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He also represents mineral lessees and operators in disputes before federal agencies relating to decommissioning and oil and gas royalties and provides pre-litigation counseling on contractual risk allocation and compliance with Department of the Interior regulations.\u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eErich has experience in large-scale, multiparty litigation, as well as in individual actions. He practices in numerous jurisdictions, representing clients in all aspects of litigation across the country. Erich has represented public and private companies in a broad range of disputes in arbitration and federal and state court relating to breach of contract, trade secrets, securities, and RICO violations and provided litigation risk counseling and strategic advice on franchise termination litigation and relationship issues. He has also represented clients in False Claims Act and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement actions conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eErich earned his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and served on the Journal for Poverty Law and Policy. After law school, he served as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army. Erich has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, has published two articles in Infantry Magazine and is an alumnus of the Army\u0026rsquo;s Strategic Studies Fellowship Program.\u003c/p\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003eRepresented owners in several construction disputes with general contractors.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented major energy company in natural gas royalty multi-state class action litigation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented major energy company in natural gas royalty disputes against the U.S. Department of the Interior.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eAdvised major beer manufacturer on franchise termination litigation and relationship issues.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eDefended national retailer in misappropriation of trade secret and conspiracy litigation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eRepresented major technology company in securities and shareholder derivative litigation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented global pharmaceutical company in a FCPA enforcement action.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eExtensive pro bono work, including a Special Immigrant Visa application, Violence Against Women Act self-petition for immigration, veteran landlord-tenant dispute, divorce with custody, and United States Supreme Court \u003cem\u003eamicus curiae\u003c/em\u003e brief on behalf of the Innocence Project regarding the application of the scientific method in determining the reliability of expert witnesses.\u003c/p\u003e"]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":693}]},"capability_group_id":3},"created_at":"2026-01-07T04:54:37.000Z","updated_at":"2026-01-07T04:54:37.000Z","searchable_text":"Almonte{{ FIELD }}Represented owners in several construction disputes with general contractors.{{ FIELD }}Represented major energy company in natural gas royalty multi-state class action litigation.{{ FIELD }}Represented major energy company in natural gas royalty disputes against the U.S. Department of the Interior.  {{ FIELD }}Advised major beer manufacturer on franchise termination litigation and relationship issues.{{ FIELD }}Defended national retailer in misappropriation of trade secret and conspiracy litigation.{{ FIELD }}Represented major technology company in securities and shareholder derivative litigation.{{ FIELD }}Represented global pharmaceutical company in a FCPA enforcement action.{{ FIELD }}Extensive pro bono work, including a Special Immigrant Visa application, Violence Against Women Act self-petition for immigration, veteran landlord-tenant dispute, divorce with custody, and United States Supreme Court amicus curiae brief on behalf of the Innocence Project regarding the application of the scientific method in determining the reliability of expert witnesses.{{ FIELD }}Erich represents energy industry clients in high-stakes commercial disputes and torts in the areas of construction and engineering, decommissioning, oil and gas royalties, environmental justice, and personal injury and property damage matters. He also represents mineral lessees and operators in disputes before federal agencies relating to decommissioning and oil and gas royalties and provides pre-litigation counseling on contractual risk allocation and compliance with Department of the Interior regulations. \nErich has experience in large-scale, multiparty litigation, as well as in individual actions. He practices in numerous jurisdictions, representing clients in all aspects of litigation across the country. Erich has represented public and private companies in a broad range of disputes in arbitration and federal and state court relating to breach of contract, trade secrets, securities, and RICO violations and provided litigation risk counseling and strategic advice on franchise termination litigation and relationship issues. He has also represented clients in False Claims Act and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement actions conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission.\nErich earned his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and served on the Journal for Poverty Law and Policy. After law school, he served as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army. Erich has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, has published two articles in Infantry Magazine and is an alumnus of the Army’s Strategic Studies Fellowship Program. Partner Georgetown University Georgetown University Law Center Georgetown University Georgetown University Law Center U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas District of Columbia Texas Represented owners in several construction disputes with general contractors. Represented major energy company in natural gas royalty multi-state class action litigation. Represented major energy company in natural gas royalty disputes against the U.S. Department of the Interior.   Advised major beer manufacturer on franchise termination litigation and relationship issues. Defended national retailer in misappropriation of trade secret and conspiracy litigation. Represented major technology company in securities and shareholder derivative litigation. Represented global pharmaceutical company in a FCPA enforcement action. Extensive pro bono work, including a Special Immigrant Visa application, Violence Against Women Act self-petition for immigration, veteran landlord-tenant dispute, divorce with custody, and United States Supreme Court amicus curiae brief on behalf of the Innocence Project regarding the application of the scientific method in determining the reliability of expert witnesses.","searchable_name":"Erich J. Almonte","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":101,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":447228,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":7274,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eWill Barnette is a partner in the Atlanta office of King \u0026amp; Spalding, where he is a member of the firm\u0026rsquo;s business litigation practice and class action defense group. During his 30-year career, Will has consistently led clients to successful outcomes in their most sensitive and high exposure class action, MDL, and related regulatory matters. From litigating high-stakes tobacco class actions at the turn of the century, to defending massive data breach litigation in the last decade,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;winning several lucrative antitrust opt-out settlements more recently, Will has played a key role in much of the leading complex litigation of the era and led clients to tremendous success on both sides of the \u0026ldquo;v.\u0026rdquo; In particular,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;has deep experience in litigating consumer, products, and antitrust class actions, commercial disputes, and managing internal investigations.\u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrior to\u0026nbsp;rejoining King \u0026amp; Spalding, where he worked earlier in his career, Will\u0026nbsp;served as Associate General Counsel\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;The Home Depot and\u0026nbsp;was a member of the\u0026nbsp;company\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;Legal Senior Leadership Team.\u0026nbsp;As leader of\u0026nbsp;The Home Depot\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;commercial litigation team for more than ten years, he\u0026nbsp;was responsible for\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;company\u0026rsquo;s most significant commercial and business litigation,\u0026nbsp;which\u0026nbsp;frequently\u0026nbsp;challenged core aspects of the company\u0026rsquo;s business. During his\u0026nbsp;21-year tenure\u0026nbsp;with The Home Depot,\u0026nbsp;Will\u0026nbsp;led the successful defense\u0026nbsp;of several hundred class\u0026nbsp;actions, created and led the company\u0026rsquo;s recovery litigation program,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;successfully managed multiple high-profile investigations\u0026nbsp;and favorably resolved significant related regulatory matters, including with the United States Department of Justice, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and multi-state Attorney General groups. Will has been described by a Fortune 20 GC as \"an exceptionally talented lawyer, strong leader and trusted counsel to senior level executives.\"\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA recognized thought leader in complex litigation,\u0026nbsp;Will\u0026nbsp;argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2019 term\u0026mdash;one of the few in-house\u0026nbsp;counsel\u0026nbsp;to do so. He received the\u0026nbsp;Atlanta Business Chronicle\u0026rsquo;s Corporate Counsel Award for Advocacy in 2016 and has authored seven law review articles. His recent works,\u0026nbsp;Misunderstanding Original Jurisdiction\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;There Is No Conservative Case for Class Actions,\u0026nbsp;ranked among the top SSRN downloads in Federal Courts and Jurisdiction. He\u0026nbsp;frequently\u0026nbsp;lectures on class actions, MDL litigation, and internal investigations, and teaches Complex Litigation at the University of Tennessee\u0026nbsp;Winston\u0026nbsp;College of Law, where he earned the Harold C. Warner Outstanding\u0026nbsp;Adjunct\u0026nbsp;Professor Award in 2025.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill\u0026nbsp;chaired the Board of Georgians for Lawsuit Reform,\u0026nbsp;which was\u0026nbsp;instrumental in passing Georgia\u0026rsquo;s 2025 tort reform legislation. He also serves as Chair of the Class Actions Section for the State Bar of Georgia and is a former President of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society. Will\u0026nbsp;played\u0026nbsp;varsity college basketball at Sewanee and is a member of the American Law Institute.\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"william-barnette-2","email":"wbarnette@kslaw.com ","phone":null,"matters":["\u003cp\u003eRepresenting national retailer in series of class actions alleging consumer fraud related to pricing practices, e.g., Berger v. Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., No. 24-01435 (N.D. Ga.)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting national retailer in antitrust MDL class action alleging price-fixing related to algorithmic pricing, In re: Construction Equipment Rental Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 3152 (N.D. Ill.)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon reversal of order finding violation of federal labor law,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eHome Depot USA, Inc. v. NLRB\u003c/em\u003e, 2025 U.S. App. Lexis 29091 (8th Cir. 11/6/25)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon three ERISA class actions alleging breaches of fiduciary duty in management of 401(k)\u0026nbsp;plan,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eCano v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 2025 U.S. Dist. Lexis 176101 (N.D. Ga. 8/26/25);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ePizarro v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 111 F.4th 1165 (11th Cir. 2024);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLanfear v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 679 F.3d 1267 (11th Cir. 2012)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated to favorable resolution of massive data breach/privacy class actions,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: The Home Depot Customer Data Security Breach Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, MDL No. 2583 (N.D. Ga. 2014)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated to favorable resolution of eight class actions alleging product defects in sale of builiding materials,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, MDL No. 2047 (E.D. La. 2012)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon series of eight class actions alleging product defects and consumer fraud in sale of pressure-treated lumber,\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;e.g.\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eKitzes v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 374 Ill. 3d 1053 (Ill. 1st Dist. 2007)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon series of 20 class actions alleging consumer fraud in tool rental business and sale of damage waivers,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ee.g., Mathews v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 2025 U.S. Dist. Lexis 82577 (N.D. Ga. 2/14/25);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eBerger v. Home Depot\u003c/em\u003e, 741 F.3d 1061 (9th Cir. 2014);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eChochorowski v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 404 S.W. 3d 220 (Mo. 2013);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRickher v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 535 F.3d 661 (7th Cir. 2008);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eO\u0026rsquo;Neill v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 243 F.R.D. 469 (S.D. Fla. 2006)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon series of four class actions challenging pricing practices and alleging consumer fraud and breach of contract in sale of flooring installation services,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ee.g.\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eMarino v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 245 F.R.D. 729 (S.D. Fla. 2007)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon series of three class actions alleging product defects in sale of dryer vents,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ee.g.\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eGoldstein v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 609 F. Supp. 2d 1340 (N.D. Ga. 2009)\u0026nbsp;*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon series of three class actions challenging permitting and licensing practices,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ee.g.\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eVarnes v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 2015 U.S. Dist. Lexis 118592 (M.D. Fla. 9/4/15);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eWillard v. Home Depot\u003c/em\u003e, 2009 U.S. Dist. Lexis 113493 (N.D. Fla. 12/7/09)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDefense trial team member in state-wide class action seeking medical monitoring and smoking cessation,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eScott v. Am. Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e, 725 So. 2d 10 (La. 4th Cir. 1998)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon dismissal of securities fraud class action and affirmance on appeal,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eMizzaro v. Home Depot, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 544 F.3d 1230 (11th Cir. 2008)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon series of individual smoking and health jury trials,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ee.g.\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eEiser v. Brown \u0026amp; Williamson Tobacco Corp.\u003c/em\u003e, 2005 Phila. Ct. Common Pleas Lexis 43 (2005)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecovery\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from payment card interchange fee-setting allegations,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Payment Card Inter. Fee and Merchant Disc. Antitrust Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, MDL No. 1720 (E.D. N.Y. 2010)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of drywall,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Domestic Drywall Antitrust Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, MDL No. 2437 (E.D. Pa. 2013)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of oriented strand board,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: OSB Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, No. 06-826 (E.D. Pa. 2007)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of polyurethane foam,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, MDL No. 2196 (N.D. Ohio 2010)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of Puerto Rican cabotage services,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Puerto Rican Cabotage Antitrust Liig.\u003c/em\u003e, MDL No. 1960 (D. P.R. 2008)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppeals\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDrafted amicus brief on behalf of Retail Litigation Center in the U.S. Supreme Court in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, No. 24-1068\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArgued jurisdictional appeal under the Class Action Fairness Act,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eHome Depot v. Jackson\u003c/em\u003e, 139 S.Ct. 1743 (2019)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArgued and won insurance policy and assignment of rights dispute,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eWoodfield v. Bowman\u003c/em\u003e, 193 F.3d 354 (5th Cir. 1999)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManaged successful appeal vacating striking of expert testimony,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eHome Depot USA, Inc. v. Lafarge N. Am., Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 59 F.4th 55 (3d Cir. 2023)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManaged successful appeals which twice vacated excessive class counsel fee awards,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Home Depot, Inc., Customer Data Sec. Breach Litig.,\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;931 F.3d 1065 (11th Cir. 2019),\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eon remand\u003c/em\u003e, 2022 U.S. App. Lexis 297 (11th Cir. 2022)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManaged successful appeal vacating unfavorable class settlement and overly broad release,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Payment Card Inter. Fee and Merchant Disc. Antitrust Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, 827 F.3d 223 (2d Cir. 2016)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManaged successful jurisdictional appeal under the Class Action Fairness Act,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eFrederico v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 507 F.3d 188 (3d Cir. 2007)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManaged successful jurisdictional appeal under the Class Action Fairness Act,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRickher v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 2006 U.S. App. Lexis 32391 (7th Cir. 5/22/06)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManaged drafting of amicus briefs supporting winning side in three recent significant U.S. Supreme Court cases,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eTransunion v. Ramirez\u003c/em\u003e, 141 S.Ct. 2190 (2021);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eFacebook v. Duguid\u003c/em\u003e, 141 S.Ct. 813 (2020);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eUnited States PTO v. Booking.com BV\u003c/em\u003e, 591 U.S, 549 (2020)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvestigations\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully managed internal investigations and resolved related regulatory matters involving various federal and state laws, including whistleblower laws, privacy laws, Toxic Substances Control Act, and Lacey Act\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e*Representation while in-house counsel\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[]},"expertise":[{"id":3,"guid":"3.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":129,"guid":"129.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":2,"guid":"2.capabilities","index":2,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":5,"guid":"5.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":19,"guid":"19.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":7,"guid":"7.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":17,"guid":"17.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":16,"guid":"16.capabilities","index":7,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":111,"guid":"111.