業務内容

Environmental Law and
Large-Scale Environmental Litigation

Environmental Law and Large-Scale Environmental Litigation

As mentioned in the section regarding the Overview of the Centenary, it is one of the major features of our firm that we have been continuously involved for a long period of time in large-scale environmental litigation, including pollution litigation, representing corporate defendants.Such litigation not only attracts a high level of public attention, but also entails a high risk of materially affecting the corporate defendant’s operations and financing. It goes without saying that it is of significant social importance to bring such cases to appropriate settlement.

In order to represent clients in large-scale environmental litigation, the attorneys need not only be highly skilled and experienced in litigation strategies and tactics, but must also have a comprehensive understanding of a vast range of subjects including physics, engineering, earth science, medical science, statistics, epidemiology, social welfare and related social systems, and the social background and purposes of the relevant laws. Further, it is often necessary to question, cross-examine and seek opinions from leading Japanese experts in their respective fields. Iwata Godo, in cooperation with the department in charge in the respective corporations, has been systematically dealing with many such cases, forming a team led by highly experienced attorneys.

As the public became more aware of issues such as global warming, more attention is now paid to monitor how corporations are responding to regulations regarding earth, water and air pollution and restrictions on emissions of hazardous materials and waste. Reflecting this trend, Iwata Godo also offers such services as (i) conducting investigation and providing advice on laws and regulations concerning the environment as part of legal services for real estate transactions and M&A and (ii) advising clients on compliance with environment-related laws and regulations. Further services we offer in this area include advice and documentation for environment-related business schemes such as emissions trading in connection with prevention of global warming and development and financing of renewable electricity generation facilities under the Feed-In Tariff Law.

Being recognized for its expertise in environmental law, one of our attorneys is a member of a committee established by the Ministry of the Environment.

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