Stuart Hammer, a member of the firm’s Corporate Department and Environmental Practice Group, represents U.S. and international companies, financial institutions and other entities on environmental matters in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, securities offerings and other corporate transactions. He helps clients assess and allocate environmental risks associated with their corporate and real estate transactions and advises them on environmental liability issues. He frequently represents buyers, sellers, lenders and investors involved in corporate transactions in the United States and overseas. He also advises companies on issues associated with global climate change, including initiatives aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
Mr. Hammer routinely handles the environmental aspects of noteworthy transactions in a broad range of industries. His recent representations of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in its acquisition of Ashland Water Technologies, and International Paper in its sale of three containerboard mills demonstrate the sophistication of his practice. Mr. Hammer is consistently ranked as a leader in environmental law. In Chambers USA (2013), sources comment that “he’s great to work with, very quick and very responsive.” In Chambers USA (2012) he is lauded by sources for being “incredibly responsive to our queries with timely, concise and practical advice. He enthusiastically assists on all matters, no matter how small or outside his specialty.” Chambers USA (2010) described him as “such an easy guy to work with – he is practical and well-rounded in his approach, with a great grasp of detail,” and in Chambers USA (2009) clients mention his “clear and effective organization of the team and relaxed, personable style ensur[ing] that transactions are concluded swiftly and efficiently.” In Chambers USA (2007) clients praise how he “communicate[s] to business people in a straightforward manner, which helps [them] assess risks and choose the right path.” Peers cite Mr. Hammer’s “knowledge of the material and good manner [which make] him easy to work with.” According to Chambers USA (2013), clients comment that he is “great to work with, very quick and very responsive." In addition, PLC Which Lawyer? (2011) recommends Mr. Hammer as a leading lawyer, and the 2008 edition notes his “solid reputation for his work advising clients on the environmental aspects of complex business transactions.” He is also recognized as a leading practitioner in PLC Cross-Border Environment Handbook 2011/2012.
Mr. Hammer has authored and co-authored numerous articles on environmental and climate change issues, including “How Companies Can Manage Environmental Reputational Risk,” Business Ethics (April 9, 2014); “Climate Change Disclosure,” NACD Directorship (July 26, 2011); “Climate Change Disclosure Obligations for Insurers,” Insurance Law360 (February 11, 2011); “Effects of EPA Clean Air Initiatives,” Environmental Law360 (December 2, 2010); “What To Know in the Absence of A Climate Change Law,” Environmental Law360 (August 11, 2010); “The NAIC Produces Revised Climate Change Risk Disclosure Survey,” Debevoise & Plimpton Financial Institutions Report (June 2010); “Climate Change Issues are Turning Up the Heat on Businesses in the U.S.,” Debevoise & Plimpton Private Equity Report (Winter 2010) (reprinted in Private Equity Manager (April 2010)); “A New Tool for Combating Climate Change? Getting Sued for Greenhouse Gas Emissions,” North American Clean Energy (November 2009); “Insurance Companies Confront Climate Change Disclosure Obligations,” The Debevoise & Plimpton Financial Institutions Report (November 2009); “The Climate Change and Clean Energy Bill," Law360 (July 14, 2009); “Potential New Markets for Renewable Energy Credits and Carbon Credits,” The Debevoise & Plimpton Financial Institutions Report (Spring/Summer 2009); “House Draft Bill: Climate Change, Clean Energy,” Law 360 (April 15, 2009); “Tackling Climate Change During Economic Turmoil,” Law 360 (January 27, 2009); “Climate Change Issues Are Turning Up the Heat on Businesses in the U.S.,” The Debevoise & Plimpton Private Equity Report (Spring 2008) (reprinted in Bloomberg Law Reports: Environmental Law (Winter 2008)); “Principled Energy Investing: Wall Street Gets Bearish on Carbon, Financial Institutions Voice Their Concerns About Climate Change,” The Deal (March 31, 2008); “Analyzing and Allocating Environmental Risk in Acquisitions,” Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Annual Meeting (February 2008); “The Heat Is On: Pressure Is Mounting on Corporations to Disclose Climate Change Risks,” Corporate Counsel (January 2008); “Cleanup Quandary: New Due Diligence Standard under CERCLA Raises the Bar,” GC New York (May 15, 2006); “No Look Provisions are Opening Eyes,” The M&A Lawyer (June 2005); “Anticipation: Strategic Buyers are Increasingly Reluctant to Assume Environmental Risks,” The Deal (July 26, 2004); “Emerging Indoor Environmental Issues,” New Solutions to Environmental Problems in Business & Real Estate Deals 2004, Practising Law Institute (2004); “Modern Architecture May Have Ruined the Air We Breathe,” Practising Law Institute, All-Star Briefing, Volume 2, Issue 3 (January 2004 e-publication); “Environmental Risk: Protecting the Buyer,” The M&A Lawyer (December 1999/January 2000); and “Welcome News on the Environmental Front,” Directors & Boards (Fall 1998).
Mr. Hammer joined Debevoise in 1992. He received his B.A. magna cum laude from Yeshiva University in 1988 and his J.D. from Cardozo Law School in 1992.
