Nicholas H. Howell

• Obtained a full defense verdict as lead trial counsel in a six-week jury trial brought by residents near a medical device manufacturing and sterilization facility who alleged that exposure to ethylene oxide emissions caused various diseases. CVN ranked the verdict the #1 Most Impressive Defense Verdict of 2025.
• Lead trial counsel in a month-long jury trial defending a medical device manufacturer against claims that its permitted ethylene oxide emissions caused nearby residents to develop cancer.
• Obtained a defense verdict as trial counsel in a federal jury trial involving alleged Clean Water Act violations for a large real estate development—the first NPDES stormwater citizen suit tried to verdict in Georgia in nearly a decade.
• Defeated class certification and secured complete dismissal of all claims brought on behalf of residents near a medical manufacturing and sterilization facility.

Nic is a first-chair trial lawyer who defends companies in high-stakes environmental and toxic tort litigation nationwide. He leads trial teams in class actions, mass torts, and personal injury lawsuits involving exposure to regulated and hazardous substances—including PFAS, PCBs, ethylene oxide, volatile organic compounds, and other emerging contaminants. His recent trial wins include the country’s #1 Most Impressive Defense Verdict of 2025, as ranked by CVN.

Nic’s clients include leading medical device manufacturers and sterilizers, chemical and energy companies, electric utilities, real estate developers, and industrial permit holders. He tries civil and administrative cases—including permit challenges—in state and federal courts before judges and juries.

Nic also has significant experience defending Clean Water Act citizen suits and NPDES permitting challenges. He represents chemical manufacturers in actions brought by state attorneys general, including statewide claims for natural resource damages tied to alleged contamination of surface water, groundwater, soil, and air by PCBs and PFAS.

Nic advises clients on emerging contaminants and practical steps to mitigate exposure as the scientific and regulatory landscape evolves.

Nic guides companies through incident response and internal investigations involving OSHA, worker safety, and whistleblower allegations. He counsels clients on environmental, health, and safety compliance, helping them navigate complex regulatory frameworks and minimize litigation exposure.

Chambers USA ranks Nic as an "Up and Coming" lawyer in Environmental Law, and Best Lawyers has named him to its Ones to Watch list. He writes and speaks frequently on trial strategy, toxic tort trends, and emerging contaminants. Nic has held multiple leadership roles in the State Bar of Georgia's Environmental Law Section, serving as an officer for five years and as Chair. Before joining King & Spalding, he clerked for the Honorable J. Randal Hall of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.