Gibbons Director David J. Freeman Receives Distinguished Service Award From New York City Brownfield Partnership

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David J. Freeman, a Director in the Environmental Group of Gibbons P.C., has been honored by the New York City Brownfield Partnership (NYCBP) as the 2021 recipient of the organization’s Distinguished Service Award. The Award promotes excellence in brownfield redevelopment each year by honoring an individual who has made a significant impact on brownfield redevelopment in New York City.

As a founding Board member of the NYCBP, Mr. Freeman was responsible for much of the initial organizational nonprofit structure and served as NYCBP Board President during a critical period, helping to pave the way to the Partnership’s current success. He has served on multiple committees and chaired the Legislative/Policy Committee, which has maintained a close and interactive watch over the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program. He continues to serve the NYCBP as an Emeritus Board Member and participant in the Redevelopment Roundtables, and he remains active in advising on regulatory policy.

“Those of us who work with David at Gibbons are delighted he is being recognized for his career-long achievements in the areas of environmental law and brownfield redevelopment in New York City,” said Camille V. Otero, Chair of the firm’s Environmental Group. “His invaluable contributions to our New York based environmental practice and clients further demonstrate his commitment to excellence.”

Mr. Freeman has over 40 years of experience representing buyers, sellers, and developers of contaminated properties, as well as both plaintiffs and defendants in Superfund and other litigation regarding the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. He was involved with the formation of the New York State Bar Association Environmental & Energy Law Section’s Future of Federal Environmental Policy Task Force. Mr. Freeman’s extensive professional and pro bono activities also include service as Vice Chair of the New York State League of Conservation Voters Education Fund; Co-Chair of the New York State Bar Association Environmental & Energy Law Section’s Brownfield Task Force and its Committee on Hazardous Waste/Site Remediation; and Special Legal Counsel to the United Nations Environment Programme for North American Environmental Affairs. A graduate of Harvard University and Harvard Law School, Mr. Freeman started his career in Washington, D.C. at the office of Senator Frank E. Moss, United States Senate, then at the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission. He earned a 2012 Burton Award as “an outstanding law firm author” and the 2001 New York State Bar Association Environmental & Energy Law Section’s Distinguished Service Award. He is a frequent speaker and writer on environmental law topics.