E. Lynn Grayson is a partner in Jenner & Block’s Chicago office and a member of the Firm’s Environmental, Energy and Natural Resources Law, Climate and Clean Technology Law, Defense & Aerospace and Environmental Litigation Practices. Ms. Grayson is AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer recognition for ethical standards and legal ability. Ms. Grayson has been recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America, an Illinois Super Lawyer and Lawdragon magazine named Ms. Grayson to its "New Stars, New Worlds" list of 500 attorneys who are "carving the path to the new heights of the legal profession." Chambers USA and Leading Lawyers Network have recognized Ms. Grayson as one of the country’s leading environmental lawyers as recommended by a peer review process.
Ms. Grayson has an extensive environmental law background including both private practice and government service experience. Prior to joining the Firm, Ms. Grayson was the chief legal counsel for the Illinois Emergency Services and Disaster Agency and the State Emergency Response Commission. She has prosecuted federal and state civil and criminal environmental cases including as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois. Ms. Grayson’s national environmental practice and experience includes managing complex CERCLA and RCRA matters, advising clients on critical regulatory concerns, performing environmental due diligence for real estate and corporate transactions, defending against natural resource damage claims and conducting environmental audits at manufacturing operations. She also has significant experience negotiating agreements to redevelop brownfields sites throughout the United States and in handling federal and state release reporting obligations.
Ms. Grayson is a member of the bar of the United States Supreme Court, the Illinois bar and the bars of the United States District Courts for the Central and Northern Districts in Illinois as well as several state and federal courts on a pro hac vice basis. She received her J.D., with distinction, from Indiana University School of Law and her undergraduate degree, with high honors, from Franklin College.