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":107,"guid":"107.capabilities","index":9,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":127,"guid":"127.capabilities","index":10,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":764,"guid":"764.smart_tags","index":11,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1176,"guid":"1176.smart_tags","index":12,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":502,"guid":"502.smart_tags","index":13,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":952,"guid":"952.smart_tags","index":14,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1188,"guid":"1188.smart_tags","index":15,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1199,"guid":"1199.smart_tags","index":16,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1206,"guid":"1206.smart_tags","index":17,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":750,"guid":"750.smart_tags","index":18,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":74,"guid":"74.capabilities","index":19,"source":"capabilities"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Barnette","nick_name":"Will","clerkships":[{"name":"Law Clerk, Hon. Sol Gothard, Louisiana","years_held":"1995 - 1996"}],"first_name":"William","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":202,"law_schools":[{"id":1136,"meta":{"degree":"J.D.","honors":"magna cum laude","is_law_school":"1","graduation_date":"1995-01-01 00:00:00"},"order":0,"pin_order":null,"pin_expiration":null}],"middle_name":"P.","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"Chairman-Board of Directors","detail":"Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 2020"},{"title":"Chairman-Class Actions Section","detail":"State Bar of Georgia, 2024-present "},{"title":"Chairman-Board of Directors","detail":"Georgians for Lawsuit Reform, 2023-25"},{"title":"General Counsel Pro Bono Award","detail":"The Home Depot, 2020"},{"title":"Store Support Excellence Award","detail":"The Home Depot, 2024"},{"title":"Corporate Counsel Advocacy Award","detail":"Atlanta Business Chronicle, 2016"},{"title":"Member","detail":"American Law Institute, 2025-present"},{"title":"Harold C. Warner Outstanding Adjunct Professor Award","detail":"University of Tennessee Winston College of Law, 2025"},{"title":"Litigation Counsel of America Senior Fellow","detail":"2024-present"},{"title":"Litigation Counsel of America Fellow ","detail":"2019-2023"}],"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eWill Barnette is a partner in the Atlanta office of King \u0026amp; Spalding, where he is a member of the firm\u0026rsquo;s business litigation practice and class action defense group. During his 30-year career, Will has consistently led clients to successful outcomes in their most sensitive and high exposure class action, MDL, and related regulatory matters. From litigating high-stakes tobacco class actions at the turn of the century, to defending massive data breach litigation in the last decade,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;winning several lucrative antitrust opt-out settlements more recently, Will has played a key role in much of the leading complex litigation of the era and led clients to tremendous success on both sides of the \u0026ldquo;v.\u0026rdquo; In particular,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;has deep experience in litigating consumer, products, and antitrust class actions, commercial disputes, and managing internal investigations.\u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrior to\u0026nbsp;rejoining King \u0026amp; Spalding, where he worked earlier in his career, Will\u0026nbsp;served as Associate General Counsel\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;The Home Depot and\u0026nbsp;was a member of the\u0026nbsp;company\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;Legal Senior Leadership Team.\u0026nbsp;As leader of\u0026nbsp;The Home Depot\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;commercial litigation team for more than ten years, he\u0026nbsp;was responsible for\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;company\u0026rsquo;s most significant commercial and business litigation,\u0026nbsp;which\u0026nbsp;frequently\u0026nbsp;challenged core aspects of the company\u0026rsquo;s business. During his\u0026nbsp;21-year tenure\u0026nbsp;with The Home Depot,\u0026nbsp;Will\u0026nbsp;led the successful defense\u0026nbsp;of several hundred class\u0026nbsp;actions, created and led the company\u0026rsquo;s recovery litigation program,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;successfully managed multiple high-profile investigations\u0026nbsp;and favorably resolved significant related regulatory matters, including with the United States Department of Justice, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and multi-state Attorney General groups. Will has been described by a Fortune 20 GC as \"an exceptionally talented lawyer, strong leader and trusted counsel to senior level executives.\"\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA recognized thought leader in complex litigation,\u0026nbsp;Will\u0026nbsp;argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2019 term\u0026mdash;one of the few in-house\u0026nbsp;counsel\u0026nbsp;to do so. He received the\u0026nbsp;Atlanta Business Chronicle\u0026rsquo;s Corporate Counsel Award for Advocacy in 2016 and has authored seven law review articles. His recent works,\u0026nbsp;Misunderstanding Original Jurisdiction\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;There Is No Conservative Case for Class Actions,\u0026nbsp;ranked among the top SSRN downloads in Federal Courts and Jurisdiction. He\u0026nbsp;frequently\u0026nbsp;lectures on class actions, MDL litigation, and internal investigations, and teaches Complex Litigation at the University of Tennessee\u0026nbsp;Winston\u0026nbsp;College of Law, where he earned the Harold C. Warner Outstanding\u0026nbsp;Adjunct\u0026nbsp;Professor Award in 2025.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill\u0026nbsp;chaired the Board of Georgians for Lawsuit Reform,\u0026nbsp;which was\u0026nbsp;instrumental in passing Georgia\u0026rsquo;s 2025 tort reform legislation. He also serves as Chair of the Class Actions Section for the State Bar of Georgia and is a former President of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society. Will\u0026nbsp;played\u0026nbsp;varsity college basketball at Sewanee and is a member of the American Law Institute.\u003c/p\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003eRepresenting national retailer in series of class actions alleging consumer fraud related to pricing practices, e.g., Berger v. Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., No. 24-01435 (N.D. Ga.)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting national retailer in antitrust MDL class action alleging price-fixing related to algorithmic pricing, In re: Construction Equipment Rental Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 3152 (N.D. Ill.)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon reversal of order finding violation of federal labor law,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eHome Depot USA, Inc. v. NLRB\u003c/em\u003e, 2025 U.S. App. Lexis 29091 (8th Cir. 11/6/25)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon three ERISA class actions alleging breaches of fiduciary duty in management of 401(k)\u0026nbsp;plan,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eCano v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 2025 U.S. Dist. Lexis 176101 (N.D. Ga. 8/26/25);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ePizarro v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 111 F.4th 1165 (11th Cir. 2024);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLanfear v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 679 F.3d 1267 (11th Cir. 2012)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated to favorable resolution of massive data breach/privacy class actions,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: The Home Depot Customer Data Security Breach Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, MDL No. 2583 (N.D. Ga. 2014)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated to favorable resolution of eight class actions alleging product defects in sale of builiding materials,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, MDL No. 2047 (E.D. La. 2012)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon series of eight class actions alleging product defects and consumer fraud in sale of pressure-treated lumber,\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;e.g.\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eKitzes v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 374 Ill. 3d 1053 (Ill. 1st Dist. 2007)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon series of 20 class actions alleging consumer fraud in tool rental business and sale of damage waivers,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ee.g., Mathews v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 2025 U.S. Dist. Lexis 82577 (N.D. Ga. 2/14/25);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eBerger v. Home Depot\u003c/em\u003e, 741 F.3d 1061 (9th Cir. 2014);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eChochorowski v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 404 S.W. 3d 220 (Mo. 2013);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRickher v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 535 F.3d 661 (7th Cir. 2008);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eO\u0026rsquo;Neill v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 243 F.R.D. 469 (S.D. Fla. 2006)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon series of four class actions challenging pricing practices and alleging consumer fraud and breach of contract in sale of flooring installation services,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ee.g.\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eMarino v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 245 F.R.D. 729 (S.D. Fla. 2007)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon series of three class actions alleging product defects in sale of dryer vents,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ee.g.\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eGoldstein v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 609 F. Supp. 2d 1340 (N.D. Ga. 2009)\u0026nbsp;*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon series of three class actions challenging permitting and licensing practices,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ee.g.\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eVarnes v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 2015 U.S. Dist. Lexis 118592 (M.D. Fla. 9/4/15);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eWillard v. Home Depot\u003c/em\u003e, 2009 U.S. Dist. Lexis 113493 (N.D. Fla. 12/7/09)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDefense trial team member in state-wide class action seeking medical monitoring and smoking cessation,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eScott v. Am. Tobacco Co.\u003c/em\u003e, 725 So. 2d 10 (La. 4th Cir. 1998)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon dismissal of securities fraud class action and affirmance on appeal,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eMizzaro v. Home Depot, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 544 F.3d 1230 (11th Cir. 2008)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon series of individual smoking and health jury trials,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003ee.g.\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eEiser v. Brown \u0026amp; Williamson Tobacco Corp.\u003c/em\u003e, 2005 Phila. Ct. Common Pleas Lexis 43 (2005)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecovery\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from payment card interchange fee-setting allegations,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Payment Card Inter. Fee and Merchant Disc. Antitrust Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, MDL No. 1720 (E.D. N.Y. 2010)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of drywall,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Domestic Drywall Antitrust Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, MDL No. 2437 (E.D. Pa. 2013)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of oriented strand board,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: OSB Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, No. 06-826 (E.D. Pa. 2007)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of polyurethane foam,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, MDL No. 2196 (N.D. Ohio 2010)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of Puerto Rican cabotage services,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Puerto Rican Cabotage Antitrust Liig.\u003c/em\u003e, MDL No. 1960 (D. P.R. 2008)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppeals\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDrafted amicus brief on behalf of Retail Litigation Center in the U.S. Supreme Court in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, No. 24-1068\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArgued jurisdictional appeal under the Class Action Fairness Act,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eHome Depot v. Jackson\u003c/em\u003e, 139 S.Ct. 1743 (2019)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArgued and won insurance policy and assignment of rights dispute,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eWoodfield v. Bowman\u003c/em\u003e, 193 F.3d 354 (5th Cir. 1999)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManaged successful appeal vacating striking of expert testimony,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eHome Depot USA, Inc. v. Lafarge N. Am., Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 59 F.4th 55 (3d Cir. 2023)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManaged successful appeals which twice vacated excessive class counsel fee awards,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Home Depot, Inc., Customer Data Sec. Breach Litig.,\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;931 F.3d 1065 (11th Cir. 2019),\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eon remand\u003c/em\u003e, 2022 U.S. App. Lexis 297 (11th Cir. 2022)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManaged successful appeal vacating unfavorable class settlement and overly broad release,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eIn re: Payment Card Inter. Fee and Merchant Disc. Antitrust Litig.\u003c/em\u003e, 827 F.3d 223 (2d Cir. 2016)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManaged successful jurisdictional appeal under the Class Action Fairness Act,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eFrederico v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 507 F.3d 188 (3d Cir. 2007)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManaged successful jurisdictional appeal under the Class Action Fairness Act,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRickher v. Home Depot USA, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e, 2006 U.S. App. Lexis 32391 (7th Cir. 5/22/06)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManaged drafting of amicus briefs supporting winning side in three recent significant U.S. Supreme Court cases,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eTransunion v. Ramirez\u003c/em\u003e, 141 S.Ct. 2190 (2021);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eFacebook v. Duguid\u003c/em\u003e, 141 S.Ct. 813 (2020);\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eUnited States PTO v. Booking.com BV\u003c/em\u003e, 591 U.S, 549 (2020)*\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvestigations\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully managed internal investigations and resolved related regulatory matters involving various federal and state laws, including whistleblower laws, privacy laws, Toxic Substances Control Act, and Lacey Act\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e*Representation while in-house counsel\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"],"recognitions":[{"title":"Chairman-Board of Directors","detail":"Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 2020"},{"title":"Chairman-Class Actions Section","detail":"State Bar of Georgia, 2024-present "},{"title":"Chairman-Board of Directors","detail":"Georgians for Lawsuit Reform, 2023-25"},{"title":"General Counsel Pro Bono Award","detail":"The Home Depot, 2020"},{"title":"Store Support Excellence Award","detail":"The Home Depot, 2024"},{"title":"Corporate Counsel Advocacy Award","detail":"Atlanta Business Chronicle, 2016"},{"title":"Member","detail":"American Law Institute, 2025-present"},{"title":"Harold C. Warner Outstanding Adjunct Professor Award","detail":"University of Tennessee Winston College of Law, 2025"},{"title":"Litigation Counsel of America Senior Fellow","detail":"2024-present"},{"title":"Litigation Counsel of America Fellow ","detail":"2019-2023"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":13228}]},"capability_group_id":3},"created_at":"2026-03-31T22:04:40.000Z","updated_at":"2026-03-31T22:04:40.000Z","searchable_text":"Barnette{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Chairman-Board of Directors\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 2020\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Chairman-Class Actions Section\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"State Bar of Georgia, 2024-present \"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Chairman-Board of Directors\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Georgians for Lawsuit Reform, 2023-25\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"General Counsel Pro Bono Award\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"The Home Depot, 2020\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Store Support Excellence Award\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"The Home Depot, 2024\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Corporate Counsel Advocacy Award\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Atlanta Business Chronicle, 2016\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Member\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"American Law Institute, 2025-present\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Harold C. Warner Outstanding Adjunct Professor Award\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"University of Tennessee Winston College of Law, 2025\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Litigation Counsel of America Senior Fellow\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"2024-present\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Litigation Counsel of America Fellow \", :detail=\u0026gt;\"2019-2023\"}{{ FIELD }}Representing national retailer in series of class actions alleging consumer fraud related to pricing practices, e.g., Berger v. Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., No. 24-01435 (N.D. Ga.){{ FIELD }}Representing national retailer in antitrust MDL class action alleging price-fixing related to algorithmic pricing, In re: Construction Equipment Rental Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 3152 (N.D. Ill.){{ FIELD }}Won reversal of order finding violation of federal labor law, Home Depot USA, Inc. v. NLRB, 2025 U.S. App. Lexis 29091 (8th Cir. 11/6/25)* {{ FIELD }}Won three ERISA class actions alleging breaches of fiduciary duty in management of 401(k) plan, Cano v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 2025 U.S. Dist. Lexis 176101 (N.D. Ga. 8/26/25); Pizarro v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 111 F.4th 1165 (11th Cir. 2024); Lanfear v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 679 F.3d 1267 (11th Cir. 2012)* {{ FIELD }}Successfully litigated to favorable resolution of massive data breach/privacy class actions, In re: The Home Depot Customer Data Security Breach Litig., MDL No. 2583 (N.D. Ga. 2014)* {{ FIELD }}Successfully litigated to favorable resolution of eight class actions alleging product defects in sale of builiding materials, In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litig., MDL No. 2047 (E.D. La. 2012)* {{ FIELD }}Won series of eight class actions alleging product defects and consumer fraud in sale of pressure-treated lumber, e.g., Kitzes v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 374 Ill. 3d 1053 (Ill. 1st Dist. 2007)* {{ FIELD }}Won series of 20 class actions alleging consumer fraud in tool rental business and sale of damage waivers, e.g., Mathews v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 2025 U.S. Dist. Lexis 82577 (N.D. Ga. 2/14/25); Berger v. Home Depot, 741 F.3d 1061 (9th Cir. 2014); Chochorowski v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 404 S.W. 3d 220 (Mo. 2013); Rickher v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 535 F.3d 661 (7th Cir. 2008); O’Neill v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 243 F.R.D. 469 (S.D. Fla. 2006)* {{ FIELD }}Won series of four class actions challenging pricing practices and alleging consumer fraud and breach of contract in sale of flooring installation services, e.g., Marino v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 245 F.R.D. 729 (S.D. Fla. 2007)* {{ FIELD }}Won series of three class actions alleging product defects in sale of dryer vents, e.g., Goldstein v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 609 F. Supp. 2d 1340 (N.D. Ga. 2009) * {{ FIELD }}Won series of three class actions challenging permitting and licensing practices, e.g., Varnes v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 2015 U.S. Dist. Lexis 118592 (M.D. Fla. 9/4/15); Willard v. Home Depot, 2009 U.S. Dist. Lexis 113493 (N.D. Fla. 12/7/09)* {{ FIELD }}Defense trial team member in state-wide class action seeking medical monitoring and smoking cessation, Scott v. Am. Tobacco Co., 725 So. 2d 10 (La. 4th Cir. 1998) {{ FIELD }}Won dismissal of securities fraud class action and affirmance on appeal, Mizzaro v. Home Depot, Inc., 544 F.3d 1230 (11th Cir. 2008)* {{ FIELD }}Won series of individual smoking and health jury trials, e.g., Eiser v. Brown \u0026amp; Williamson Tobacco Corp., 2005 Phila. Ct. Common Pleas Lexis 43 (2005) {{ FIELD }}Recovery {{ FIELD }}Successfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from payment card interchange fee-setting allegations, In re: Payment Card Inter. Fee and Merchant Disc. Antitrust Litig., MDL No. 1720 (E.D. N.Y. 2010)* {{ FIELD }}Successfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of drywall, In re: Domestic Drywall Antitrust Litig., MDL No. 2437 (E.D. Pa. 2013)* {{ FIELD }}Successfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of oriented strand board, In re: OSB Litig., No. 06-826 (E.D. Pa. 2007)* {{ FIELD }}Successfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of polyurethane foam, In re: Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litig., MDL No. 2196 (N.D. Ohio 2010)* {{ FIELD }}Successfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of Puerto Rican cabotage services, In re: Puerto Rican Cabotage Antitrust Liig., MDL No. 1960 (D. P.R. 2008)* {{ FIELD }}Appeals {{ FIELD }}Drafted amicus brief on behalf of Retail Litigation Center in the U.S. Supreme Court in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, No. 24-1068{{ FIELD }}Argued jurisdictional appeal under the Class Action Fairness Act, Home Depot v. Jackson, 139 S.Ct. 1743 (2019)* {{ FIELD }}Argued and won insurance policy and assignment of rights dispute, Woodfield v. Bowman, 193 F.3d 354 (5th Cir. 1999) {{ FIELD }}Managed successful appeal vacating striking of expert testimony, Home Depot USA, Inc. v. Lafarge N. Am., Inc., 59 F.4th 55 (3d Cir. 2023)* {{ FIELD }}Managed successful appeals which twice vacated excessive class counsel fee awards, In re: Home Depot, Inc., Customer Data Sec. Breach Litig., 931 F.3d 1065 (11th Cir. 2019), on remand, 2022 U.S. App. Lexis 297 (11th Cir. 2022)* {{ FIELD }}Managed successful appeal vacating unfavorable class settlement and overly broad release, In re: Payment Card Inter. Fee and Merchant Disc. Antitrust Litig., 827 F.3d 223 (2d Cir. 2016)* {{ FIELD }}Managed successful jurisdictional appeal under the Class Action Fairness Act, Frederico v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 507 F.3d 188 (3d Cir. 2007)* {{ FIELD }}Managed successful jurisdictional appeal under the Class Action Fairness Act, Rickher v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 2006 U.S. App. Lexis 32391 (7th Cir. 5/22/06)* {{ FIELD }}Managed drafting of amicus briefs supporting winning side in three recent significant U.S. Supreme Court cases, Transunion v. Ramirez, 141 S.Ct. 2190 (2021); Facebook v. Duguid, 141 S.Ct. 813 (2020); United States PTO v. Booking.com BV, 591 U.S, 549 (2020)* {{ FIELD }}Investigations {{ FIELD }}Successfully managed internal investigations and resolved related regulatory matters involving various federal and state laws, including whistleblower laws, privacy laws, Toxic Substances Control Act, and Lacey Act {{ FIELD }}*Representation while in-house counsel {{ FIELD }}Will Barnette is a partner in the Atlanta office of King \u0026amp; Spalding, where he is a member of the firm’s business litigation practice and class action defense group. During his 30-year career, Will has consistently led clients to successful outcomes in their most sensitive and high exposure class action, MDL, and related regulatory matters. From litigating high-stakes tobacco class actions at the turn of the century, to defending massive data breach litigation in the last decade, and winning several lucrative antitrust opt-out settlements more recently, Will has played a key role in much of the leading complex litigation of the era and led clients to tremendous success on both sides of the “v.” In particular, he has deep experience in litigating consumer, products, and antitrust class actions, commercial disputes, and managing internal investigations. \nPrior to rejoining King \u0026amp; Spalding, where he worked earlier in his career, Will served as Associate General Counsel for The Home Depot and was a member of the company’s Legal Senior Leadership Team. As leader of The Home Depot’s commercial litigation team for more than ten years, he was responsible for the company’s most significant commercial and business litigation, which frequently challenged core aspects of the company’s business. During his 21-year tenure with The Home Depot, Will led the successful defense of several hundred class actions, created and led the company’s recovery litigation program, and successfully managed multiple high-profile investigations and favorably resolved significant related regulatory matters, including with the United States Department of Justice, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and multi-state Attorney General groups. Will has been described by a Fortune 20 GC as \"an exceptionally talented lawyer, strong leader and trusted counsel to senior level executives.