Deborah practices in the areas of environmental, real estate, and land use law, with a focus on assisting clients to understand, manage, and limit environmental risks associated with property and business transactions. Deborah represents a diverse array of clients through environmental aspects of purchasing or selling real estate or businesses that have significant environmental liabilities, including navigating investigation and remedial obligations under the Connecticut Transfer Act. She guides clients through remediation and redevelopment of brownfield and environmentally sensitive properties, including negotiating environment use restrictions for contaminated properties with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) and regularly advises regarding environmental permitting and compliance issues.
Deborah is an active participant in the State’s ongoing efforts to revamp Connecticut’s environmental regulatory framework, and served on one of the CT DEEP subcommittees formed to assist the State with its development of a new release-based cleanup program, which will ultimately replace the Transfer Act and drastically change environmental compliance obligations in the State.
Deborah has cultivated close relationships with the regulatory and consultant community that enable her to efficiently assist clients with environmental matters. She applies her years of experience, including a background at a prominent public interest environmental advocacy organization, to provide clients with pragmatic, cost-effective, and creative solutions to environmental issues.
Deborah is also experienced in representing developers, institutions, and property owners in a wide range of real estate and commercial transactions, and land use matters.
Deborah is ranked by Chambers USA in 2024 and 2025 as a leading lawyer for Environmental law in Connecticut.
“I can only say very positive things about Deborah Brancato. She is responsive, her opinions are well thought out, her reviews are focused and accurate, and she is efficient.”
“Deborah Brancato is always there. She is responsive and easy to work with and most importantly, her knowledge of regulatory environments has been helpful.”
“Deborah Brancato has been instrumental in guiding us through our matters. She is creative and smart and distils information so that it’s understandable.”
“I have great trust in her; she is a wonderful resource.”
“Deborah Brancato manages each case with consistent understanding and guidance.”
Chambers USA Guide 2025
Affiliations
Connecticut Bar Association, Environmental Law Section Executive Committee, 2021-2024
Connecticut Society for Women Environmental Professionals (SWEP), Executive Committee/Co-chair
Environmental Professionals Organization of Connecticut (EPOC)
Fairfield County Bar Association
Norwalk Leadership Institute Program, 2020
NYC Environmental Law Leadership Institute, 2009
Distinctions
Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch – Environmental Law and Real Estate Law, 2024-2025
Ranked in Chambers USA Guide – Environment, Connecticut, 2025
40 Under Forty, Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, 2022
New Leaders in Law, Connecticut Legal Awards, Connecticut Law Tribune, 2021
Phi Beta Kappa
Connecticut Super Lawyers® – Real Estate, 2017
Community
- Former Chair of the Fairfield County Bar Association Environmental Section, 2020-2021
- Former Board Member of the Mutual Housing Association of Southwestern Connecticut, Inc.
