Robyn D. Neely
Akerman LLP
Recognized for
Environmental Law
The Elite Counsel Perspective
What clients gain from Robyn’s environmental counsel is exceptional judgment, connecting acquisition due diligence with practical, risk-based site closure.
What clients gain from Robyn’s environmental counsel is exceptional judgment, connecting acquisition due diligence with practical, risk-based site closure.
Overview
Robyn Neely advises on environmental issues involving contaminated property, with a particular focus on real estate and corporate sales and acquisitions, leases, and the assessment of environmental risk before a purchase, lease or foreclosure. Her clients include private equity firms, homebuilders, residential apartment developers, hotels and resorts, lenders, international manufacturers, cell tower developers and service providers, municipal governments, and REITs across the United States.
Robyn’s work extends from due diligence through the investigation and remediation of contaminated sites. She assists with brownfield redevelopment and develops risk-management approaches that include risk-based corrective action, risk-based closure and other alternatives for achieving site closure. Her experience encompasses properties affected by arsenic, petroleum, chlorinated solvents, chlorinated pesticides, PCBs, asbestos and radon. Working with engineers, geologists and other technical experts, she evaluates environmental conditions and helps develop strategies to address existing contamination.
Robyn also advises on environmental compliance and risk assessments and defends enforcement actions under CERCLA, RCRA and state environmental laws. Her experience includes matters involving industrial wastewater, air quality, landfills and hazardous waste. In both transactional and compliance settings, she works with technical specialists to assess environmental conditions or violations and identify practical, cost-conscious responses.
Robyn has been recognized by Chambers USA and Best Lawyers of America; the latter named her a Lawyer of the Year for Environmental Law.
Representative Experience
FedEx Ground:
Represented a global logistics company in evaluating environmental issues associated with the proposed lease, development, and construction of a 150-acre site for a regional distribution center. Facilitated the evaluation of soil and groundwater conditions and ongoing environmental monitoring requirements, and addressed issues related to building design and construction.
Kitson & Partners:
Represented a real estate developer in the assessment and remediation of a former agricultural site. Subsequently obtained final approval for the development of a high end residential condominiums.
Resort Operator:
Represented the company in navigating the environmental impact of diesel fuel contamination resulting from defective piping. Coordinated with environmental consultants and county agencies associated with assessments, source removal activities, and remedial actions.
Industrial Manufacturer:
Represented and continues to represent a pool aggregate manufacturer in association with a significant legacy environmental contamination issue from an unrelated former pesticide formulation facility operation in connection with assessment and remediation of the property and surrounding properties under the Florida Brownfield Program. The representation includes contamination issues associated with VOCs/SVOCs, chlorinated pesticides, and arsenic and involves negotiating risk based closures and restrictive covenant agreements with multiple neighboring properties and the state environmental regulatory agency.
Education
- J.D., Florida State University College of Law, 1987, Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law, Managing Editor
- B.A., Florida State University, Business Administration, 1984
Admissions
Bars
- Florida
Courts
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
Honors & Recognition
- Best Lawyers, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2023, 2025, 2027, Named as “Lawyer of the Year” in Orlando for Environmental Law
- Best Lawyers, 2013-2027, Listed in Florida for Environmental Law
- Chambers USA, 2012-2026, Ranked in Florida for Environment
- Benchmark Litigation, 2022-2026, Listed Nationally and in Florida as a “Litigation Star” for Environmental
- GlobeSt Real Estate Forum, 2022 “Women of Influence” Honoree
- Lawdragon, 2021, 2023-2024, Listed in the “Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Environmental & Energy Lawyer Guide” for Environmental & Natural Resources Law
- The Legal 500, 2018, Recommended for Real Estate – Land Use/Zoning
Professional Associations
- The Florida Bar, Environmental and Land Use Law Section, Member
- ABA, SEER, Member