\"\nA recognized thought leader in complex litigation, Will argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2019 term—one of the few in-house counsel to do so. He received the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Corporate Counsel Award for Advocacy in 2016 and has authored seven law review articles. His recent works, Misunderstanding Original Jurisdiction and There Is No Conservative Case for Class Actions, ranked among the top SSRN downloads in Federal Courts and Jurisdiction. He frequently lectures on class actions, MDL litigation, and internal investigations, and teaches Complex Litigation at the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law, where he earned the Harold C. Warner Outstanding Adjunct Professor Award in 2025. \nWill chaired the Board of Georgians for Lawsuit Reform, which was instrumental in passing Georgia’s 2025 tort reform legislation. He also serves as Chair of the Class Actions Section for the State Bar of Georgia and is a former President of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society. Will played varsity college basketball at Sewanee and is a member of the American Law Institute. Partner Chairman-Board of Directors Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 2020 Chairman-Class Actions Section State Bar of Georgia, 2024-present  Chairman-Board of Directors Georgians for Lawsuit Reform, 2023-25 General Counsel Pro Bono Award The Home Depot, 2020 Store Support Excellence Award The Home Depot, 2024 Corporate Counsel Advocacy Award Atlanta Business Chronicle, 2016 Member American Law Institute, 2025-present Harold C. Warner Outstanding Adjunct Professor Award University of Tennessee Winston College of Law, 2025 Litigation Counsel of America Senior Fellow 2024-present Litigation Counsel of America Fellow  2019-2023 Sewanee: The University of the South  Loyola University New Orleans Loyola University New Orleans College of Law Supreme Court of the United States Georgia Louisiana Chairman, State Bar of Georgia, Class Actions Section, 2024-present Member, American Law Institute, 2025-present Member, Board of Directors, Georgians for Lawsuit Reform, 2017-present; Vice-Chairman, 2022-23; Chairman; 2023-25 Member, In-House Counsel Advisory Board, Emory Law Institute for Complex Litigation and Mass Claims, 2017-present Member, Lawyers Club of Atlanta, 2002-present Member, State Bar of Georgia, 2000-present Member, Louisiana State Bar Association, 1995-present Member, Executive Committee of Board of Directors of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 2013-2021; Secretary (2017); Treasurer (2018); Vice-President (2019); President (2020) Member, Georgia Senate Study Committee on Legal Reform, 2019-2020 Member, American Bar Association House of Delegates, 1998-2002 Law Clerk, Hon. Sol Gothard, Louisiana Representing national retailer in series of class actions alleging consumer fraud related to pricing practices, e.g., Berger v. Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., No. 24-01435 (N.D. Ga.) Representing national retailer in antitrust MDL class action alleging price-fixing related to algorithmic pricing, In re: Construction Equipment Rental Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 3152 (N.D. Ill.) Won reversal of order finding violation of federal labor law, Home Depot USA, Inc. v. NLRB, 2025 U.S. App. Lexis 29091 (8th Cir. 11/6/25)*  Won three ERISA class actions alleging breaches of fiduciary duty in management of 401(k) plan, Cano v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 2025 U.S. Dist. Lexis 176101 (N.D. Ga. 8/26/25); Pizarro v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 111 F.4th 1165 (11th Cir. 2024); Lanfear v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 679 F.3d 1267 (11th Cir. 2012)*  Successfully litigated to favorable resolution of massive data breach/privacy class actions, In re: The Home Depot Customer Data Security Breach Litig., MDL No. 2583 (N.D. Ga. 2014)*  Successfully litigated to favorable resolution of eight class actions alleging product defects in sale of builiding materials, In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litig., MDL No. 2047 (E.D. La. 2012)*  Won series of eight class actions alleging product defects and consumer fraud in sale of pressure-treated lumber, e.g., Kitzes v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 374 Ill. 3d 1053 (Ill. 1st Dist. 2007)*  Won series of 20 class actions alleging consumer fraud in tool rental business and sale of damage waivers, e.g., Mathews v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 2025 U.S. Dist. Lexis 82577 (N.D. Ga. 2/14/25); Berger v. Home Depot, 741 F.3d 1061 (9th Cir. 2014); Chochorowski v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 404 S.W. 3d 220 (Mo. 2013); Rickher v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 535 F.3d 661 (7th Cir. 2008); O’Neill v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 243 F.R.D. 469 (S.D. Fla. 2006)*  Won series of four class actions challenging pricing practices and alleging consumer fraud and breach of contract in sale of flooring installation services, e.g., Marino v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 245 F.R.D. 729 (S.D. Fla. 2007)*  Won series of three class actions alleging product defects in sale of dryer vents, e.g., Goldstein v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 609 F. Supp. 2d 1340 (N.D. Ga. 2009) *  Won series of three class actions challenging permitting and licensing practices, e.g., Varnes v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 2015 U.S. Dist. Lexis 118592 (M.D. Fla. 9/4/15); Willard v. Home Depot, 2009 U.S. Dist. Lexis 113493 (N.D. Fla. 12/7/09)*  Defense trial team member in state-wide class action seeking medical monitoring and smoking cessation, Scott v. Am. Tobacco Co., 725 So. 2d 10 (La. 4th Cir. 1998)  Won dismissal of securities fraud class action and affirmance on appeal, Mizzaro v. Home Depot, Inc., 544 F.3d 1230 (11th Cir. 2008)*  Won series of individual smoking and health jury trials, e.g., Eiser v. Brown \u0026amp; Williamson Tobacco Corp., 2005 Phila. Ct. Common Pleas Lexis 43 (2005)  Recovery  Successfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from payment card interchange fee-setting allegations, In re: Payment Card Inter. Fee and Merchant Disc. Antitrust Litig., MDL No. 1720 (E.D. N.Y. 2010)*  Successfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of drywall, In re: Domestic Drywall Antitrust Litig., MDL No. 2437 (E.D. Pa. 2013)*  Successfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of oriented strand board, In re: OSB Litig., No. 06-826 (E.D. Pa. 2007)*  Successfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of polyurethane foam, In re: Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litig., MDL No. 2196 (N.D. Ohio 2010)*  Successfully litigated opt-out claims to favorable resolution in multidistrict antitrust litigation arising from price-fixing allegations in sale of Puerto Rican cabotage services, In re: Puerto Rican Cabotage Antitrust Liig., MDL No. 1960 (D. P.R. 2008)*  Appeals  Drafted amicus brief on behalf of Retail Litigation Center in the U.S. Supreme Court in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, No. 24-1068 Argued jurisdictional appeal under the Class Action Fairness Act, Home Depot v. Jackson, 139 S.Ct. 1743 (2019)*  Argued and won insurance policy and assignment of rights dispute, Woodfield v. Bowman, 193 F.3d 354 (5th Cir. 1999)  Managed successful appeal vacating striking of expert testimony, Home Depot USA, Inc. v. Lafarge N. Am., Inc., 59 F.4th 55 (3d Cir. 2023)*  Managed successful appeals which twice vacated excessive class counsel fee awards, In re: Home Depot, Inc., Customer Data Sec. Breach Litig., 931 F.3d 1065 (11th Cir. 2019), on remand, 2022 U.S. App. Lexis 297 (11th Cir. 2022)*  Managed successful appeal vacating unfavorable class settlement and overly broad release, In re: Payment Card Inter. Fee and Merchant Disc. Antitrust Litig., 827 F.3d 223 (2d Cir. 2016)*  Managed successful jurisdictional appeal under the Class Action Fairness Act, Frederico v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 507 F.3d 188 (3d Cir. 2007)*  Managed successful jurisdictional appeal under the Class Action Fairness Act, Rickher v. Home Depot USA, Inc., 2006 U.S. App. Lexis 32391 (7th Cir. 5/22/06)*  Managed drafting of amicus briefs supporting winning side in three recent significant U.S. Supreme Court cases, Transunion v. Ramirez, 141 S.Ct. 2190 (2021); Facebook v. Duguid, 141 S.Ct. 813 (2020); United States PTO v. Booking.com BV, 591 U.S, 549 (2020)*  Investigations  Successfully managed internal investigations and resolved related regulatory matters involving various federal and state laws, including whistleblower laws, privacy laws, Toxic Substances Control Act, and Lacey Act  *Representation while in-house counsel ","searchable_name":"William P. Barnette (Will)","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":202,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":446136,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":3872,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eJoe Eisert has worked on high-stakes environmental, workplace safety, and\u0026nbsp;product safety matters for over 20 years. A partner in our Environmental, Health and Safety practice, Joe represents clients on a wide range of enforcement, litigation, incident response, transactional and compliance matters. His strong technical background and broad experience enable him to effectively represent clients in a variety of matters.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoe counsels clients in environmental and product safety enforcement, litigation, transactional support, and counseling matters relating to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (ARB), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as well as state and international regulatory bodies and state attorneys general.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe also represents clients in corporate transactions, compliance counseling, rulemakings, enforcement actions and related litigation involving emissions from stationary and mobile sources, climate change regulation and other environmental matters.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the area of product safety, Joe works with clients on compliance counseling, rulemakings, recalls and recall avoidance, investigations, penalty cases and related litigation concerning a variety of consumer and commercial products.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoe has been recognized by\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLegal 500\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multiple areas, including environmental and products liability.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoe was a member of the\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLaw360\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;Environmental Editorial Advisory Board for 2011\u0026ndash;2013.\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"joseph-eisert","email":"jeisert@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":["\u003cp\u003eOutside counsel for industrial company's global workplace safety assessment involving hundreds of locations, numerous PSM facilities, and a safety culture assessment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncident response counsel for numerous industrial, refinery, and offshore incidents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConducted PSM, RMP, and emergency response assessments for multiple companies in the U.S. and abroad.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved enforcement actions, related litigation, and claims totaling over $880 million brought by EPA, CARB, DOJ, the California Attorney General and others in connection with the importation and sale of diesel vehicles allegedly in violation of environmental laws.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved numerous \u003cstrong\u003eState Attorney General environmental and consumer protection claims\u003c/strong\u003e totaling over $1 billion in connection with the importation and sale of diesel vehicles allegedly in violation of environmental laws.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved DOJ and EPA enforcement matter for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act by \u003cstrong\u003ea\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003emajor\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003echemical manufacturing facility\u003c/strong\u003e with no civil penalty or injunctive relief imposed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised \u003cstrong\u003eclients on numerous transactions involving manufacturing, energy, retail and consumer products.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully represented \u003cstrong\u003ean\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eindustrial trade association\u003c/strong\u003e in an eight-year-long RTR rulemaking by the EPA that resulted in economically and technically feasible final rules for manufacturing facilities.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting numerous vehicle manufacturers in EPA, ARB, and state regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, and related litigation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eProviding \u003cstrong\u003eclients\u003c/strong\u003e environmental support for corporate transactions, including coordinating environmental due diligence, supervising consultants and technical experts, counseling clients on liability and risk allocation issues, and drafting and negotiating contract language.\u0026nbsp; Several years corporate transactional experience ranging from company formation to private and public M\u0026amp;A, asset deals, and securities offerings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong\u003eBP\u003c/strong\u003e in defense of civil litigation brought by the DOJ and others seeking recovery from BP for injury, costs and environmental civil penalties attributable to the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented \u003cstrong\u003ea client\u003c/strong\u003e in multiyear investigation and litigation by State Attorney General involving inquiry into core business practices and assertions of multi-billion dollar liability and five consumer class actions raising similar claims.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting \u003cstrong\u003ea\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003etrade association\u003c/strong\u003e in rulemakings and counseling on various environmental, health, and safety matters, including climate change regulation, MACT rulemakings, PM2.5 NAAQS, New Source Review and OSHA rulemakings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented pro bono \u003cstrong\u003emultiple veterans\u003c/strong\u003e at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[{"id":50}]},"expertise":[{"id":71,"guid":"71.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":106,"guid":"106.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":102,"guid":"102.capabilities","index":2,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":81,"guid":"81.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":32,"guid":"32.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":33,"guid":"33.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":17,"guid":"17.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":750,"guid":"750.smart_tags","index":7,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":127,"guid":"127.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":125,"guid":"125.capabilities","index":9,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1015,"guid":"1015.smart_tags","index":10,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":131,"guid":"131.capabilities","index":11,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1168,"guid":"1168.smart_tags","index":12,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1236,"guid":"1236.smart_tags","index":13,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1508,"guid":"1508.smart_tags","index":14,"source":"smartTags"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Eisert","nick_name":"Joseph","clerkships":[],"first_name":"Joseph","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":202,"law_schools":[{"id":752,"meta":{"degree":"J.D.","honors":"","is_law_school":"1","graduation_date":"1997-01-01 00:00:00"},"order":1,"pin_order":null,"pin_expiration":null}],"middle_name":"A.","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"Ranked Band 5 Environment","detail":" Chambers 2021-2025 - Chambers USA"},{"title":"Ranked: Environment: Litigation (Tier 2), Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action; Pharmaceuticals and Medical Dev","detail":"Legal 500"}],"linked_in_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-eisert-6a58ba5","seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eJoe Eisert has worked on high-stakes environmental, workplace safety, and\u0026nbsp;product safety matters for over 20 years. A partner in our Environmental, Health and Safety practice, Joe represents clients on a wide range of enforcement, litigation, incident response, transactional and compliance matters. His strong technical background and broad experience enable him to effectively represent clients in a variety of matters.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoe counsels clients in environmental and product safety enforcement, litigation, transactional support, and counseling matters relating to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (ARB), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as well as state and international regulatory bodies and state attorneys general.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe also represents clients in corporate transactions, compliance counseling, rulemakings, enforcement actions and related litigation involving emissions from stationary and mobile sources, climate change regulation and other environmental matters.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the area of product safety, Joe works with clients on compliance counseling, rulemakings, recalls and recall avoidance, investigations, penalty cases and related litigation concerning a variety of consumer and commercial products.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoe has been recognized by\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLegal 500\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multiple areas, including environmental and products liability.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoe was a member of the\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLaw360\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;Environmental Editorial Advisory Board for 2011\u0026ndash;2013.\u003c/p\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003eOutside counsel for industrial company's global workplace safety assessment involving hundreds of locations, numerous PSM facilities, and a safety culture assessment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncident response counsel for numerous industrial, refinery, and offshore incidents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConducted PSM, RMP, and emergency response assessments for multiple companies in the U.S. and abroad.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved enforcement actions, related litigation, and claims totaling over $880 million brought by EPA, CARB, DOJ, the California Attorney General and others in connection with the importation and sale of diesel vehicles allegedly in violation of environmental laws.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved numerous \u003cstrong\u003eState Attorney General environmental and consumer protection claims\u003c/strong\u003e totaling over $1 billion in connection with the importation and sale of diesel vehicles allegedly in violation of environmental laws.