Michael R. Blumenthal and David B. Waxman Join Frantz Ward and Establish Environmental Practice Group

Frantz Ward is pleased to announce Michael R. Blumenthal and David B. Waxman have joined the firm as Partners, expanding its capabilities with the addition of an Environmental Practice Group.

“Michael and David’s experience and proven results in environmental matters will be instrumental as the firm launches its new Environmental Law Practice Group,” said Christopher Keim, firm Managing Partner. “Michael’s deep focus in environmental law, combined with David’s broad business law background, will allow the firm to guide clients through complex regulatory landscapes, enforcement matters, and the business challenges that intersect with them.”

Michael brings more than three decades of experience in environmental law, working with clients across industries such as manufacturing, energy, oil and gas, finance, and real estate. He advises on regulatory compliance, environmental considerations in business transactions, and the range of issues that can arise in day-to-day operations and development projects.

With experience on both sides of environmental enforcement, Michael provides comprehensive, practical guidance on navigating regulatory frameworks and permitting requirements. His work includes defending and prosecuting matters under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act. He counsels clients through the National Environmental Policy Act process and advises on permitting, site acquisition, and the redevelopment of environmentally impacted properties, with a primary emphasis on Brownfield sites and obtaining Covenants-Not-to-Sue.

Michael represents clients in prosecuting and defending cost recovery in private citizen suits and enforcement matters with a focus on efficient, cost-effective resolution. He regularly works with state and federal agencies to address environmental concerns, including managing emergency response efforts and developing long-term remediation strategies. He also advises manufacturers facing claims related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including class actions, mass torts, and individual exposure claims.

David leverages 40 years of diverse experience, advising clients across numerous practice areas, including commercial real estate, commercial real estate financing, construction, leasing, corporate, and environmental law. This blend of experience enables him to tailor his services to each specific client, whether they are investors, business owners, real estate developers, property owners, lenders, or manufacturers, to optimally address their complex matters efficiently and effectively.

His experience as a property owner and investor gives him a unique hands-on perspective when handling real estate transactions and compliance matters. David counsels clients across the commercial real estate, manufacturing, and cannabis industries on real estate, regulatory, operational, and corporate matters.

Frantz Ward’s Environmental Practice Group delivers pragmatic, outcome-focused legal counsel that helps clients manage environmental risk, secure regulatory approvals, and move projects forward with confidence. We combine our prowess in federal, state, and local environmental laws with hands-on experience across complex transactions, remediation projects, permitting processes, and enforcement matters—so clients get solutions that are legally sound, commercially practical, and tailored to project timelines and budgets.