Lynn Grayson

Lynn Grayson is a go-to lawyer that clients seek out to manage environmental concerns that keep them up at night. Clients trust Lynn to provide practical, hands-on, cost-effective counsel for day-to-day environmental matters. Clients “…appreciate her practicality and business mind” and her ability  “to provide advice and solutions for complicated regulatory or other problems in the business context.  She’s top of the list; she’s outstanding.” (Chambers 2024)

These matters include environmental, health & safety compliance issues in the U.S. and internationally; federal, state and local government enforcement actions; management of ESG issues and related disclosures; and environmental liability issues arising from the ever-changing business demands to acquire, expand, or divest facilities and operations and manage environmental site conditions at new, existing and legacy properties.

With a practice that is national in scope, Ms. Grayson has more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of environmental law where she gained knowledge and unique insights from time spent in government service and Big Law private practice. She serves as national environmental counsel advising leadership on material environmental risks and liabilities, critical enforcement, regulatory and litigation matters.

Ms. Grayson is lead environmental counsel in U.S. and international transactions managing environmental due diligence activities and negotiations for public and private companies. She represents clients in substantive environmental enforcement proceedings related to chemical use, air pollution and emergency response. She manages site investigations and cleanups including Superfund, RCRA, state-lead and voluntary private party actions. Lynn has substantial experience in defense of natural resource damage claims, FIFRA regulatory proceedings, water scarcity matters, and environmental justice concerns.

Ms. Grayson brings a wealth of practical, real-world experience representing heavy manufacturing and chemical companies in the U.S. and internationally to bear in partnering with her clients to manage today’s environmental, health and safety challenges.

Honors and Recognition

• Best Lawyers, since 2006 (Environmental Law and Natural Resources Law–Chicago Environmental Lawyer of the Year 2011 and 2021)
• Best Lawyers’ Women of Influence Award (2017)
• Chambers and Partners (Band 1), since 2004
• LawDragon 500 Leading Environmental and Energy Lawyers 2022-2024
• National Law Journal’s Energy and Environmental Trailblazer Award 2016
• Today’s Chicago Women Magazine “100 Women to Watch” 2012
• Leading Lawyers Network-Top Ten Environmental Lawyers in Illinois
• Super Lawyers, since 2006 (Top 100: Illinois Super Lawyers, Top 50: Women Illinois Super Lawyers)
• Chicago Bar Association Alta May Hulett Award for highest standards of professional ethics and excellence and utilizing vision and leadership to advance women (2000)
• Women’s Bar Association of Illinois Women with Vision Award (2009)
• ISBA Board of Governors Diversity Leadership Award for exemplary service to advance diversity within the Illinois legal community (2012)
• Chicago Bar Association Justice John Paul Stevens Award, for commitment to integrity and public service in the practice of law (2024)

Professional and Community Service

• ABA Center for Bar Leadership and Standing Committee on Bar Activities and Services, Presidential Appointment/Member
• Chicago Bar Association (CBA), Past President
• CBA/Chicago Bar Foundation Task Force on the Sustainable Practice of Law and Innovation, Co-Chair
• CBA 150^th Anniversary Celebration Committee, Member and Past President Liaison
• CBA Sexual Harassment Prevention Task Force
• Geneva Lake Museum, Board Member, Secretary
• Geneva Lake Association, Board Member, President
• Illinois Task Force on ERA
• National Council of Bar Presidents