Brent A. Rosser

Brent advises clients on a multitude of environmental compliance issues and defends companies in environmental litigation and related administrative and regulatory matters. His clients value his thoughtful solutions-based approach to complex environmental matters.

For two decades, Brent has practiced in the area of environmental law, representing major utilities, energy companies and other businesses in matters throughout the country, including in cases alleging violations of federal and state water, waste, chemical and air laws, as well as state common laws such as nuisance and trespassing. In light of the number and variety of environmental laws he has faced throughout his career, Brent has established a deep understanding of the complex compliance and litigation challenges companies encounter and can help quickly develop strategies in response.

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, 2021 and 2022, Brent was recognized as a Leader in Environment Law, North Carolina, by Chambers USA.”

• Selected as a member of the Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Environmental Law (2023, 2024)

• Recognized as Environmental Group of the Year, Law360, 2015-2018, 2021-2022
• Recognized as a Leader in Environment, North Carolina, Chambers USA, 2020-2023
• Recognized in Chambers and Partners 2018-2019 USA Guide as an “Up-and-Comer” in Environmental Law, North Carolina
• 2021 and 2017 Chambers USA Environment Law Firm of the Year
• Recognized as a Future Litigation Star in North Carolina, Benchmark Litigation, 2009
• Named among the Top 40 Litigation Lawyers Under 40 in North Carolina, The American Society of Legal Advocates, 2013
• Featured in “The Footsteps of His Father,” Rising Stars profile, Super Lawyers Magazine, February 2012
• Selected as a Rising Star for Environmental Litigation Law, North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine, 2012-2017
• Named to the Pro Bono Honor Roll by Legal Services of Southern Piedmont and Legal Aid of North Carolina, Charlotte, 2012, 2014
• Recipient, E. Randolph Williams Award for Exceptional Pro Bono Service, Hunton & Williams, 2008-2010 

• Member, Board of Directors, Carolinas Freedom Foundation (Honoring Veterans and Active Military), 2018–present
• Member, Board of Directors, Charlotte Hornets’ Nest Girl Scouts Council, March 2010–December 2013; Chair, Board Development Committee; Chair, Property Committee; Member, CEO Search Committee
• Member, Mecklenburg County Bar
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association