SEATTLE, Washington (August 19, 2024) Foster Garvey is pleased to announce the expansion of its Real Estate, Land Use & Environmental practice in Seattle with the addition of five prominent members from environmental law firm Doll Mack Wells PLLC. The group includes principals Matthew D. Wells and Bradford T. Doll, counsel attorneys Sarah E. Mack and Lynne M. Cohee, and paralegal Pamela Ruggles.
Bringing decades of knowledge and experience in environmental and natural resources law, including regulatory compliance, litigation, water rights, contaminated site remediation and project permitting, the addition of this group further strengthens Foster Garvey’s ability to advise both public and private sector clients on a wide range of complex environmental issues. The move also solidifies the firm’s reputation as one of the leading real estate, land use and environmental practices in the Pacific Northwest.
“Adding this esteemed team is a major step forward in our ongoing mission of delivering best-in-class legal services,” said Scott Flichtbeil, Foster Garvey’s chief operating officer. “These strategic hires demonstrate the firm’s continued growth trajectory and relentless commitment to providing clients with practical, holistic advice to address their evolving needs.”
Matt Wells combines his broad-based science and policy background with his deep understanding of marine and freshwater resource issues to provide pragmatic legal guidance to both public and private sector clients. He represents utilities, cities, Fortune 500 companies, local businesses, non-profits and individuals in matters involving environmental cleanup and compliance, cost allocation and natural resource damage actions, water rights and water resources including adjudications, and due diligence. He has been involved in numerous high-profile matters impacting the region, such as the cleanup of Tacoma’s Thea Foss Waterway and the Acquavella water rights adjudication.
Brad Doll assists clients with water quality permitting, hazardous substance releases, environmental review and land use issues. Brad has successfully represented private and public clients in administrative and civil enforcement actions, environmental and land use permitting, cleanup of contaminated industrial and commercial properties, cost allocation actions, and environmental due diligence in real estate transactions. He is a frequent speaker on stormwater management issues at conferences across the Pacific Northwest. Brad has been selected to the 2024 Washington Super Lawyers® list and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America©.
Sarah Mack represents public utility districts, other municipal water suppliers, and developers of commercial, residential and resort projects throughout Washington. She assists clients with the acquisition and transfer of water rights, water right permitting and appeals, trust water right donations, water system planning, and compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Sarah also advises clients on water resource policy and rulemaking, and on proposed legislation relating to water rights, water supply planning and land use.
Lynne Cohee focuses on environmental and natural resources litigation, with an emphasis on administrative and judicial appeals. She has over 25 years of appellate experience. Lynne represents private and public sector clients in litigation regarding water rights, water quality, and stormwater regulation, including Clean Water Act citizen suits, NPDES permit appeals, and water rights appeals. She has extensive experience before state and federal courts at all levels as well as the Pollution Control Hearings Board. Lynne is also experienced in Administrative Procedure Act agency rule challenges.
Pamela Ruggles brings more than a decade of experience providing vital paralegal support, including reviewing and editing a wide array of federal, state and administrative pleadings. She regularly manages public records requests, analyzes responsive documents, and ensures accurate and timely filing of documents across various federal and county courts and administrative boards.
“Joining Foster Garvey feels like a natural fit for us, given our shared commitment to client service excellence and creative problem solving,” said incoming principal Matt Wells. “The firm’s full-service platform and collaborative culture offer the perfect environment for us to contribute our unique skill sets and experience while growing our practices and providing unparalleled support to clients.”
“We are delighted and proud to welcome this talented group,” said Firm Co-Chair Rafael Stone. “Their arrival not only broadens our environmental, land use and litigation capabilities but also reinforces our position as a leader in the legal community.”
Foster Garvey PC, a preeminent law firm with offices on both coasts, offers an extended national and international reach to serve many influential and innovative companies, government entities and individuals across a full spectrum of legal services. The firm's attorneys are consistently recognized for their deep industry knowledge and superior client service by prominent legal industry publications, including Best Lawyers in America©, Chambers USA, Chambers Global and “Best Law Firms.” In addition to providing efficient and effective counsel, Foster Garvey upholds a strong commitment to community service, pro bono representation, diversity and inclusion efforts and a collegial and equitable work environment. The firm has offices in Seattle, Portland, Washington, D.C., New York, Spokane and Tulsa.
