H. Max Kelln

Environmental Regulation & Compliance Challenges

Max’s practice covers a broad spectrum of environmental law, showcasing extensive experience with the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, sewer and stormwater system regulations, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants, brownfields redevelopment, and climate-related regulatory initiatives. He often leads negotiations with state and federal agencies regarding consent decrees, enforcement actions, criminal investigations, and administrative settlements related to long-standing infrastructure and compliance challenges.

Environmental & Mass Tort Litigation

A skilled litigator, Max defends clients in state and federal courts in environmental and mass tort matters, including citizen suits, government enforcement actions, toxic tort claims and multiparty cost recovery disputes. He also advises clients facing novel legal theories in emerging areas of chemical regulation and environmental liability.

Integrated Strategies for Environmental Transactions, Compliance & Disputes

Max is known for helping clients turn regulatory complexity into practical, forward-looking solutions. He frequently advises on transactional risk, redevelopment strategy, internal investigations and environmental due diligence. As co-leader of the firm’s environment and energy team, he actively directs the group’s strategic vision and promotes collaboration across offices to support clients nationwide. He also often presents and writes about developments in environmental law and policy. Max’s extensive experience in litigation, regulatory strategy and transactional due diligence allows him to approach environmental issues from multiple angles, providing integrated advice.

Government, In-House and Prior Experience

Max’s broad background helps him appreciate the important history of environmental jurisprudence yet adapt as long-settled issues get turned on their heads.

Prior to joining Faegre Drinker, Max worked in Indiana state government, as the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) counsel at an international pharmaceutical company in New York, and most recently at a large, multinational law firm in Chicago. These tools have helped Max to implement a novel plan to coordinate state environmental agencies, insurance companies, local stakeholders and a client to sell a former glass bottling plant for redevelopment despite recent failed attempts because of known off-site contamination.