Jennifer Nijman

Ms. Nijman “exalts in complex litigation involving hazardous waste and Superfund-related issues.” Her caseload includes transactional matters and clients emphasize that “her ability to negotiate with difficult parties is unparalleled.” (Chambers).

Jennifer Nijman is a founding partner of the Nijman Franzetti LLP with wide ranging experience in litigation defense and enforcement issues as well as issues involving waste and contaminated property.  She was formerly a partner and chair of the environmental practice group at the Chicago office of a national law firm.

Ms. Nijman represents clients in environmental litigation and enforcement defense, including toxic tort claims, private party disputes, and actions brought under the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and all phases of CERCLA and the Superfund process. She has experience with permit and siting proceedings as well as petitions for adjusted standards and variances before the Pollution Control Board. Ms. Nijman has successfully represented clients in regulatory disputes and negotiations with both state and federal agencies, and has implemented supplemental environmental projects/pollution prevention plans to reduce or eliminate fines and penalties. She counsels clients in compliance issues and in the development of environmental management systems.

A significant portion of Ms. Nijman’s practice includes representing clients in the environmental aspects of corporate and real estate transactions. She works closely with consultants and clients to develop strategies for the acquisition and sale of contaminated property. She evaluates due diligence, prepares and negotiates environmental provisions of purchase and sale agreements, and works with environmental insurance products where appropriate. Her clients have included lenders, private equity companies, developers and corporations.

She is a certified mediator through the Center for Conflict Resolution and an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.

Honors and Recognition

• Chambers & Partners, Band 1, since 2009
• Super Lawyers, since 2005
• Leading Lawyers Network since 2006 (Top Ten Environmental, Women Leading Lawyers)
• Best Lawyers, since 2006 (2020 Lawyer of the Year – Chicago in Environmental Law)
• Fellow, American College of Environmental Lawyers (Board Member, 2021).
• Chicago Bar Association Justice John Paul Stevens Award, for commitment to integrity and public service in the practice of law, 2020.
• ISBA Board of Governors Award for exemplary service to advance administration of justice, 2005.
• Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois award for exemplary leadership in the Cause of Equal Access to Justice, June 2005.
• Chicago Bar Association Alta May Hulett Award for highest standards of professional ethics and excellence and utilizing vision and leadership to advance women, 2001.

Professional and Community Service

• Commissioner, Illinois Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, 2017-2023 (Chair of Strategic Planning and Remote Access to Courts)
• Past President, Chicago Bar Association, 2002-2003
• Board Member and Past President, Lawyer’s Trust Fund of Illinois
• Board Member and Past President, Center for Conflict Resolution
• Board Member, Public Interest Law Initiative