Partner
Holland & Knight
Washington, DC
A significant matter I’ve worked on
Working with a dedicated client team, I oversaw a legal and technical team in completing comprehensive risk assessments with respect to a portfolio of over 100 high-risk facilities, many with legacy PFAS and waste liabilities and open enforcement actions. Together, we managed immediate risks and positioned for long-term resilience and developed a scalable compliance framework to align with ESG priorities with EHS requirements. This project exemplified how multidisciplinary teamwork can drive effective risk management and sustainable compliance in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
An important person in my career
I can’t answer this without mentioning both my dad and my papa. My dad taught me to be a point guard – see the whole court, anticipate what’s coming and set your team up to succeed. My grandfather, a NYC detective, showed me that grit and persistence matter when the stakes are high. Between the two of them, I learned how to lead under pressure, investigate with purpose, and support the people around me. Their influence shows up in how I practice law every day.
What’s next in ESG/sustainability law?
The future will be about weaving ESG and EHS compliance into everyday decisions – where companies don’t just react to regulations but anticipate them and build resilience. I see my role as helping clients make that shift, so they can stay ahead of risk and seize opportunity.
Everyone’s talking about
Everyone’s talking about PFAS, but the deeper conversation is about how companies build resilience in the face of emerging chemical regulations. The shift from reactive compliance to proactive risk management is where the next wave of ESG leadership will emerge. Clients are asking not just “Are we compliant?” but “Are we ready for what’s next?”
If I wasn’t a lawyer, I’d probably be…
A detective or a food critic – ideally both. I love digging into complex problems and I love a good meal. If I could solve regulatory mysteries while eating pasta, that would be the dream.
Reference
“Meaghan is an incredible attorney who is an invaluable resource to me and my company across a wide spectrum of legal topics and as a business advisor generally. Her expertise in EH&S and ESG topics generally and – in particular – her best in class knowledge around the complex topic of PFAS chemicals is a gamechanger for any company trying to develop robust programs to address these high visibility areas in a manner that is practical for a successful business. Whether we’re facing a crisis or planning long-term improvements, Meaghan is a trusted partner who delivers thoughtful, business-focused solutions.” John Wilson, chief legal officer, Depot Connect International
Meaghan Colligan Hembree is a partner at Holland & Knight in Washington, DC, where she advises Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders on ESG strategy, EHS compliance, and sustainable business transformation. Her practice spans the full lifecycle of chemical and waste regulation – from product design and stewardship to disposal, cleanup and reuse. Meaghan counsels on core environmental laws including RCRA, TSCA, CERCLA, the Clean Water Act, and OSHA, as well as emerging mandates such as PFAS regulation, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and post-consumer recycled content (PCR) laws.
She is a trusted advisor in high-risk scenarios involving fires, explosions, chemical releases, and environmental accidents, with a proven ability to navigate transactions, enforcement actions, litigation, legislative strategy, media response, insurance coverage, cleanups, compliance planning and risk mitigation. Meaghan helps clients manage reputational risk, regulatory exposure, and operational continuity under pressure.
Her leadership in shaping circular economy policy and advising on sustainable materials management has positioned her as a strategic asset in boardrooms and executive decision-making. She brings legal precision and cross-functional insight to today’s most complex environmental and health and safety challenges.
E: meaghan.colligan@hklaw.com
T: +1 202 469 5406