Scarlett Lara-Alcantara

Scarlett Lara-Alcantara is an associate in Shipman’s Real Estate, Environmental, Land Use and Construction practice group. She specializes in transactional due diligence, regulatory compliance, site assessments and remediation, providing strategic guidance to clients across various industries as they navigate complex environmental challenges. Scarlett's approach centers around practical business decisions, helping clients integrate environmental considerations into their planning to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws.

Her experience includes a deep understanding of rapidly evolving PFAS regulations, allowing her to closely monitor changes and advise clients on potential impacts and risk management strategies. Scarlett also manages complex lead-abatement matters, extending to both regulatory compliance and litigation work, ensuring clients are well-represented in all aspects of lead-related liabilities. Scarlett actively follows the development of the Connecticut Release-Based Cleanup Regulations (RBCRs) and the sunsetting of the Connecticut Transfer Act, helping clients adapt to this new regulatory framework.

In addition to environmental work, Scarlett regularly assists school districts and municipalities in navigating the bidding process, including the development and evaluation of requests for qualifications (RFQs) and proposals (RFPs). She also advises clients in resolving complex contractual disputes, providing strategic legal guidance through the different stages of conflict resolution.  

Scarlett is committed to pro bono work, assisting tenants in obtaining rental assistance and working closely with Greater Hartford Legal Aid to support vulnerable communities. Scarlett also represents children through Lawyers for Children America, ensuring that young clients have a voice and trusted advocate through difficult proceedings.

Her comprehensive approach equips clients to effectively navigate environmental liabilities and contractual risk throughout the transaction lifecycle, aligning legal strategy with business objective to drive practical, effective outcomes.