"Relationships matter as much as experience; I bring both to the table."

Ann Catino strives to be connected to you and to connect you to the right answer. Her approach to client relationships is comprehensive; she wants to meet you, visit your property, and get to know you, your problem and your goal.

Ann brings a well-informed knowledge base to the representation of her clients, having practiced during much of the evolution of environmental law. While she has developed a solid background in the trinity of air, water and waste, she also knows who to call for assistance – whether it’s a staff member at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, a consultant who is particularly well-suited for the task, or a state or municipal official. Through focused attention and responsive communication, Ann empowers her clients to make informed decisions for the future of their business, community and themselves.

Equally equipped to guide clients confidently through matters involving permitting, real estate deals or litigation, Ann provides routine representation to businesses as well as to a wide range of unique development projects:

• retailers,
• gas stations,
• manufacturers,
• power plants,
• solid waste facilities,
• alternative waste water treatment facilities, and
• entertainment venues.

Ann represented the Meadows Music Theater—the first facility of its kind financed through the state’s urban sites program and tax increment financing.

In addition to permitting a variety of facilities, she assists in the transfer of permits, and negotiated the nuances for compliance with the Transfer Act and brownfield and contaminated property redevelopment. Ann also regularly appears before federal and state environmental and siting agencies, local regulatory boards and all courts in environmental enforcement actions, private cost recovery claims and commercial disputes regarding environmental issues.

Ann is a seasoned negotiator. During the recent renovation and redevelopment of 23 service plaza facilities on Routes 1-95, I-395 and 15, Ann counseled the State as to the transition and redevelopment of the service plazas and negotiated a lucrative resolution for the costs associated with the cleanup of historical contamination there.

A mark of her balanced pragmatism and principles, Ann is often asked to assist in the development of new environmental laws and regulatory initiatives. She advises the legislature on issues involving brownfields, property remediation and economic development as Co-Chair of the State’s Brownfield Working Group, a role she has occupied since 2006. In addition, she testifies regularly on environmental bills before the Connecticut General Assembly and volunteers many hours developing approaches to practical, cost-effective laws that are also protective of the environment.

Ann’s combined experience and investment in relationships ensure that the interests and voices of her clients are heard in a positive and constructive manner. This applies to every type of matter she handles, a few of which include:

• land use,
• real estate development,
• the purchase and sale of contaminated property,
• permitting,
• regulatory compliance and auditing,
• property remediation, and
• environmental litigation.

Ann has been named to the Top 25: Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list in 2014, 2015 and 2016, as well as the Top 50: Women New England Super Lawyers list in 2016. She has been selected thirteen times by Super Lawyers® in the areas of Environmental, Land Use / Zoning and Environmental Litigation. Since 2014, she has been nominated for their Business Edition in Construction, Real Estate & Environmental. Ann has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® in the categories of Litigation – Environmental as well as Litigation – Land Use & Zoning since 2013. In addition, she has been ranked by Chambers USA for over ten consecutive years in the Environment section. She was listed in Business Today‘s “Top 10 Most Influential Environmental Lawyers in Connecticut for 2023” for her work with municipalities and other public bodies. Named a Hartford Business Journal 2024 Top 25 Real Estate Power Player, Ann was recognized for her influential work with Connecticut’s brownfield programs, regulations governing environmental cleanups, and redevelopments of properties statewide. Her expertise and knowledge of environmental requirements ensures clients understand their goals, risks, costs, and expected time frames.

Ann serves as Chair of the St. Anselm College Board of Trustees.