Babst, Calland, Clements and Zomnir, P.C. was founded in 1986 by four visionary attorneys – Chester R. Babst III, Dean A. Calland, Frank J. Clements, and Richard M. Zomnir – who shared a belief that clients facing complex environmental, regulatory, and business and industry challenges deserved practical, strategic-focused legal counsel of the highest caliber.
At a time when environmental, energy, and public utility law were rapidly evolving, our founders recognized the need for a law firm that could navigate emerging regulatory frameworks while remaining grounded in real-world business realities.
From the firm’s earliest days, they set out to build a law firm defined by technical excellence, integrity, and long-term client relationships. Under their leadership, Babst Calland grew steadily, developing the firm’s environmental practice into one of the largest environmental practices in the country. The firm expanded, broadening practice areas, deepening industry knowledge, and attracting attorneys who shared their commitment to collaboration and excellence.
Since its founding, Babst Calland has grown into a nationally recognized law firm serving clients across the energy, natural resources, environmental, manufacturing, and emerging technologies sectors. The principles established four decades ago by Chip, Dean, Frank and Rick – technical excellence, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on our clients’ success – remain central to the firm’s identity.
Richard Zomnir, not profiled below, retired from the firm. Rick brought an entrepreneurial mindset helping to shape the firm’s early growth and long-term vision. He was instrumental in identifying strategic business opportunities and fostering a culture that encouraged innovation and adaptability.
