Overview
Neal McAliley has practiced environmental law and litigation for more than 30 years. He focuses primarily on federal matters and advises clients on environmental issues related to energy production, permitting, real estate transactions, wetland jurisdiction, environmental issues associated with public infrastructure projects, and administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement. He has significant experience in litigation involving federal agencies under NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, the Lacey Act, and related federal environmental statutes.
Neal has handled regulatory and litigation matters for clients in multiple industries. Over his career, Neal has represented businesses in the energy industry (including electric utilities, renewable energy, and oil and gas companies), mining industry, aviation industry (including airlines and airports), seafood industry, agriculture industry, and clean tech businesses. Neal has extensive experience in environmental regulation and litigation related to public infrastructure projects of all types, including regional water projects, power facilities, airports, seaports, and rail systems. He also has represented companies in enforcement matters under multiple environmental and non-environmental statutes, including administrative, civil, criminal, forfeiture, and contract debarment proceedings.
Neal began his career as a trial attorney with the Department of Justice, prosecuting environmental crimes and representing federal agencies in civil environmental litigation. His cases included litigation related to restoration of the Florida Everglades; endangered species conflicts related to water management; realignment of an Air Force base; and prosecutions of companies for ocean dumping, illegal disposal of hazardous waste, and illegal importation of threatened and endangered species.
In the business realm, Neal counsels clients on a range of general civil and criminal litigation, general commercial litigation, and white collar criminal defense matters, from conducting internal investigations for multinational companies to commercial litigation and class action defense.
What makes Neal stand out? His ability to think outside the box and come to creative solutions, his attention to detail, and his concern for his clients.
Experience
Defended 50 lawsuits filed against a property owner for wrongful death, personal injury, and medical monitoring that related to creosote exposure from a sawmill that had burned down in the 1950s. The plaintiffs' claims were based on the theory that they were exposed to the creosote through groundwater consumption over a period of years. Successfully demonstrated that the plaintiffs could not prove exposure and settled the case for a nominal amount.
Defended property owner Ben Sharfi in a civil enforcement action brought by the Department of Justice based on his work in wetlands. The district court granted summary judgment to the defense and ruled that Sharfi's wetlands are not part of "the waters of the United States" regulated under the Clean Water Act.
Represented Burnett Oil Co. Inc. against a lawsuit challenging federal agency approvals for a seismic survey in the Big Cypress National Preserve. The court rejected the plaintiffs' environmental claims, clearing the way for the survey to proceed.
Represented the city of Dania Beach, a Florida municipality concerned with the effect of the major expansion of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on city residents. Through engagement in the administrative process and several legal proceedings over the course of a decade, the city succeeded in delaying the project and obtained a mitigation package worth tens of millions of dollars for city residents. In addition to his work for Dania Beach, Neal has represented parties in environmental disputes related to three other airports.
Represented New Hope Power Co., a Florida renewable energy company, in a challenge to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' assertion of regulatory jurisdiction over farmland under the Clean Water Act. The court ruled that the agency had improperly expanded the scope of its regulatory jurisdiction without undergoing normal rulemaking procedures, which resulted in New Hope avoiding the need for a federal permit to construct a renewable energy facility.
Represented multiple seafood companies since 2004 in administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement proceedings related to the importation of seafood into the United States. In these matters, he defended clients against criminal indictment for alleged violations of environmental laws, achieved civil resolutions of other matters in which criminal charges were threatened, and persuaded government agencies not to pursue licensing proceedings or debar companies from government contracts.
Represented government agencies and companies in multiple matters related to solar energy and energy-efficient home renovations, including three matters in the Florida Supreme Court.
Represented companies operating in the limestone and hardrock mining sectors in Florida and elsewhere in the United States regarding the environmental permitting of new mine facilities. He has advised the companies on obtaining required government approvals, defended against third-party permit challenges, and represented the companies in government permit enforcement proceedings.
Represented companies in environmental disputes related to real estate transactions in Florida and elsewhere in the United States.
Represented companies in the aviation, banking, and commodities sectors regarding government investigations of cross-border activities. These investigations have related to environmental, financial, and antitrust matters in multiple countries in Latin America and Europe. He has investigated allegations of misconduct both to defend against governmental proceedings and to facilitate corporate oversight of company activities.
News & Insights
News
Publications
Speaking Engagements
"Water Quality and Wetlands: Recent Developments," ALI CLE Environmental Law Conference (February 2025)
"The Clean Water Act: Latest Developments Regarding Water Quality, Water Resources, and Wetlands," ALI CLE Environmental Law Conference (February 2018)
"Federal Wetland Regulation in the New Administration," ALI CLE Environmental Law Conference (February 2017)
"U.S. Rules for Naming Seafood Products," Seafood Expo North America, Boston, MA (2014)
"Development in Environmentally Sensitive Areas" and "Wetland Regulatory Jurisdiction Over Farmlands," 28th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School, Florida Environmental Network, Marco Island, FL (2014)
"New Guidance on the Regulation of Wetlands," ALI CLE Environmental Law Conference, Washington, D.C. (2013)
"Development in Environmentally Sensitive Areas" and "Wetland Regulatory Jurisdiction Over Farmlands," 27th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School, Florida Environmental Network, Marco Island, FL (2013)
"Local Land Use: Recent Developments in Federal Laws, Regulations, and Programs" (2012)
"New Guidance on the Regulation of Wetlands," ALI CLE Environmental Law Conference, Washington, D.C. (2012)
"Greenhouse Gas Regulation and Litigation: Impact on Business in Florida" and "Carbon and Renewable Markets: Opportunities to Challenges," 25th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School, Marco Island, FL (2011)
"Greenhouse Gas Regulation: The Big Picture," 27th Annual Growth Management Conference, Orlando, FL (2011)
"Regulation of Former Wetlands Under the Clean Water Act," ALI-ABA Environmental Law Conference, Washington, D.C. (2011)
"Defending Environmental Investigations and Litigation: Nuts and Bolts for Clients, Consultants, and Lawyers" and "Carbon and Renewable Markets: Opportunities to Challenges," 24th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School, Marco Island, FL (2010)
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Multimedia
Recognition
Honors & Recognitions
The Best Lawyers in America (2008–2027); Miami "Lawyer of the Year," Environmental Litigation (2017, 2019, 2021, 2026); Environmental Law (2023)
Chambers USA (2007–2026)
Who's Who Legal (2023)
Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine (2010–2022)
Finalist, Most Effective Lawyers Award, Daily Business Review (2014)
Highly Commended, FT Innovative Lawyers North America Report (2014)
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Professional & Community Involvement
Professional & Community Involvement
Neal is a fellow of the American College of Environmental Lawyers.
Beyond the Bio
Neal has been writing about the federal government's changing rules for wetlands and environmental permitting as they unfold, and that work has made him a frequent source for national legal and environmental reporters. He began his career at the Justice Department, where his cases included the restoration of the Everglades.
Related Capabilities
Bar Admissions
Court Admissions
Education
J.D., University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
A.B., Harvard University
