E. Lynn Grayson
Lynn Grayson is a partner in the environmental law firm of Nijman·Franzetti LLP, in Chicago. She is consistently recognized as a leading environmental lawyer by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, Illinois Super Lawyers and the Leading Lawyers Network. She is AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer recognition for ethical standards and legal ability.
Ms. Grayson is the immediate past chair of Jenner & Block’s environmental department. She has served as the Chief Legal Counsel for the Illinois Emergency Services and Disaster Agency and the State Emergency Response Commission. She also has prosecuted federal and state environmental cases as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois.
A significant portion of her practice is dedicated to serving as national environmental counsel supporting corporate law departments with development of environmental strategies and management of day-to-day environmental compliance and cleanup obligations. She counsels corporate leadership on the management of material environmental risks and liabilities, advises clients on critical enforcement, regulatory and litigation matters and serves as lead environmental counsel in U.S. and international transactions. She conducts internal investigations defending clients in whistleblower and qui tam actions. Ms. Grayson has significant experience in defending clients against natural resource damage claims, managing all aspects of site cleanups including CERCLA, RCRA, state-led and voluntary private party investigations and remediation, and representing clients in substantive enforcement proceedings related to air pollution and chemical use.
Ms. Grayson serves on the Board of Directors of the DC-based Environmental Law Institute. In 2020, she was elected First-Vice President of the Chicago Bar Association and will serve as President in 2021-2022. She is a frequent author and speaker on environmental law and policy matters. Ms. Grayson teaches Natural Resource Law as Adjunct Faculty. She received the National Law Journal “Energy and Environmental Trailblazer” award and was recognized as Chicago Best Lawyers Environmental Lawyer of the Year.
She is the recipient of the Chicago Bar Association’s first Alta May Hulett Award, the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois’ Women with Vision Award, the Illinois State Bar Association Diversity Leadership Award and the Best Lawyers’ Women of Influence Award.
Ms. Grayson received her J.D. from the Indiana University School of Law and her B.A. from Franklin College. She is admitted to the Illinois bar as well as the U.S. Supreme Court.
National Law Journal Energy and Environmental Trailblazer
- Best Lawyers’ Women of Influence
- Chicago Bar Association Alta May Hulet
- Illinois State Bar Association Diversity Leadership
- Women’s Bar Association of Illinois’ Women with Vision
Chicago, Illinois 60603
