Holland & Hart LLP announced the opening of its Phoenix, Arizona office and the addition of environmental partners Christopher D. Thomas and Andrea Driggs, who join from Perkins Coie. Several additional environmental lawyers are expected to join in the coming weeks. Holland & Hart expects other existing partners to join the Phoenix office as well.
“Phoenix has been a strategic target, and we are excited to become part of the Phoenix and Arizona business communities,” said Chris Balch, Firm Chair. “Finding the right team to bring on at the right time has been a long-term goal for us. The Phoenix metro area is one of the fastest-growing major markets in the nation. Its robust business environment and strong economic indicators make now an ideal time to plant our flag here. It is why we are making a long-term commitment to be actively engaged and invested in the Phoenix community. We’re launching with a small core team and plan to build a substantial presence by investing in additional new talent across multiple practice areas throughout 2025 and beyond.”
The region’s demand for expertise in renewable and traditional extractive energy, environmental, technology, and real estate and construction sectors perfectly aligns with our firm’s existing strengths and is ripe for growth. With deep experience in critical mineral mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy, Chris Thomas and Andrea Driggs are the ideal fit to help us build out this new office and expand the firm’s services in high-performing practice areas in the region.
A preeminent environmental litigator, Chris Thomas guides industrial and municipal clients through federal and state environmental approvals, defends against enforcement actions, and manages site remediation projects. His sophisticated expertise encompasses complex project-defining mining defense, CERCLA litigation, and contaminated lands redevelopment.
Andrea Driggs served as chair of the Mining industry group and co-chair of the Oil & Gas industry group at Perkins Coie. Her practice focuses on helping clients navigate cross-jurisdictional environmental and natural resource issues, including intricate permitting and regulatory hurdles.
“I’m thoroughly impressed by the depth of expertise in Holland & Hart’s environmental and energy teams,” said Chris Thomas. “We’re always bumping into each other on big infrastructure projects, and I look forward to using our combined experience to support our clients’ strategic business goals.”
“It’s exciting to join a team of sophisticated lawyers who share the same commitment to excellence and dedication to advancing our clients’ regulatory and permitting objectives,” said Andrea Driggs. “The team’s reputation for creative problem solving and deep industry knowledge makes this a compelling opportunity to enhance the services we can offer to clients.”