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eResolved DOJ and EPA enforcement matter for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act by \u003cstrong\u003ea\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003emajor\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003echemical manufacturing facility\u003c/strong\u003e with no civil penalty or injunctive relief imposed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised \u003cstrong\u003eclients on numerous transactions involving manufacturing, energy, retail and consumer products.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSuccessfully represented \u003cstrong\u003ean\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eindustrial trade association\u003c/strong\u003e in an eight-year-long RTR rulemaking by the EPA that resulted in economically and technically feasible final rules for manufacturing facilities.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting numerous vehicle manufacturers in EPA, ARB, and state regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, and related litigation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eProviding \u003cstrong\u003eclients\u003c/strong\u003e environmental support for corporate transactions, including coordinating environmental due diligence, supervising consultants and technical experts, counseling clients on liability and risk allocation issues, and drafting and negotiating contract language.\u0026nbsp; 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Pharmaceuticals and Medical Dev","detail":"Legal 500"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":5651}]},"capability_group_id":2},"created_at":"2026-02-24T21:15:01.000Z","updated_at":"2026-02-24T21:15:01.000Z","searchable_text":"Eisert{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Ranked Band 5 Environment\", :detail=\u0026gt;\" Chambers 2021-2025 - Chambers USA\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Ranked: Environment: Litigation (Tier 2), Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action; Pharmaceuticals and Medical Dev\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Legal 500\"}{{ FIELD }}Outside counsel for industrial company's global workplace safety assessment involving hundreds of locations, numerous PSM facilities, and a safety culture assessment.{{ FIELD }}Incident response counsel for numerous industrial, refinery, and offshore incidents.{{ FIELD }}Conducted PSM, RMP, and emergency response assessments for multiple companies in the U.S. and abroad.{{ FIELD }}Resolved enforcement actions, related litigation, and claims totaling over $880 million brought by EPA, CARB, DOJ, the California Attorney General and others in connection with the importation and sale of diesel vehicles allegedly in violation of environmental laws.{{ FIELD }}Resolved numerous State Attorney General environmental and consumer protection claims totaling over $1 billion in connection with the importation and sale of diesel vehicles allegedly in violation of environmental laws.{{ FIELD }}Resolved DOJ and EPA enforcement matter for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act by a major chemical manufacturing facility with no civil penalty or injunctive relief imposed.{{ FIELD }}Advised clients on numerous transactions involving manufacturing, energy, retail and consumer products.{{ FIELD }}Successfully represented an industrial trade association in an eight-year-long RTR rulemaking by the EPA that resulted in economically and technically feasible final rules for manufacturing facilities.{{ FIELD }}Representing numerous vehicle manufacturers in EPA, ARB, and state regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, and related litigation.{{ FIELD }}Providing clients environmental support for corporate transactions, including coordinating environmental due diligence, supervising consultants and technical experts, counseling clients on liability and risk allocation issues, and drafting and negotiating contract language.  Several years corporate transactional experience ranging from company formation to private and public M\u0026amp;A, asset deals, and securities offerings.{{ FIELD }}Represented BP in defense of civil litigation brought by the DOJ and others seeking recovery from BP for injury, costs and environmental civil penalties attributable to the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico.{{ FIELD }}Represented a client in multiyear investigation and litigation by State Attorney General involving inquiry into core business practices and assertions of multi-billion dollar liability and five consumer class actions raising similar claims.{{ FIELD }}Representing a trade association in rulemakings and counseling on various environmental, health, and safety matters, including climate change regulation, MACT rulemakings, PM2.5 NAAQS, New Source Review and OSHA rulemakings.{{ FIELD }}Represented pro bono multiple veterans at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.{{ FIELD }}Joe Eisert has worked on high-stakes environmental, workplace safety, and product safety matters for over 20 years. A partner in our Environmental, Health and Safety practice, Joe represents clients on a wide range of enforcement, litigation, incident response, transactional and compliance matters. His strong technical background and broad experience enable him to effectively represent clients in a variety of matters.\nJoe counsels clients in environmental and product safety enforcement, litigation, transactional support, and counseling matters relating to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (ARB), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as well as state and international regulatory bodies and state attorneys general.\nHe also represents clients in corporate transactions, compliance counseling, rulemakings, enforcement actions and related litigation involving emissions from stationary and mobile sources, climate change regulation and other environmental matters.\nIn the area of product safety, Joe works with clients on compliance counseling, rulemakings, recalls and recall avoidance, investigations, penalty cases and related litigation concerning a variety of consumer and commercial products.\nJoe has been recognized by Legal 500 in multiple areas, including environmental and products liability.\nJoe was a member of the Law360 Environmental Editorial Advisory Board for 2011–2013. Joseph A Eisert Partner Ranked Band 5 Environment  Chambers 2021-2025 - Chambers USA Ranked: Environment: Litigation (Tier 2), Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action; Pharmaceuticals and Medical Dev Legal 500 United States Naval Academy  George Mason University George Mason University School of Law Georgetown University Georgetown University Law Center U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit Outside counsel for industrial company's global workplace safety assessment involving hundreds of locations, numerous PSM facilities, and a safety culture assessment. Incident response counsel for numerous industrial, refinery, and offshore incidents. Conducted PSM, RMP, and emergency response assessments for multiple companies in the U.S. and abroad. Resolved enforcement actions, related litigation, and claims totaling over $880 million brought by EPA, CARB, DOJ, the California Attorney General and others in connection with the importation and sale of diesel vehicles allegedly in violation of environmental laws. Resolved numerous State Attorney General environmental and consumer protection claims totaling over $1 billion in connection with the importation and sale of diesel vehicles allegedly in violation of environmental laws. Resolved DOJ and EPA enforcement matter for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act by a major chemical manufacturing facility with no civil penalty or injunctive relief imposed. Advised clients on numerous transactions involving manufacturing, energy, retail and consumer products. Successfully represented an industrial trade association in an eight-year-long RTR rulemaking by the EPA that resulted in economically and technically feasible final rules for manufacturing facilities. Representing numerous vehicle manufacturers in EPA, ARB, and state regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, and related litigation. Providing clients environmental support for corporate transactions, including coordinating environmental due diligence, supervising consultants and technical experts, counseling clients on liability and risk allocation issues, and drafting and negotiating contract language.  Several years corporate transactional experience ranging from company formation to private and public M\u0026amp;A, asset deals, and securities offerings. Represented BP in defense of civil litigation brought by the DOJ and others seeking recovery from BP for injury, costs and environmental civil penalties attributable to the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico. Represented a client in multiyear investigation and litigation by State Attorney General involving inquiry into core business practices and assertions of multi-billion dollar liability and five consumer class actions raising similar claims. Representing a trade association in rulemakings and counseling on various environmental, health, and safety matters, including climate change regulation, MACT rulemakings, PM2.5 NAAQS, New Source Review and OSHA rulemakings. Represented pro bono multiple veterans at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.","searchable_name":"Joseph A. Eisert","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":202,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":447512,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":5644,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eKarl Heisler is a nationally-recognized environmental lawyer in enforcement defense. Karl has managed the legal fallout from a wide array of environmental and workplace safety incidents, ranging from fires and explosions to pipeline releases and the abandonment of hazardous waste. He has over two decades of experience responding to governmental investigations involving the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. He is a prolific speaker on environmental law and incident response.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eChambers USA \u003c/em\u003edistinguished Karl as \"exceptionally proactive,\"\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;\"strategic thinking\" and \"the ability to understand the complex and translate it.\"\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLegal 500\u003c/em\u003e USA characterized him as a \"true partner to his clients\" and\u0026nbsp;\"highly strategic,\" with a \"singular ability to clarify the inordinately opaque and confusing nature of environmental laws for the unanointed.\" \u003cem\u003eLawdragon\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;recognized him as a \"Leading Environmental Lawyer.\"\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eBenchmark Litigation\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;recognized him as having an \"unparalleled ability to master the facts and an encyclopedic mastery of environmental law.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a respected thought leader, Karl is frequently called upon to comment, write or speak about environmental enforcement and incident response for publications and organizations including Law360, Thomson Reuters, Resource Recycling, Inc., American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, the American Bar Association, the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, the Association of Corporate Counsel, Lawline, the Environmental Law Institute, the Practising Law Institute and the American Law Institute.\u0026nbsp;He has written or spoken about managing the first 48 hours of an incident, incident response for public information officers, responding to hazardous waste abandonments, hurricane readiness and response, climate risk disclosure, environmental due diligence, the environmental aspects of commercial and real estate transactions, the design and implementation of environmental compliance programs, the regulation of electronic waste, cybersecurity in the energy and transportation sectors, evidence preservation, and preparing for a government inspection. He wrote the introductory chapter for\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eInside the Minds: Environmental Law Enforcement and Compliance\u003c/em\u003e, published by Thomson Reuters/Aspatore, and co-authored the chapter entitled \"Environmental Criminal Enforcement: A Primer for the Real Estate Practitioner\" in the Fifth Edition of \u003cem\u003eEnvironmental Aspects of Real Estate and Commercial Transactions: Acquisitions, Development, and Liability Management\u003c/em\u003e, which is one of the ABA's most widely read publications.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKarl is a cutting-edge practitioner in extended producer responsibility laws extending to paper and plastic packaging, batteries, electronics recycling, and other product stewardship. His EPR clients include retail companies, pharmaceutical companies, food manufacturers, lawn and garden service providers, and waste management service providers. He also\u0026nbsp;dedicates a significant portion of his practice to environmental transactions. He provides advice and counsel on environmental due diligence and the availability of transactional defenses, and he routinely negotiates representations, warranties, and indemnifications.\u0026nbsp;He has assisted with the acquisitions and divestitures of several entities subject to government investigations arising out of environmental and workplace safety incidents. For over a decade, Karl has taught the environmental transactions course for the Environmental Law Institute, a leader in non-partisan research and environmental education.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis clients include public and private entities in the energy, chemical manufacturing, construction and waste management industries, as well as lenders, private equity and real estate firms with interests in these industries.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"karl-heisler","email":"kheisler@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClean Air Act\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of an international oil and natural gas company in connection with government investigations by EPA, OSHA, and CSB into multiple worker fatalities at an Ohio oil refinery and associated root cause analysis\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a global upstream energy company in connection with government investigations by EPA and the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission into a natural gas release on the Alaska North Slope and associated root cause analysis\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with federal civil and criminal investigations arising out of the Clean Air Act's risk management plan RAGAGEP provision, as well as the application of API standards and recommended practices; secured declination of criminal charges\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with a federal criminal investigation arising out of the application of NSPS Subpart J to flaring operations at a California oil refinery\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with federal and state civil, criminal and administrative investigations arising out of the application of NSPS Subpart Kb to alleged storage vessels at upstream production facilities in the Cook Inlet, Alaska\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with a variety of Title V regulatory concerns affecting Alaska offshore drilling platforms\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with the drafting of an incident response playbook for lawyers who may be called upon to respond to a fire, explosion, spill or other incidents\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a global investment trading company in connection with a federal criminal investigation arising out of the application of NESHAP asbestos work practice standards to the renovation of a 450+ unit residential complex in St. Petersburg, Florida\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClean Water Act\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with civil, criminal and administrative investigations by the U.S. Coast Guard, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and various state and local agencies into a pipeline release to waters from a California oil refinery and associated root cause analysis; secured declination of criminal charges\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of an offshore, midstream energy company in connection with an NTSB investigation arising out of a crude oil release from an underwater pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a pesticide chemicals formulating and packaging company in connection with a wastewater permit challenge in Iowa District Court for Lee County\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of leading industrial equipment rental company in connection with a Las Vegas-area local environmental investigation arising out of alleged oil discharges into a storm drain\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the largest pipeline companies in the United States as standby incident response counsel, including in connection with multiple EPA, PHMSA, NTSB and state environmental investigations into releases from underground petroleum pipelines\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the world's largest providers of wastewater management solutions in connection with a federal criminal investigation and prosecution arising out of a chlorine release. Served on the team that secured an across-the-board acquittal of a 26-count criminal indictment in\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eUnited States v. United Water Services\u003c/em\u003e, Inc. (N.D. Ind. 2012)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of water treatment chemicals in connection with a post-Deepwater federal criminal investigation into alleged violations of the Clean Water Act on an offshore oil and gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 200 leading processer and marketer of fresh pork and packaged meats in connection with a federal criminal investigation into allegations of unpermitted discharges of process wastewater. Provided advice and counsel in connection with the design and construction of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system and associated NPDES permitting concerns\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a global leader in specialty chemicals in connection with federal civil and criminal investigations arising out of an alleged failure to operate pollution control equipment at a wastewater treatment facility\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with a pilot study relating to the design and construction of a wastewater treatment system and associated NPDES permitting concerns, including the applicability of the RCRA wastewater treatment unit exemption\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the alleged dumping of hazardous materials down a storm drain as part of a scheme involving the false production of biodiesel\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading construction materials and services company in connection with a federal criminal investigation into stormwater management practices at multiple facilities located throughout the Northeast\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eResource Conservation and Recovery Act\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading credit and asset-based investor group in connection with an Ohio EPA investigation arising out of a tenant's abandonment of millions of pounds of hazardous electronic waste\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 500 natural gas utility in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the alleged release of a natural gas odorant\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the world's largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers in connection with a federal criminal investigation into shipments of byproducts, co-products and co-products used as fuels\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with federal civil investigations at a pesticide chemical formulating and packaging facility\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of water treatment chemicals in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the alleged storage of hazardous waste for more than 90 days without a permit\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with the February 2023 Norfolk Southern freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading credit and asset-based investor group in connection with CERCLA litigation in Ohio federal court arising out of the abandonment of millions of pounds of hazardous electronic waste, securing over $16 million in cost recovery from over 50 potentially responsible parties in\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eGarrison Southfield Park LLC v. Closed Loop Refining\u003c/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal !msorm;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e and \u003c/em\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eRecovery, Inc., et al.