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To resolve disputes, it is important to understand that even when armed with the same information, parties look through different lenses and can reach conflicting positions. It is important for the neutral to both understand the law and these perspectives. My multi-faceted public and private party representation coupled with longstanding settlement successes are invaluable in the environmental sphere where there are significant financial risks and commitments extending over many years.
CERCLA, CWA, OPA, SDWA, CAA, RCRA, ESA, TSCA, Pipeline Safety Laws, and analogous State Laws
Former Managing and Senior Attorney – United States Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division (San Francisco Office)
Represented federal agencies on environmental matters across all media
+ Federal statutory and regulatory compliance and enforcement
+ Hazardous substance response actions
+ Pipeline and vessel oil spills
+ Contaminated groundwater sites
+ Wastewater treatment plant compliance
+ Drinking water system compliance
+ Natural resource damage assessments
+ Mitigation and habitat restoration
+ Permit violations
+ Power, water, and wastewater infrastructure construction
+ Real estate transfers, access, and institutional controls
Represented EPA, DOT (PHMSA), DOI (FWS/FS/BIA), NOAA, USCG, DoD and the Presidio Trust. Worked with numerous state agencies such as CA FWS, CA RWQCB, CA DTSC, CA Regents, CA Fire Marshal, NV DEP, HI DOH, TX CEQ and LA DEA
Former Attorney – Gardner, Carton & Douglas
Represented corporations, municipalities, special interest and industry groups on environmental matters across all media
+ Federal and State enforcement actions
+ Allocation
+ Regulatory compliance
+ Permits and Variances
+ Mergers and acquisitions
+ Insurance coverage
+ Real estate transactions
+ United States Court of Appeals
+ State of Illinois Appellate Court
Represented 3M Company, Olin Corporation, Village of Sauget, A.R.F. Landfill, Outboard Marine Corporation, GNB Battery, Modine Manufacturing, and Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates
Strong track record handling and resolving complex disputes
+ In-depth knowledge of environmental and related laws
+ Unique perspectives of corporations, municipalities, government agencies, special interest and industry groups, and private citizens
+ Significant mediation/negotiation/litigation experience
PUBLIC
AGENCY
REPRESENTATION
Former Managing and Senior Attorney – United States Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division (San Francisco Office)
Represented federal agencies on environmental matters across all media
+ Federal statutory and regulatory compliance and enforcement
+ Hazardous substance response actions
+ Pipeline and vessel oil spills
+ Contaminated groundwater sites
+ Wastewater treatment plant compliance
+ Drinking water system compliance
+ Natural resource damage assessments
+ Mitigation and habitat restoration
+ Permit violations
+ Power, water, and wastewater infrastructure construction
+ Real estate transfers, access, and institutional controls
Represented EPA, DOT (PHMSA), DOI (FWS/FS/BIA), NOAA, USCG, DoD and the Presidio Trust. Worked with numerous state agencies such as CA FWS, CA RWQCB, CA DTSC, CA Regents, CA Fire Marshal, NV DEP, HI DOH, TX CEQ and LA DEA
OBRIEN
CONFLICT
RESOLUTION
Strong track record handling and resolving complex disputes
+ In-depth knowledge of environmental and related laws
+ Unique perspectives of corporations, municipalities, government agencies, special interest and industry groups, and private citizens
+ Significant mediation/negotiation/litigation experience
CORPORATE,
MUNICIPAL,
& SMALL BUSINESS
REPRESENTATION
Former Attorney – Gardner, Carton & Douglas
Represented corporations, municipalities, special interest and industry groups on environmental matters across all media
+ Federal and State enforcement actions
+ Allocation
+ Regulatory compliance
+ Permits and variances
+ Mergers and acquisitions
+ Insurance coverage
+ Real estate transactions
+ United States Court of Appeals
+ State of Illinois Appellate Court
Represented 3M Company, Olin Corporation, Village of Sauget, A.R.F. Landfill, Outboard Marine Corporation, GNB Battery, Modine Manufacturing, and Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates