of federal or state environmental regulations, and responding to regulatory inquiries. We regularly counsel our clients’ in-house attorneys on environmental issues that may arise in the course of any corporate transaction, including environmental disclosures, reserves and financial assurance.

We know how to communicate with specialized personnel at both client and regulatory offices. We understand the technical concepts and ask the right questions. One of our particular skills is working with environmental experts and consultants to develop legal positions on complex matters that are then conveyed in persuasive and cogent oral and written submissions to regulators.

The attorneys of Nijman•Franzetti LLP offer unmatched experience, talent, and personal service to solve the environmental legal challenges facing today’s businesses.