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(S.D. Ohio 2023)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the world\u0026rsquo;s largest automobile manufacturers in connection with threatened CERCLA litigation in Indiana arising out of metals recycling\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eFederal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with the largest federal civil and criminal investigations in the history of the FIFRA program\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a specialty chemical manufacturer in connection with FIFRA pesticide registration concerns\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMaritime\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a senior crew member of the F/V Pacific Breeze, a fishing vessel operating in the South Pacific, in connection with allegations arising under MARPOL and the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships by failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWorkplace Safety\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the world\u0026rsquo;s largest natural resource companies in connection with a near-miss incident arising from a major fire at a U.S. zinc recycling facility\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with civil, criminal and administrative investigations by the CSB and various state and local agencies into an explosion and fire at a California oil refinery\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with a mechanical integrity review of fixed equipment inspection and maintenance programs for oil refineries located throughout the United States, Canada and South Africa\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America in connection with a federal criminal investigation into an explosion and fire at a hazardous materials recycling center\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the world's largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers in connection with an internal investigation into the OSHA recordability of alleged exposure to a chemical manufactured by less than 10 facilities in the world\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Producer Responsibility\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 500 company as lead regulatory counsel in connection with existing and proposed state EPR programs affecting paper and plastics packaging and lithium-ion batteries; assisted in public outreach and advocacy and provide consultation to state lobbying teams\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading lawn and garden services provider in connection with existing and proposed state EPR programs affecting paper and plastic packaging and lithium-ion batteries and electronics waste laws\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a pharmaceutical company and marketer of leading aesthetics brands and products in connection with existing and proposed state EPR laws affecting paper and plastics packaging\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 500 waste management services provider in connection with existing and proposed state EPR laws affecting paper and plastic packaging\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of an industry-leading manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for retail and foodservice markets with nearly $2 billion in revenue in connection with state EPR\u0026nbsp;laws affecting paper and plastic packaging and food serviceware\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the world's largest retailers in connection with state battery takeback programs\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of major U.S. automakers in connection with existing and proposed EPR\u0026nbsp;programs affecting electric vehicle batteries, including end-of-life, defective, and recalled batteries\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading credit and asset-based investor group in connection with a state environmental investigation arising out of a tenant\u0026rsquo;s abandonment of millions of pounds of cathode ray tubes and related electronic waste collected pursuant to state\u0026nbsp;EPR laws throughout the Midwest\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eProvide advice and counsel to several clients in multiple industries regarding environmental, social and governance policies, including in connection with potential greenwashing claims\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eEnvironmental Transactions\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with the divestiture of $600 million in oil and gas assets subject to pending administrative, civil and criminal investigations\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a global leader in specialty chemicals in connection with the divestiture of a specialty-batch chemical manufacturing facility subject to pending federal civil and criminal investigations\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with the potential acquisition of a fertilizer manufacturing facility\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with the divestiture of product lines subject to pending federal civil and criminal investigations\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of an aerospace conglomerate in connection with the provision of engineering consulting services to offshore oil and gas platforms\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the largest pipeline companies in the United States in connection with multiple access and indemnity agreements, due diligence efforts, and real estate acquisitions\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a commercial real estate investment firm in connection with a lender's request for an environmental opinion relating to a utility's obligations to remediate a transformer leak on the acquired property\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[]},"expertise":[{"id":1015,"guid":"1015.smart_tags","index":0,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":11,"guid":"11.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":74,"guid":"74.capabilities","index":2,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":16,"guid":"16.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":102,"guid":"102.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":106,"guid":"106.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":750,"guid":"750.smart_tags","index":6,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1168,"guid":"1168.smart_tags","index":7,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":127,"guid":"127.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1206,"guid":"1206.smart_tags","index":9,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1488,"guid":"1488.smart_tags","index":10,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1508,"guid":"1508.smart_tags","index":11,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":71,"guid":"71.capabilities","index":12,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":81,"guid":"81.capabilities","index":13,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":36,"guid":"36.capabilities","index":14,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1269,"guid":"1269.smart_tags","index":15,"source":"smartTags"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Heisler","nick_name":"Karl","clerkships":[],"first_name":"Karl","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":34,"law_schools":[{"id":2410,"meta":{"degree":"J.D.","honors":"Editorial Board, Virginia Journal of International Law","is_law_school":"1","graduation_date":"2002-01-01 00:00:00"},"order":1,"pin_order":null,"pin_expiration":null}],"middle_name":"R.","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"Lawdragon 500 Leading Environmental Lawyer","detail":"Lawdragon (2026)"},{"title":"Chambers USA Band 1 (Firmwide), Nationwide Environmental Health \u0026 Safety","detail":"Chambers USA (2024)"},{"title":"Chambers USA Environmental Law Firm of the Year","detail":"Chambers USA (2024)"},{"title":"Chambers USA Band 3 (Individual), Environment: Litigation-Illinois","detail":"Chambers USA (2024 - 2025)"},{"title":"Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Environmental Lawyers","detail":"Lawdragon Inc. (2021, 2023-2025)"},{"title":"Legal 500 Recommended Practitioner, Environmental","detail":"Legal 500 USA (2018-2020, 2023-2025)"},{"title":"Benchmark Litigation Recognized Practitioner","detail":"Benchmark Litigation (2016)"},{"title":"Super Lawyers Rising Star - Washington, D.C. ","detail":"Super Lawyers (2013)"},{"title":"Law360 Rising Star - Environmental","detail":"Law360 (2013)"}],"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eKarl Heisler is a nationally-recognized environmental lawyer in enforcement defense. Karl has managed the legal fallout from a wide array of environmental and workplace safety incidents, ranging from fires and explosions to pipeline releases and the abandonment of hazardous waste. He has over two decades of experience responding to governmental investigations involving the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. He is a prolific speaker on environmental law and incident response.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eChambers USA \u003c/em\u003edistinguished Karl as \"exceptionally proactive,\"\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;\"strategic thinking\" and \"the ability to understand the complex and translate it.\"\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLegal 500\u003c/em\u003e USA characterized him as a \"true partner to his clients\" and\u0026nbsp;\"highly strategic,\" with a \"singular ability to clarify the inordinately opaque and confusing nature of environmental laws for the unanointed.\" \u003cem\u003eLawdragon\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;recognized him as a \"Leading Environmental Lawyer.\"\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eBenchmark Litigation\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;recognized him as having an \"unparalleled ability to master the facts and an encyclopedic mastery of environmental law.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a respected thought leader, Karl is frequently called upon to comment, write or speak about environmental enforcement and incident response for publications and organizations including Law360, Thomson Reuters, Resource Recycling, Inc., American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, the American Bar Association, the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, the Association of Corporate Counsel, Lawline, the Environmental Law Institute, the Practising Law Institute and the American Law Institute.\u0026nbsp;He has written or spoken about managing the first 48 hours of an incident, incident response for public information officers, responding to hazardous waste abandonments, hurricane readiness and response, climate risk disclosure, environmental due diligence, the environmental aspects of commercial and real estate transactions, the design and implementation of environmental compliance programs, the regulation of electronic waste, cybersecurity in the energy and transportation sectors, evidence preservation, and preparing for a government inspection. He wrote the introductory chapter for\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eInside the Minds: Environmental Law Enforcement and Compliance\u003c/em\u003e, published by Thomson Reuters/Aspatore, and co-authored the chapter entitled \"Environmental Criminal Enforcement: A Primer for the Real Estate Practitioner\" in the Fifth Edition of \u003cem\u003eEnvironmental Aspects of Real Estate and Commercial Transactions: Acquisitions, Development, and Liability Management\u003c/em\u003e, which is one of the ABA's most widely read publications.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKarl is a cutting-edge practitioner in extended producer responsibility laws extending to paper and plastic packaging, batteries, electronics recycling, and other product stewardship. His EPR clients include retail companies, pharmaceutical companies, food manufacturers, lawn and garden service providers, and waste management service providers. He also\u0026nbsp;dedicates a significant portion of his practice to environmental transactions. He provides advice and counsel on environmental due diligence and the availability of transactional defenses, and he routinely negotiates representations, warranties, and indemnifications.\u0026nbsp;He has assisted with the acquisitions and divestitures of several entities subject to government investigations arising out of environmental and workplace safety incidents. For over a decade, Karl has taught the environmental transactions course for the Environmental Law Institute, a leader in non-partisan research and environmental education.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis clients include public and private entities in the energy, chemical manufacturing, construction and waste management industries, as well as lenders, private equity and real estate firms with interests in these industries.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClean Air Act\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of an international oil and natural gas company in connection with government investigations by EPA, OSHA, and CSB into multiple worker fatalities at an Ohio oil refinery and associated root cause analysis\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a global upstream energy company in connection with government investigations by EPA and the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission into a natural gas release on the Alaska North Slope and associated root cause analysis\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with federal civil and criminal investigations arising out of the Clean Air Act's risk management plan RAGAGEP provision, as well as the application of API standards and recommended practices; secured declination of criminal charges\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with a federal criminal investigation arising out of the application of NSPS Subpart J to flaring operations at a California oil refinery\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with federal and state civil, criminal and administrative investigations arising out of the application of NSPS Subpart Kb to alleged storage vessels at upstream production facilities in the Cook Inlet, Alaska\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with a variety of Title V regulatory concerns affecting Alaska offshore drilling platforms\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with the drafting of an incident response playbook for lawyers who may be called upon to respond to a fire, explosion, spill or other incidents\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a global investment trading company in connection with a federal criminal investigation arising out of the application of NESHAP asbestos work practice standards to the renovation of a 450+ unit residential complex in St. Petersburg, Florida\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClean Water Act\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with civil, criminal and administrative investigations by the U.S. Coast Guard, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and various state and local agencies into a pipeline release to waters from a California oil refinery and associated root cause analysis; secured declination of criminal charges\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of an offshore, midstream energy company in connection with an NTSB investigation arising out of a crude oil release from an underwater pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a pesticide chemicals formulating and packaging company in connection with a wastewater permit challenge in Iowa District Court for Lee County\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of leading industrial equipment rental company in connection with a Las Vegas-area local environmental investigation arising out of alleged oil discharges into a storm drain\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the largest pipeline companies in the United States as standby incident response counsel, including in connection with multiple EPA, PHMSA, NTSB and state environmental investigations into releases from underground petroleum pipelines\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the world's largest providers of wastewater management solutions in connection with a federal criminal investigation and prosecution arising out of a chlorine release. Served on the team that secured an across-the-board acquittal of a 26-count criminal indictment in\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eUnited States v. United Water Services\u003c/em\u003e, Inc. (N.D. Ind. 2012)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of water treatment chemicals in connection with a post-Deepwater federal criminal investigation into alleged violations of the Clean Water Act on an offshore oil and gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 200 leading processer and marketer of fresh pork and packaged meats in connection with a federal criminal investigation into allegations of unpermitted discharges of process wastewater. Provided advice and counsel in connection with the design and construction of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system and associated NPDES permitting concerns\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a global leader in specialty chemicals in connection with federal civil and criminal investigations arising out of an alleged failure to operate pollution control equipment at a wastewater treatment facility\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with a pilot study relating to the design and construction of a wastewater treatment system and associated NPDES permitting concerns, including the applicability of the RCRA wastewater treatment unit exemption\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the alleged dumping of hazardous materials down a storm drain as part of a scheme involving the false production of biodiesel\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading construction materials and services company in connection with a federal criminal investigation into stormwater management practices at multiple facilities located throughout the Northeast\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eResource Conservation and Recovery Act\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading credit and asset-based investor group in connection with an Ohio EPA investigation arising out of a tenant's abandonment of millions of pounds of hazardous electronic waste\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 500 natural gas utility in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the alleged release of a natural gas odorant\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the world's largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers in connection with a federal criminal investigation into shipments of byproducts, co-products and co-products used as fuels\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with federal civil investigations at a pesticide chemical formulating and packaging facility\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of water treatment chemicals in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the alleged storage of hazardous waste for more than 90 days without a permit\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with the February 2023 Norfolk Southern freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading credit and asset-based investor group in connection with CERCLA litigation in Ohio federal court arising out of the abandonment of millions of pounds of hazardous electronic waste, securing over $16 million in cost recovery from over 50 potentially responsible parties in\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eGarrison Southfield Park LLC v. Closed Loop Refining\u003c/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: normal !msorm;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e and \u003c/em\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eRecovery, Inc., et al.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(S.D. Ohio 2023)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the world\u0026rsquo;s largest automobile manufacturers in connection with threatened CERCLA litigation in Indiana arising out of metals recycling\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eFederal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with the largest federal civil and criminal investigations in the history of the FIFRA program\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a specialty chemical manufacturer in connection with FIFRA pesticide registration concerns\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMaritime\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a senior crew member of the F/V Pacific Breeze, a fishing vessel operating in the South Pacific, in connection with allegations arising under MARPOL and the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships by failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWorkplace Safety\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the world\u0026rsquo;s largest natural resource companies in connection with a near-miss incident arising from a major fire at a U.S. zinc recycling facility\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with civil, criminal and administrative investigations by the CSB and various state and local agencies into an explosion and fire at a California oil refinery\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with a mechanical integrity review of fixed equipment inspection and maintenance programs for oil refineries located throughout the United States, Canada and South Africa\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America in connection with a federal criminal investigation into an explosion and fire at a hazardous materials recycling center\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the world's largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers in connection with an internal investigation into the OSHA recordability of alleged exposure to a chemical manufactured by less than 10 facilities in the world\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Producer Responsibility\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 500 company as lead regulatory counsel in connection with existing and proposed state EPR programs affecting paper and plastics packaging and lithium-ion batteries; assisted in public outreach and advocacy and provide consultation to state lobbying teams\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading lawn and garden services provider in connection with existing and proposed state EPR programs affecting paper and plastic packaging and lithium-ion batteries and electronics waste laws\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a pharmaceutical company and marketer of leading aesthetics brands and products in connection with existing and proposed state EPR laws affecting paper and plastics packaging\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 500 waste management services provider in connection with existing and proposed state EPR laws affecting paper and plastic packaging\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of an industry-leading manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for retail and foodservice markets with nearly $2 billion in revenue in connection with state EPR\u0026nbsp;laws affecting paper and plastic packaging and food serviceware\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the world's largest retailers in connection with state battery takeback programs\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of major U.S. automakers in connection with existing and proposed EPR\u0026nbsp;programs affecting electric vehicle batteries, including end-of-life, defective, and recalled batteries\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading credit and asset-based investor group in connection with a state environmental investigation arising out of a tenant\u0026rsquo;s abandonment of millions of pounds of cathode ray tubes and related electronic waste collected pursuant to state\u0026nbsp;EPR laws throughout the Midwest\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eProvide advice and counsel to several clients in multiple industries regarding environmental, social and governance policies, including