Lea A. Phillips focuses her practice on serving the renewable energy, manufacturing, and waste/recycling industries and has particular expertise in battery energy storage systems (BESS). Lea regularly provides legal counsel on project development and obtains and defends challenges to environmental and land use permits on behalf of her clients. Lea also advises clients on environmental risks and liabilities in business and real estate transactions and routinely negotiates environmental indemnity agreements, prospective purchaser agreements, and transition services agreements.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Regularly represents developers in permitting utility scale renewable energy and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects
- Provided counsel to regional petroleum marketer in issues associated with obtaining renewal of air quality permit
- Represented a national waste disposal company in drafting and implementing an internal environmental due diligence policy
Professional Highlights
Pro Bono Experience
Recognition & Accomplishments
Chambers USA, "Up and Coming," Environment (Arizona), 2023, 2024
The Best Lawyers in America, Environmental Law (Phoenix), 2025
The Best Lawyers in America, "Ones to Watch," – Environmental Law (Phoenix), 2021-2024
Benchmark Litigation, "40 & Under List," - Environmental (West), 2022-2024
Speaking Engagements
Board Memberships & Community Service
Publications
Co-author, "Regulation of Non-Hazardous Waste under RCRA," Chapter 15, The RCRA Practice Manual, Third Edition, ABA Section of Envt., Energy, & Resources, American Bar Association, Chicago, 2013
Related Insights
Credentials
Education
Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, with Law Science and Technology Certificate)
Associate Editor, Arizona State Law Journal
Order of the Coif
Recipient, Merit Scholarship
Recipient, Willard H. Pedrick Scholar Award for academic achievement
Recipient, Highest Pro Bono Distinction
Arizona State University, Barrett, The Honors College (B.A., magna cum laude)
Admissions
Arizona
U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona