Erin Brooks and Philip Karmel elected to the American College of Environmental Lawyers

BCLP partners Erin Brooks and Philip Karmel have been elected as fellows of the American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL). ACOEL is an invitation-only professional association of distinguished environmental practitioners who represent, in ACOEL’s judgment, the best of the best across the United States. Election to ACOEL recognizes lawyers who have distinguished themselves through leadership, professional excellence, and significant contributions to the development and practice of environmental law.

Erin is a nationally recognized environmental attorney who advises clients on brownfield redevelopment, environmental risk management, and emerging regulatory issues, including the evolving landscape surrounding PFAS. Erin also serves as the Office Managing Partner of BCLP’s Chicago office. “I’m honored to be elected as a fellow of ACOEL and to join such an accomplished group of environmental leaders,” Erin said. “ACOEL plays a vital role in advancing sound environmental law and policy, and I look forward to contributing to that mission alongside peers and colleagues whose work I’ve long admired.”

Philip has broad experience serving as litigation and regulatory counsel in environmental, land use, real estate and toxic tort matters. He is resident in BCLP’s New York office. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with this prominent group of environmental attorneys as we work to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time,” Philip said.

ACOEL’s 2026 class also included 17 other fellows, each a prominent environmental practitioner in private practice, academia, a not-for-profit organization, or the government.

To learn more about BCLP’s Energy, Environment and Infrastructure practice, visit the firm's Environment page.