in connection with potential greenwashing claims\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eEnvironmental Transactions\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with the divestiture of $600 million in oil and gas assets subject to pending administrative, civil and criminal investigations\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a global leader in specialty chemicals in connection with the divestiture of a specialty-batch chemical manufacturing facility subject to pending federal civil and criminal investigations\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with the potential acquisition of a fertilizer manufacturing facility\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with the divestiture of product lines subject to pending federal civil and criminal investigations\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of an aerospace conglomerate in connection with the provision of engineering consulting services to offshore oil and gas platforms\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of one of the largest pipeline companies in the United States in connection with multiple access and indemnity agreements, due diligence efforts, and real estate acquisitions\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of a commercial real estate investment firm in connection with a lender's request for an environmental opinion relating to a utility's obligations to remediate a transformer leak on the acquired property\u003c/p\u003e"],"recognitions":[{"title":"Lawdragon 500 Leading Environmental Lawyer","detail":"Lawdragon (2026)"},{"title":"Chambers USA Band 1 (Firmwide), Nationwide Environmental Health \u0026 Safety","detail":"Chambers USA (2024)"},{"title":"Chambers USA Environmental Law Firm of the Year","detail":"Chambers USA (2024)"},{"title":"Chambers USA Band 3 (Individual), Environment: Litigation-Illinois","detail":"Chambers USA (2024 - 2025)"},{"title":"Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Environmental Lawyers","detail":"Lawdragon Inc. (2021, 2023-2025)"},{"title":"Legal 500 Recommended Practitioner, Environmental","detail":"Legal 500 USA (2018-2020, 2023-2025)"},{"title":"Benchmark Litigation Recognized Practitioner","detail":"Benchmark Litigation (2016)"},{"title":"Super Lawyers Rising Star - Washington, D.C. ","detail":"Super Lawyers (2013)"},{"title":"Law360 Rising Star - Environmental","detail":"Law360 (2013)"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":7343},{"id":7343}]},"capability_group_id":2},"created_at":"2026-04-14T14:46:19.000Z","updated_at":"2026-04-14T14:46:19.000Z","searchable_text":"Heisler{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Lawdragon 500 Leading Environmental Lawyer\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Lawdragon (2026)\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Chambers USA Band 1 (Firmwide), Nationwide Environmental Health \u0026amp; Safety\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Chambers USA (2024)\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Chambers USA Environmental Law Firm of the Year\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Chambers USA (2024)\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Chambers USA Band 3 (Individual), Environment: Litigation-Illinois\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Chambers USA (2024 - 2025)\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Environmental Lawyers\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Lawdragon Inc. (2021, 2023-2025)\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Legal 500 Recommended Practitioner, Environmental\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Legal 500 USA (2018-2020, 2023-2025)\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Benchmark Litigation Recognized Practitioner\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Benchmark Litigation (2016)\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Super Lawyers Rising Star - Washington, D.C. \", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Super Lawyers (2013)\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Law360 Rising Star - Environmental\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Law360 (2013)\"}{{ FIELD }}Clean Air Act{{ FIELD }}Representation of an international oil and natural gas company in connection with government investigations by EPA, OSHA, and CSB into multiple worker fatalities at an Ohio oil refinery and associated root cause analysis{{ FIELD }}Representation of a global upstream energy company in connection with government investigations by EPA and the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission into a natural gas release on the Alaska North Slope and associated root cause analysis{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with federal civil and criminal investigations arising out of the Clean Air Act's risk management plan RAGAGEP provision, as well as the application of API standards and recommended practices; secured declination of criminal charges{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with a federal criminal investigation arising out of the application of NSPS Subpart J to flaring operations at a California oil refinery{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with federal and state civil, criminal and administrative investigations arising out of the application of NSPS Subpart Kb to alleged storage vessels at upstream production facilities in the Cook Inlet, Alaska{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with a variety of Title V regulatory concerns affecting Alaska offshore drilling platforms{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with the drafting of an incident response playbook for lawyers who may be called upon to respond to a fire, explosion, spill or other incidents{{ FIELD }}Representation of a global investment trading company in connection with a federal criminal investigation arising out of the application of NESHAP asbestos work practice standards to the renovation of a 450+ unit residential complex in St. Petersburg, Florida{{ FIELD }}Clean Water Act{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with civil, criminal and administrative investigations by the U.S. Coast Guard, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and various state and local agencies into a pipeline release to waters from a California oil refinery and associated root cause analysis; secured declination of criminal charges{{ FIELD }}Representation of an offshore, midstream energy company in connection with an NTSB investigation arising out of a crude oil release from an underwater pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico{{ FIELD }}Representation of a pesticide chemicals formulating and packaging company in connection with a wastewater permit challenge in Iowa District Court for Lee County{{ FIELD }}Representation of leading industrial equipment rental company in connection with a Las Vegas-area local environmental investigation arising out of alleged oil discharges into a storm drain{{ FIELD }}Representation of one of the largest pipeline companies in the United States as standby incident response counsel, including in connection with multiple EPA, PHMSA, NTSB and state environmental investigations into releases from underground petroleum pipelines{{ FIELD }}Representation of one of the world's largest providers of wastewater management solutions in connection with a federal criminal investigation and prosecution arising out of a chlorine release. Served on the team that secured an across-the-board acquittal of a 26-count criminal indictment in United States v. United Water Services, Inc. (N.D. Ind. 2012){{ FIELD }}Representation of a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of water treatment chemicals in connection with a post-Deepwater federal criminal investigation into alleged violations of the Clean Water Act on an offshore oil and gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 200 leading processer and marketer of fresh pork and packaged meats in connection with a federal criminal investigation into allegations of unpermitted discharges of process wastewater. Provided advice and counsel in connection with the design and construction of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system and associated NPDES permitting concerns{{ FIELD }}Representation of a global leader in specialty chemicals in connection with federal civil and criminal investigations arising out of an alleged failure to operate pollution control equipment at a wastewater treatment facility{{ FIELD }}Representation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with a pilot study relating to the design and construction of a wastewater treatment system and associated NPDES permitting concerns, including the applicability of the RCRA wastewater treatment unit exemption{{ FIELD }}Representation of one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the alleged dumping of hazardous materials down a storm drain as part of a scheme involving the false production of biodiesel{{ FIELD }}Representation of a leading construction materials and services company in connection with a federal criminal investigation into stormwater management practices at multiple facilities located throughout the Northeast{{ FIELD }}Resource Conservation and Recovery Act{{ FIELD }}Representation of a leading credit and asset-based investor group in connection with an Ohio EPA investigation arising out of a tenant's abandonment of millions of pounds of hazardous electronic waste{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 500 natural gas utility in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the alleged release of a natural gas odorant{{ FIELD }}Representation of one of the world's largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers in connection with a federal criminal investigation into shipments of byproducts, co-products and co-products used as fuels{{ FIELD }}Representation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with federal civil investigations at a pesticide chemical formulating and packaging facility{{ FIELD }}Representation of a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of water treatment chemicals in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the alleged storage of hazardous waste for more than 90 days without a permit{{ FIELD }}Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with the February 2023 Norfolk Southern freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio{{ FIELD }}Representation of a leading credit and asset-based investor group in connection with CERCLA litigation in Ohio federal court arising out of the abandonment of millions of pounds of hazardous electronic waste, securing over $16 million in cost recovery from over 50 potentially responsible parties in Garrison Southfield Park LLC v. Closed Loop Refining and Recovery, Inc., et al. (S.D. Ohio 2023){{ FIELD }}Representation of one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers in connection with threatened CERCLA litigation in Indiana arising out of metals recycling{{ FIELD }}Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act{{ FIELD }}Representation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with the largest federal civil and criminal investigations in the history of the FIFRA program{{ FIELD }}Representation of a specialty chemical manufacturer in connection with FIFRA pesticide registration concerns{{ FIELD }}Maritime{{ FIELD }}Representation of a senior crew member of the F/V Pacific Breeze, a fishing vessel operating in the South Pacific, in connection with allegations arising under MARPOL and the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships by failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book{{ FIELD }}Workplace Safety{{ FIELD }}Representation of one of the world’s largest natural resource companies in connection with a near-miss incident arising from a major fire at a U.S. zinc recycling facility{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with civil, criminal and administrative investigations by the CSB and various state and local agencies into an explosion and fire at a California oil refinery{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with a mechanical integrity review of fixed equipment inspection and maintenance programs for oil refineries located throughout the United States, Canada and South Africa{{ FIELD }}Representation of one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America in connection with a federal criminal investigation into an explosion and fire at a hazardous materials recycling center{{ FIELD }}Representation of one of the world's largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers in connection with an internal investigation into the OSHA recordability of alleged exposure to a chemical manufactured by less than 10 facilities in the world{{ FIELD }}Extended Producer Responsibility{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 500 company as lead regulatory counsel in connection with existing and proposed state EPR programs affecting paper and plastics packaging and lithium-ion batteries; assisted in public outreach and advocacy and provide consultation to state lobbying teams{{ FIELD }}Representation of a leading lawn and garden services provider in connection with existing and proposed state EPR programs affecting paper and plastic packaging and lithium-ion batteries and electronics waste laws{{ FIELD }}Representation of a pharmaceutical company and marketer of leading aesthetics brands and products in connection with existing and proposed state EPR laws affecting paper and plastics packaging{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 500 waste management services provider in connection with existing and proposed state EPR laws affecting paper and plastic packaging{{ FIELD }}Representation of an industry-leading manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for retail and foodservice markets with nearly $2 billion in revenue in connection with state EPR laws affecting paper and plastic packaging and food serviceware{{ FIELD }}Representation of one of the world's largest retailers in connection with state battery takeback programs{{ FIELD }}Representation of major U.S. automakers in connection with existing and proposed EPR programs affecting electric vehicle batteries, including end-of-life, defective, and recalled batteries{{ FIELD }}Representation of a leading credit and asset-based investor group in connection with a state environmental investigation arising out of a tenant’s abandonment of millions of pounds of cathode ray tubes and related electronic waste collected pursuant to state EPR laws throughout the Midwest{{ FIELD }}Provide advice and counsel to several clients in multiple industries regarding environmental, social and governance policies, including in connection with potential greenwashing claims{{ FIELD }}Environmental Transactions{{ FIELD }}Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with the divestiture of $600 million in oil and gas assets subject to pending administrative, civil and criminal investigations{{ FIELD }}Representation of a global leader in specialty chemicals in connection with the divestiture of a specialty-batch chemical manufacturing facility subject to pending federal civil and criminal investigations{{ FIELD }}Representation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with the potential acquisition of a fertilizer manufacturing facility{{ FIELD }}Representation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with the divestiture of product lines subject to pending federal civil and criminal investigations{{ FIELD }}Representation of an aerospace conglomerate in connection with the provision of engineering consulting services to offshore oil and gas platforms{{ FIELD }}Representation of one of the largest pipeline companies in the United States in connection with multiple access and indemnity agreements, due diligence efforts, and real estate acquisitions{{ FIELD }}Representation of a commercial real estate investment firm in connection with a lender's request for an environmental opinion relating to a utility's obligations to remediate a transformer leak on the acquired property{{ FIELD }}Karl Heisler is a nationally-recognized environmental lawyer in enforcement defense. Karl has managed the legal fallout from a wide array of environmental and workplace safety incidents, ranging from fires and explosions to pipeline releases and the abandonment of hazardous waste. He has over two decades of experience responding to governmental investigations involving the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. He is a prolific speaker on environmental law and incident response.\nChambers USA distinguished Karl as \"exceptionally proactive,\" with \"strategic thinking\" and \"the ability to understand the complex and translate it.\" Legal 500 USA characterized him as a \"true partner to his clients\" and \"highly strategic,\" with a \"singular ability to clarify the inordinately opaque and confusing nature of environmental laws for the unanointed.\" Lawdragon recognized him as a \"Leading Environmental Lawyer.\" Benchmark Litigation recognized him as having an \"unparalleled ability to master the facts and an encyclopedic mastery of environmental law.\"  \nAs a respected thought leader, Karl is frequently called upon to comment, write or speak about environmental enforcement and incident response for publications and organizations including Law360, Thomson Reuters, Resource Recycling, Inc., American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, the American Bar Association, the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, the Association of Corporate Counsel, Lawline, the Environmental Law Institute, the Practising Law Institute and the American Law Institute. He has written or spoken about managing the first 48 hours of an incident, incident response for public information officers, responding to hazardous waste abandonments, hurricane readiness and response, climate risk disclosure, environmental due diligence, the environmental aspects of commercial and real estate transactions, the design and implementation of environmental compliance programs, the regulation of electronic waste, cybersecurity in the energy and transportation sectors, evidence preservation, and preparing for a government inspection. He wrote the introductory chapter for Inside the Minds: Environmental Law Enforcement and Compliance, published by Thomson Reuters/Aspatore, and co-authored the chapter entitled \"Environmental Criminal Enforcement: A Primer for the Real Estate Practitioner\" in the Fifth Edition of Environmental Aspects of Real Estate and Commercial Transactions: Acquisitions, Development, and Liability Management, which is one of the ABA's most widely read publications.\nKarl is a cutting-edge practitioner in extended producer responsibility laws extending to paper and plastic packaging, batteries, electronics recycling, and other product stewardship. His EPR clients include retail companies, pharmaceutical companies, food manufacturers, lawn and garden service providers, and waste management service providers. He also dedicates a significant portion of his practice to environmental transactions. He provides advice and counsel on environmental due diligence and the availability of transactional defenses, and he routinely negotiates representations, warranties, and indemnifications. He has assisted with the acquisitions and divestitures of several entities subject to government investigations arising out of environmental and workplace safety incidents. For over a decade, Karl has taught the environmental transactions course for the Environmental Law Institute, a leader in non-partisan research and environmental education.\nHis clients include public and private entities in the energy, chemical manufacturing, construction and waste management industries, as well as lenders, private equity and real estate firms with interests in these industries.\n  Partner Lawdragon 500 Leading Environmental Lawyer Lawdragon (2026) Chambers USA Band 1 (Firmwide), Nationwide Environmental Health \u0026amp; Safety Chambers USA (2024) Chambers USA Environmental Law Firm of the Year Chambers USA (2024) Chambers USA Band 3 (Individual), Environment: Litigation-Illinois Chambers USA (2024 - 2025) Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Environmental Lawyers Lawdragon Inc. (2021, 2023-2025) Legal 500 Recommended Practitioner, Environmental Legal 500 USA (2018-2020, 2023-2025) Benchmark Litigation Recognized Practitioner Benchmark Litigation (2016) Super Lawyers Rising Star - Washington, D.C.  