HODGE DWYER ZEMAN, Attorneys at Law - N. LaDonna Driver - Springfield, Illinois, Sangamon County Lawyers - Air Water Land Use Permit Environmental Law

N. LaDonna Driver is a partner with the firm and concentrates her practice in environmental law. She joined the firm as an associate in 1995 after practicing environmental law at a full-service law firm. Ms. Driver provides compliance counseling in matters concerning federal, state and local statutes and associated regulations dealing with air, land and water issues. She advises the firm's clients on developments in environmental statutes and regulations and assists clients in analyzing and responding to the impacts of changes in environmental requirements. Ms. Driver represents business interests in negotiations with governmental agencies concerning proposed environmental regulations and regulatory amendments. This representation extends to participation in proceedings for promulgation of regulations, challenges to regulations and actions for regulatory relief.

Ms. Driver represents clients in all phases of environmental permitting, with particular emphasis in air issues. She assists regulated entities in preparing permit applications and negotiating permit terms and conditions with the permitting agency. Ms. Driver consults with clients in their implementation of permit and regulatory requirements. She represents clients in environmental permit appeals before administrative agencies and state courts. Ms. Driver also represents clients in enforcement proceedings before administrative tribunals and state and federal courts. In addition, she assists clients with pre-enforcement investigations and negotiating consent orders.

Ms. Driver counsels clients in environmental matters involving business transactions, including due diligence and disclosure of environmental conditions, negotiation of contract terms dealing with environmental issues and facilitating permit transfers and notification to environmental regulators. Ms. Driver also assists industrial facilities in all aspects of emissions trading.

Ms. Driver earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology at Rhodes College in 1990. Following graduation, she conducted organic and inorganic analysis of wastewater effluent and contaminated media for industrial facilities during her tenure as an environmental chemist in a commercial laboratory. Ms. Driver received her Juris Doctor degree (magna cum laude) from the Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1994. She is a native of Paducah, Kentucky.

Ms. Driver is admitted to the bars of the State of Illinois; U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois; and U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. Ms. Driver is a member of the Sangamon County and Illinois State Bar Associations.