Brent A. Rosser

Brent defends companies in environmental litigation and related administrative and regulatory matters. His clients value his thoughtful solutions-based approach to complex environmental issues, including issues related to the management of coal ash and other solid wastes.

For nearly two decades, Brent has practiced in the area of environmental law, representing major utilities and energy companies in matters throughout the country, including in cases alleging violations of federal and state water, waste, and air environmental laws, as well as state common laws such as nuisance and trespassing. Brent is lauded for his deep understanding of the complex challenges companies encounter when facing administrative and court actions and quickly develops strategies in responding to them. He also regularly partners with Fortune 500 clients to advise on litigation and regulatory strategy in support of business objectives to further company growth and success.

Brent has represented defendants in some of the largest and most important environmental cases in the country, including cases that have been heard in the Circuit Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. He possess a valuable blend of experience as a litigator and a regulatory advisor on both energy and environmental law and he has been instrumental to the establishment and development of the firm’s coal ash and waste practice. Over the last several years, he has handled nearly 30 separate administrative and litigation matters involving coal ash for clients throughout the country. These matters have included defending citizen suits brought under federal environmental laws including the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), enforcement actions brought by government agencies, and private actions asserting nuisance and other common law claims. Brent also acted as co-lead counsel for a major utility in one of the first cases alleging violations of RCRA related to the storage and management of coal ash.

Brent is licensed to practice in all federal and state courts in North Carolina, as well as the US Supreme Court. He has performed pro bono work with the Children’s Law Center and Legal Services of North Carolina, both based in Charlotte. In 2020, Brent was recognized as a Leader in Environment Law, North Carolina, by Chambers USA.