Super Lawyers (2013) Law360 Rising Star - Environmental Law360 (2013) University of Virginia University of Virginia School of Law University of Virginia University of Virginia School of Law U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia District of Columbia Illinois Virginia Illinois State Bar Association ABA, Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources and Criminal Justice Section District of Columbia Bar, Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Section The Chicago Bar Association Clean Air Act Representation of an international oil and natural gas company in connection with government investigations by EPA, OSHA, and CSB into multiple worker fatalities at an Ohio oil refinery and associated root cause analysis Representation of a global upstream energy company in connection with government investigations by EPA and the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission into a natural gas release on the Alaska North Slope and associated root cause analysis Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with federal civil and criminal investigations arising out of the Clean Air Act's risk management plan RAGAGEP provision, as well as the application of API standards and recommended practices; secured declination of criminal charges Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with a federal criminal investigation arising out of the application of NSPS Subpart J to flaring operations at a California oil refinery Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with federal and state civil, criminal and administrative investigations arising out of the application of NSPS Subpart Kb to alleged storage vessels at upstream production facilities in the Cook Inlet, Alaska Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with a variety of Title V regulatory concerns affecting Alaska offshore drilling platforms Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with the drafting of an incident response playbook for lawyers who may be called upon to respond to a fire, explosion, spill or other incidents Representation of a global investment trading company in connection with a federal criminal investigation arising out of the application of NESHAP asbestos work practice standards to the renovation of a 450+ unit residential complex in St. Petersburg, Florida Clean Water Act Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with civil, criminal and administrative investigations by the U.S. Coast Guard, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and various state and local agencies into a pipeline release to waters from a California oil refinery and associated root cause analysis; secured declination of criminal charges Representation of an offshore, midstream energy company in connection with an NTSB investigation arising out of a crude oil release from an underwater pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico Representation of a pesticide chemicals formulating and packaging company in connection with a wastewater permit challenge in Iowa District Court for Lee County Representation of leading industrial equipment rental company in connection with a Las Vegas-area local environmental investigation arising out of alleged oil discharges into a storm drain Representation of one of the largest pipeline companies in the United States as standby incident response counsel, including in connection with multiple EPA, PHMSA, NTSB and state environmental investigations into releases from underground petroleum pipelines Representation of one of the world's largest providers of wastewater management solutions in connection with a federal criminal investigation and prosecution arising out of a chlorine release. Served on the team that secured an across-the-board acquittal of a 26-count criminal indictment in United States v. United Water Services, Inc. (N.D. Ind. 2012) Representation of a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of water treatment chemicals in connection with a post-Deepwater federal criminal investigation into alleged violations of the Clean Water Act on an offshore oil and gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico Representation of a Fortune 200 leading processer and marketer of fresh pork and packaged meats in connection with a federal criminal investigation into allegations of unpermitted discharges of process wastewater. Provided advice and counsel in connection with the design and construction of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system and associated NPDES permitting concerns Representation of a global leader in specialty chemicals in connection with federal civil and criminal investigations arising out of an alleged failure to operate pollution control equipment at a wastewater treatment facility Representation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with a pilot study relating to the design and construction of a wastewater treatment system and associated NPDES permitting concerns, including the applicability of the RCRA wastewater treatment unit exemption Representation of one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the alleged dumping of hazardous materials down a storm drain as part of a scheme involving the false production of biodiesel Representation of a leading construction materials and services company in connection with a federal criminal investigation into stormwater management practices at multiple facilities located throughout the Northeast Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Representation of a leading credit and asset-based investor group in connection with an Ohio EPA investigation arising out of a tenant's abandonment of millions of pounds of hazardous electronic waste Representation of a Fortune 500 natural gas utility in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the alleged release of a natural gas odorant Representation of one of the world's largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers in connection with a federal criminal investigation into shipments of byproducts, co-products and co-products used as fuels Representation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with federal civil investigations at a pesticide chemical formulating and packaging facility Representation of a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of water treatment chemicals in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the alleged storage of hazardous waste for more than 90 days without a permit Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with the February 2023 Norfolk Southern freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio Representation of a leading credit and asset-based investor group in connection with CERCLA litigation in Ohio federal court arising out of the abandonment of millions of pounds of hazardous electronic waste, securing over $16 million in cost recovery from over 50 potentially responsible parties in Garrison Southfield Park LLC v. Closed Loop Refining and Recovery, Inc., et al. (S.D. Ohio 2023) Representation of one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers in connection with threatened CERCLA litigation in Indiana arising out of metals recycling Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act Representation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with the largest federal civil and criminal investigations in the history of the FIFRA program Representation of a specialty chemical manufacturer in connection with FIFRA pesticide registration concerns Maritime Representation of a senior crew member of the F/V Pacific Breeze, a fishing vessel operating in the South Pacific, in connection with allegations arising under MARPOL and the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships by failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book Workplace Safety Representation of one of the world’s largest natural resource companies in connection with a near-miss incident arising from a major fire at a U.S. zinc recycling facility Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with civil, criminal and administrative investigations by the CSB and various state and local agencies into an explosion and fire at a California oil refinery Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with a mechanical integrity review of fixed equipment inspection and maintenance programs for oil refineries located throughout the United States, Canada and South Africa Representation of one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America in connection with a federal criminal investigation into an explosion and fire at a hazardous materials recycling center Representation of one of the world's largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers in connection with an internal investigation into the OSHA recordability of alleged exposure to a chemical manufactured by less than 10 facilities in the world Extended Producer Responsibility Representation of a Fortune 500 company as lead regulatory counsel in connection with existing and proposed state EPR programs affecting paper and plastics packaging and lithium-ion batteries; assisted in public outreach and advocacy and provide consultation to state lobbying teams Representation of a leading lawn and garden services provider in connection with existing and proposed state EPR programs affecting paper and plastic packaging and lithium-ion batteries and electronics waste laws Representation of a pharmaceutical company and marketer of leading aesthetics brands and products in connection with existing and proposed state EPR laws affecting paper and plastics packaging Representation of a Fortune 500 waste management services provider in connection with existing and proposed state EPR laws affecting paper and plastic packaging Representation of an industry-leading manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for retail and foodservice markets with nearly $2 billion in revenue in connection with state EPR laws affecting paper and plastic packaging and food serviceware Representation of one of the world's largest retailers in connection with state battery takeback programs Representation of major U.S. automakers in connection with existing and proposed EPR programs affecting electric vehicle batteries, including end-of-life, defective, and recalled batteries Representation of a leading credit and asset-based investor group in connection with a state environmental investigation arising out of a tenant’s abandonment of millions of pounds of cathode ray tubes and related electronic waste collected pursuant to state EPR laws throughout the Midwest Provide advice and counsel to several clients in multiple industries regarding environmental, social and governance policies, including in connection with potential greenwashing claims Environmental Transactions Representation of a Fortune 50 energy company in connection with the divestiture of $600 million in oil and gas assets subject to pending administrative, civil and criminal investigations Representation of a global leader in specialty chemicals in connection with the divestiture of a specialty-batch chemical manufacturing facility subject to pending federal civil and criminal investigations Representation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with the potential acquisition of a fertilizer manufacturing facility Representation of a leading lawn and garden manufacturer in connection with the divestiture of product lines subject to pending federal civil and criminal investigations Representation of an aerospace conglomerate in connection with the provision of engineering consulting services to offshore oil and gas platforms Representation of one of the largest pipeline companies in the United States in connection with multiple access and indemnity agreements, due diligence efforts, and real estate acquisitions Representation of a commercial real estate investment firm in connection with a lender's request for an environmental opinion relating to a utility's obligations to remediate a transformer leak on the acquired property","searchable_name":"Karl R. Heisler","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":34,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":441625,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":673,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eAlec Koch is a co-leader of our Securities Enforcement and Regulation practice and a former Assistant Director with the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Enforcement.\u0026nbsp; He represents public companies, financial institutions, boards of directors, and individuals in securities enforcement and anti-corruption investigations before the SEC, DOJ, PCAOB, and other regulatory authorities.\u0026nbsp; Nationally ranked by \u003cem\u003eChambers USA\u003c/em\u003e, Alec is described as having \"broad market approval for his enforcement-side practice.\"\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Alec also regularly conducts internal investigations on behalf of companies and board committees, often involving multiple jurisdictions,\u0026nbsp;and advises clients on regulatory compliance and corporate governance issues.\u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the SEC, Alec supervised investigations of all types, including matters involving public company accounting and disclosure; The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; insider trading; regulated entities such as broker-dealers,\u0026nbsp;investment advisers,\u0026nbsp;and credit rating agencies; market manipulation; and securities offerings.\u0026nbsp; He served in multiple leadership roles, including as a member of the Division of Enforcement\u0026rsquo;s Broker-Dealer Task Force, as the co-chair of the Division's\u0026nbsp;Priorities and Resources Subcommittee, and as a liaison\u0026nbsp;between the Division of Enforcement and the SEC\u0026rsquo;s Office of Credit Ratings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlec\u0026nbsp;serves\u0026nbsp;on the board of directors of Legal Aid D.C.\u0026nbsp;and the Ethics Research Center, a\u0026nbsp;non-profit organization that works to assist public companies and other institutions with building strong ethics and compliance\u0026nbsp;programs.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrior to working at the\u0026nbsp;SEC, Alec was an associate at King \u0026amp; Spalding from 1997-2002. He rejoined the firm in 2016.\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"alec-koch","email":"akoch@kslaw.com","phone":"+1 202 740 4863","matters":["\u003cp\u003eRepresenting a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eprovider and operator of compression infrastructure used in the production and transfer of oil and natural gas\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an investigation related to payments potentially made to Mexican cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting the\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eaudit committee of a global non-clinical global drug development company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an internal investigation related to potential FCPA and disclosure violations.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eBig Four accounting firm\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in investigations and securities litigation resulting from the sudden closure of several banks for which the firm acted as external auditor.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting the\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCISO of a software development company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in a first-of-its-kind SEC enforcement action relating to the company's disclosures concerning cybersecurity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eprovider of life and health insurance\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in SEC and DOJ investigations related to allegations made by short sellers regarding the company's financial performance and independent agents. The investigations were closed without enforcement action.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eServed as the Independent Compliance Consultant for a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eregistered clearing agency\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with its SEC settlement relating to liquidity arrangements.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003emultinational healthcare company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with its continuing self-reporting obligations under an FCPA settlement with the DOJ and SEC.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eglobal manufacturing company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation of potential FCPA violations in South America that was closed without enforcement action.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting the Audit Committee of\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ea space infrastructure development company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an independent investigation of accounting and employment allegations raised by a former employee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eglobal manufacturing company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation concerning air emissions-related issues that was closed without enforcement action.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented an\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003einternational chemical company\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein a negotiated resolution of anti-corruption investigations conducted by U.S. and Dutch authorities.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented the\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eaudit committee of a public biopharmaceutical company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an internal investigation and related government investigations into allegations of accounting fraud and whistleblower retaliation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003epublic company provider of services to the healthcare industry\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation of earnings-related disclosures that was resolved on favorable terms.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003epublic pharmaceutical company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation of potential selective disclosures and Reg FD violations that was resolved on favorable terms.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented the\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;independent directors of a commercial flooring company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation of earnings-related disclosures.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented the\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eindependent directors of a public company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with an SEC investigation of earnings-related disclosures.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ethe CEO of a healthcare logistics company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in SEC and DOJ investigations of the company's disclosures concerning PPE transactions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003epublic electrical utility\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation of the utility\u0026rsquo;s historical bond offerings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;one of the world\u0026rsquo;s largest banks\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in a DOJ investigation concerning the origination and sale of residential mortgage-backed securities during the years leading up to the financial crisis.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented the\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eaudit committee of a public media analytics company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an internal investigation and related government investigations into more than 20 separate allegations of accounting fraud and whistleblower retaliation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDefended\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;a major U.S. law firm and several of its partners and employees\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation concerning the activities of the firm\u0026rsquo;s former client, an asset manager. The matter was closed without enforcement action.\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[{"id":175}]},"expertise":[{"id":20,"guid":"20.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":11,"guid":"11.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":780,"guid":"780.smart_tags","index":2,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1188,"guid":"1188.smart_tags","index":3,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":27,"guid":"27.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":126,"guid":"126.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":699,"guid":"699.smart_tags","index":6,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":18,"guid":"18.capabilities","index":7,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":111,"guid":"111.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":33,"guid":"33.capabilities","index":9,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":19,"guid":"19.capabilities","index":10,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":127,"guid":"127.capabilities","index":11,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":107,"guid":"107.capabilities","index":12,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":81,"guid":"81.capabilities","index":13,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1184,"guid":"1184.smart_tags","index":14,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1241,"guid":"1241.smart_tags","index":15,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1261,"guid":"1261.smart_tags","index":16,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1434,"guid":"1434.smart_tags","index":17,"source":"smartTags"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Koch","nick_name":"Alec","clerkships":[],"first_name":"Alec","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":202,"law_schools":[{"id":755,"meta":{"degree":"J.D.","honors":"cum laude","is_law_school":"1","graduation_date":"1997-01-01 00:00:00"},"order":1,"pin_order":null,"pin_expiration":null}],"middle_name":" ","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"Top Ranked Lawyer, Securities: Regulation: Enforcement ","detail":"Chambers USA, Nationwide (2019-PRESENT)"},{"title":"Recognized for \"broad market approval for his enforcement-side practice\" and described as \"an extraordinary lawyer.\"","detail":"Chambers USA, Securities Regulation: Enforcement - USA - Nationwide"}],"linked_in_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/alec-koch-75a5412b/","seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eAlec Koch is a co-leader of our Securities Enforcement and Regulation practice and a former Assistant Director with the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Enforcement.\u0026nbsp; He represents public companies, financial institutions, boards of directors, and individuals in securities enforcement and anti-corruption investigations before the SEC, DOJ, PCAOB, and other regulatory authorities.\u0026nbsp; Nationally ranked by \u003cem\u003eChambers USA\u003c/em\u003e, Alec is described as having \"broad market approval for his enforcement-side practice.\"\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Alec also regularly conducts internal investigations on behalf of companies and board committees, often involving multiple jurisdictions,\u0026nbsp;and advises clients on regulatory compliance and corporate governance issues.\u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the SEC, Alec supervised investigations of all types, including matters involving public company accounting and disclosure; The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; insider trading; regulated entities such as broker-dealers,\u0026nbsp;investment advisers,\u0026nbsp;and credit rating agencies; market manipulation; and securities offerings.\u0026nbsp; He served in multiple leadership roles, including as a member of the Division of Enforcement\u0026rsquo;s Broker-Dealer Task Force, as the co-chair of the Division's\u0026nbsp;Priorities and Resources Subcommittee, and as a liaison\u0026nbsp;between the Division of Enforcement and the SEC\u0026rsquo;s Office of Credit Ratings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlec\u0026nbsp;serves\u0026nbsp;on the board of directors of Legal Aid D.C.\u0026nbsp;and the Ethics Research Center, a\u0026nbsp;non-profit organization that works to assist public companies and other institutions with building strong ethics and compliance\u0026nbsp;programs.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrior to working at the\u0026nbsp;SEC, Alec was an associate at King \u0026amp; Spalding from 1997-2002. He rejoined the firm in 2016.