Deborah Jennings, chair of DLA Piper's Environmental group, practices environmental law and energy law and litigation. She has extensive experience with litigation and negotiations that affect the environment relating to air, water and hazardous waste permit issues, as well as transportation, cleanup and disposal of hazardous substances.

In recent years, a primary focus of her practice has been on Clean Air Act issues that affect the environment, particularly those associated with siting and modifying major air sources and evolving law throughout the United States and policies to address ozone, acid rain and climate change. Ms. Jennings has defended New Source Review permits at the US EPA Environmental Appeals Board as well as in the state and federal courts. Ms. Jennings also has extensive experience representing electric power generating companies in state energy administrative proceedings.

The respected English research publisher Chambers & Partners has recognized Ms. Jennings as one of America's leading business lawyers for her environmental practice, and noted that clients consider her "an excellent attorney with extensive experience in the area." She is recommended in the PLC Which Lawyer? Yearbook 2009. Martindale-Hubbell ranked Ms. Jennings AV, its highest available ranking. She has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for the past 12 years for her practice of environmental law. She is listed in The International Who's Who of Environment Lawyers 2010.

In 2008, the Maryland Daily Record named Ms. Jennings among its Leadership in Law winners, recognizing her professional accomplishments and her dedication to the practice of law and to the community. The Daily Record has also named her among Maryland's Top 100 Women three times, inducting her into its Circle of Excellence. The Top 100 Women are honored for their leadership and for giving back to their communities through mentorship and personal community involvement. In 2011, Arrive magazine, the official publication of Amtrak and Acela Express, named her to its list of Top Women Lawyers in the Northeast.