\u003c/p\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003eRepresenting a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eprovider and operator of compression infrastructure used in the production and transfer of oil and natural gas\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an investigation related to payments potentially made to Mexican cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting the\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eaudit committee of a global non-clinical global drug development company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an internal investigation related to potential FCPA and disclosure violations.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eBig Four accounting firm\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in investigations and securities litigation resulting from the sudden closure of several banks for which the firm acted as external auditor.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting the\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCISO of a software development company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in a first-of-its-kind SEC enforcement action relating to the company's disclosures concerning cybersecurity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eprovider of life and health insurance\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in SEC and DOJ investigations related to allegations made by short sellers regarding the company's financial performance and independent agents. The investigations were closed without enforcement action.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eServed as the Independent Compliance Consultant for a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eregistered clearing agency\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with its SEC settlement relating to liquidity arrangements.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003emultinational healthcare company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with its continuing self-reporting obligations under an FCPA settlement with the DOJ and SEC.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eglobal manufacturing company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation of potential FCPA violations in South America that was closed without enforcement action.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting the Audit Committee of\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ea space infrastructure development company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an independent investigation of accounting and employment allegations raised by a former employee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eglobal manufacturing company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation concerning air emissions-related issues that was closed without enforcement action.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented an\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003einternational chemical company\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein a negotiated resolution of anti-corruption investigations conducted by U.S. and Dutch authorities.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented the\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eaudit committee of a public biopharmaceutical company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an internal investigation and related government investigations into allegations of accounting fraud and whistleblower retaliation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003epublic company provider of services to the healthcare industry\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation of earnings-related disclosures that was resolved on favorable terms.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003epublic pharmaceutical company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation of potential selective disclosures and Reg FD violations that was resolved on favorable terms.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented the\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;independent directors of a commercial flooring company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation of earnings-related disclosures.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented the\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eindependent directors of a public company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with an SEC investigation of earnings-related disclosures.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ethe CEO of a healthcare logistics company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in SEC and DOJ investigations of the company's disclosures concerning PPE transactions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003epublic electrical utility\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation of the utility\u0026rsquo;s historical bond offerings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;one of the world\u0026rsquo;s largest banks\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in a DOJ investigation concerning the origination and sale of residential mortgage-backed securities during the years leading up to the financial crisis.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented the\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eaudit committee of a public media analytics company\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an internal investigation and related government investigations into more than 20 separate allegations of accounting fraud and whistleblower retaliation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDefended\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;a major U.S. law firm and several of its partners and employees\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an SEC investigation concerning the activities of the firm\u0026rsquo;s former client, an asset manager. The matter was closed without enforcement action.\u003c/p\u003e"],"recognitions":[{"title":"Top Ranked Lawyer, Securities: Regulation: Enforcement ","detail":"Chambers USA, Nationwide (2019-PRESENT)"},{"title":"Recognized for \"broad market approval for his enforcement-side practice\" and described as \"an extraordinary lawyer.\"","detail":"Chambers USA, Securities Regulation: Enforcement - USA - Nationwide"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":9976}]},"capability_group_id":2},"created_at":"2025-10-21T18:47:33.000Z","updated_at":"2025-10-21T18:47:33.000Z","searchable_text":"Koch{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Top Ranked Lawyer, Securities: Regulation: Enforcement \", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Chambers USA, Nationwide (2019-PRESENT)\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Recognized for \\\"broad market approval for his enforcement-side practice\\\" and described as \\\"an extraordinary lawyer.\\\"\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Chambers USA, Securities Regulation: Enforcement - USA - Nationwide\"}{{ FIELD }}Representing a provider and operator of compression infrastructure used in the production and transfer of oil and natural gas in an investigation related to payments potentially made to Mexican cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs).{{ FIELD }}Representing the audit committee of a global non-clinical global drug development company in an internal investigation related to potential FCPA and disclosure violations.{{ FIELD }}Representing a Big Four accounting firm in investigations and securities litigation resulting from the sudden closure of several banks for which the firm acted as external auditor.{{ FIELD }}Representing the CISO of a software development company in a first-of-its-kind SEC enforcement action relating to the company's disclosures concerning cybersecurity.{{ FIELD }}Represented a provider of life and health insurance in SEC and DOJ investigations related to allegations made by short sellers regarding the company's financial performance and independent agents. The investigations were closed without enforcement action.{{ FIELD }}Served as the Independent Compliance Consultant for a registered clearing agency in connection with its SEC settlement relating to liquidity arrangements.{{ FIELD }}Represented a multinational healthcare company in connection with its continuing self-reporting obligations under an FCPA settlement with the DOJ and SEC.{{ FIELD }}Represented a global manufacturing company in an SEC investigation of potential FCPA violations in South America that was closed without enforcement action.{{ FIELD }}Representing the Audit Committee of a space infrastructure development company in an independent investigation of accounting and employment allegations raised by a former employee.{{ FIELD }}Represented a global manufacturing company in an SEC investigation concerning air emissions-related issues that was closed without enforcement action.{{ FIELD }}Represented an international chemical company in a negotiated resolution of anti-corruption investigations conducted by U.S. and Dutch authorities.{{ FIELD }}Represented the audit committee of a public biopharmaceutical company in an internal investigation and related government investigations into allegations of accounting fraud and whistleblower retaliation.{{ FIELD }}Represented a public company provider of services to the healthcare industry in an SEC investigation of earnings-related disclosures that was resolved on favorable terms.{{ FIELD }}Represented a public pharmaceutical company in an SEC investigation of potential selective disclosures and Reg FD violations that was resolved on favorable terms.{{ FIELD }}Represented the independent directors of a commercial flooring company in an SEC investigation of earnings-related disclosures.{{ FIELD }}Represented the independent directors of a public company in connection with an SEC investigation of earnings-related disclosures.{{ FIELD }}Represented the CEO of a healthcare logistics company in SEC and DOJ investigations of the company's disclosures concerning PPE transactions.{{ FIELD }}Represented a public electrical utility in an SEC investigation of the utility’s historical bond offerings.{{ FIELD }}Represented one of the world’s largest banks in a DOJ investigation concerning the origination and sale of residential mortgage-backed securities during the years leading up to the financial crisis.{{ FIELD }}Represented the audit committee of a public media analytics company in an internal investigation and related government investigations into more than 20 separate allegations of accounting fraud and whistleblower retaliation.{{ FIELD }}Defended a major U.S. law firm and several of its partners and employees in an SEC investigation concerning the activities of the firm’s former client, an asset manager. The matter was closed without enforcement action.{{ FIELD }}Alec Koch is a co-leader of our Securities Enforcement and Regulation practice and a former Assistant Director with the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Enforcement.  He represents public companies, financial institutions, boards of directors, and individuals in securities enforcement and anti-corruption investigations before the SEC, DOJ, PCAOB, and other regulatory authorities.  Nationally ranked by Chambers USA, Alec is described as having \"broad market approval for his enforcement-side practice.\"\n Alec also regularly conducts internal investigations on behalf of companies and board committees, often involving multiple jurisdictions, and advises clients on regulatory compliance and corporate governance issues. \nAt the SEC, Alec supervised investigations of all types, including matters involving public company accounting and disclosure; The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; insider trading; regulated entities such as broker-dealers, investment advisers, and credit rating agencies; market manipulation; and securities offerings.  He served in multiple leadership roles, including as a member of the Division of Enforcement’s Broker-Dealer Task Force, as the co-chair of the Division's Priorities and Resources Subcommittee, and as a liaison between the Division of Enforcement and the SEC’s Office of Credit Ratings.\nAlec serves on the board of directors of Legal Aid D.C. and the Ethics Research Center, a non-profit organization that works to assist public companies and other institutions with building strong ethics and compliance programs.  \nPrior to working at the SEC, Alec was an associate at King \u0026amp; Spalding from 1997-2002. He rejoined the firm in 2016. M Alexander Koch Partner Top Ranked Lawyer, Securities: Regulation: Enforcement  Chambers USA, Nationwide (2019-PRESENT) Recognized for \"broad market approval for his enforcement-side practice\" and described as \"an extraordinary lawyer.\" Chambers USA, Securities Regulation: Enforcement - USA - Nationwide University of Virginia University of Virginia School of Law Georgetown University Georgetown University Law Center District of Columbia Representing a provider and operator of compression infrastructure used in the production and transfer of oil and natural gas in an investigation related to payments potentially made to Mexican cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). Representing the audit committee of a global non-clinical global drug development company in an internal investigation related to potential FCPA and disclosure violations. Representing a Big Four accounting firm in investigations and securities litigation resulting from the sudden closure of several banks for which the firm acted as external auditor. Representing the CISO of a software development company in a first-of-its-kind SEC enforcement action relating to the company's disclosures concerning cybersecurity. Represented a provider of life and health insurance in SEC and DOJ investigations related to allegations made by short sellers regarding the company's financial performance and independent agents. The investigations were closed without enforcement action. Served as the Independent Compliance Consultant for a registered clearing agency in connection with its SEC settlement relating to liquidity arrangements. Represented a multinational healthcare company in connection with its continuing self-reporting obligations under an FCPA settlement with the DOJ and SEC. Represented a global manufacturing company in an SEC investigation of potential FCPA violations in South America that was closed without enforcement action. Representing the Audit Committee of a space infrastructure development company in an independent investigation of accounting and employment allegations raised by a former employee. Represented a global manufacturing company in an SEC investigation concerning air emissions-related issues that was closed without enforcement action. Represented an international chemical company in a negotiated resolution of anti-corruption investigations conducted by U.S. and Dutch authorities. Represented the audit committee of a public biopharmaceutical company in an internal investigation and related government investigations into allegations of accounting fraud and whistleblower retaliation. Represented a public company provider of services to the healthcare industry in an SEC investigation of earnings-related disclosures that was resolved on favorable terms. Represented a public pharmaceutical company in an SEC investigation of potential selective disclosures and Reg FD violations that was resolved on favorable terms. Represented the independent directors of a commercial flooring company in an SEC investigation of earnings-related disclosures. Represented the independent directors of a public company in connection with an SEC investigation of earnings-related disclosures. Represented the CEO of a healthcare logistics company in SEC and DOJ investigations of the company's disclosures concerning PPE transactions. Represented a public electrical utility in an SEC investigation of the utility’s historical bond offerings. Represented one of the world’s largest banks in a DOJ investigation concerning the origination and sale of residential mortgage-backed securities during the years leading up to the financial crisis. Represented the audit committee of a public media analytics company in an internal investigation and related government investigations into more than 20 separate allegations of accounting fraud and whistleblower retaliation. Defended a major U.S. law firm and several of its partners and employees in an SEC investigation concerning the activities of the firm’s former client, an asset manager. The matter was closed without enforcement action.","searchable_name":"Alec Koch","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":202,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":444238,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":5746,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eMike Leslie is an accomplished trial lawyer and negotiator who focuses on complex environmental litigation, including litigation brought under CERCLA, CEQA, common law environmental torts, and California\u0026rsquo;s Proposition 65. Mike is a\u0026nbsp;leader in the fields of ESG, \"Greenwashing,\" and state and federal Environmental Justice issues and has published and spoken widely on these topics. Mike also has deep expertise in complex commercial litigation, having prevailed in cases involving real estate, class actions, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, misappropriation of trade secrets, and Section 17200, California\u0026rsquo;s unfair business practices statute.\u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMike has a long-standing record of successfully representing clients in the litigation and trial of high-stakes complex actions. Mike regularly represents Fortune 500 corporations, multinational energy companies, governmental agencies, and small businesses. He has tried numerous cases to verdict, negotiated complex multi-party consent decrees with state and federal agencies, and won both significant plaintiff and defense verdicts. In addition to his busy trial practice, he has also won important appeals for his clients before the California Court of Appeal and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMike is a leader in many of the leading environmental bar organizations and is also a frequent speaker on complex litigation and trial practice:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \"ESG and EJ at the Crossroads,\" American Bar Association, Environmental \u0026amp; Energy Litigation, Mass Torts, Products Liability Seminar (January 2025)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \"The Rise of ESG in Litigation: Impacts and Implications for Environmental Litigation, Products Liability and Mass Torts,\" American Bar Association, Environmental \u0026amp; Energy Litigation, Mass Torts, Products Liability Seminar (February 2023)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \"EJ Toolkit: State \u0026amp; Federal Policies and Initiatives,\" California Lawyers Association, 31st Annual Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite (October 2022)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \"Water Justice and Water Equity: Environmental Justice Issues in Water Law,\"\u0026nbsp;Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, 68th Annual Natural Resources and Energy Law Institute (July 2022)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \"Environmental Justice Rises to the Forefront: Litigation, Regulatory and Legislative Impacts,\" ABA Environmental \u0026amp; Energy, Mass Torts and Products Liability Litigation Committees' Joint CLE Seminar (January 2022)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \"Burning Issues in Climate Change: Litigation and Legislation in 2021 and Beyond,\" ABA Environmental \u0026amp; Energy Litigation, Mass Torts and Products Liability Committees' Joint CLE Seminar (January 2021)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \"Impacts of COVID-19 on Federal and State Enforcement Actions and Clean-Ups: Force Majeure in the COVID Era,\" ABA Environmental \u0026amp; Energy Litigation, Mass Torts and Products Liability Committees' Joint CLE Seminar (January 2021)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker and Moderator, \"Groundwater as a Resource and Emerging Contaminants,\" 2017 Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite,\u0026nbsp;California State Bar Environmental Law Section (October 2017)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker and Organizer, \"Private Enforcement of Environmental Law: Key Developments, Trends and Tactics,\" California State Bar Environmental Law Section (May\u0026nbsp;2016)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \"Report from the Paris Climate Change Conference: Decisions Reached, Open Issues and the Path Forward,\" California State Bar Environmental Law Section (April 2016)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \"Strategies for Managing Complex Environmental Matters,\" Los Angeles County Bar Association, Spring Environmental Law Symposium (March 2015)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Environmental Due Diligence: What Really Matters,\u0026rdquo; California State Bar Real Estate Section Retreat (May 2015)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court's Ruling in CTS Corp. v. Waldburger on CERCLA\u0026rsquo;s Preemption of State Limitations Periods for Property and Personal Injury Claims,\u0026rdquo; Los Angeles County Bar Association (August 2014)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \"California's Revised Industrial Stormwater Regulations,\" Los Angeles County Bar Association (December 2013)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;CERCLA's Mid-Life Crisis: How Best to Navigate Cost Recovery Actions,\u0026rdquo; 2013 Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite, California State Bar Environmental Law Section (October 2013)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker and Moderator, \u0026ldquo;Lessons Learned From the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill,\u0026rdquo; 2011 Fall Environmental Law Symposium, Los Angeles County Bar Association Environmental Law Section (March 2011)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChair, \u0026ldquo;The Greening of California: Achieving Green Goals in a Time of Limited Financial Resources,\u0026rdquo; 2011 Spring Super Symposium, Los Angeles County Bar Association Environmental Law Section (March 2011)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Greenhouse Gases: Cap and Trade, Regulatory Strategies, and Impacts on Our Economy and Environment,\u0026rdquo; Los Angeles County Bar Association (April 2011)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Effective Opening Statements and Closing Arguments,\u0026rdquo; 2005 Environmental Trial Academy, California State Bar Association\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Seminar with Complex Court Judges and Selected Counsel Concerning Creative Techniques and Complex Case Management for Trials and Fact-Finding,\u0026rdquo; Los Angeles County Bar Association Litigation Section (2002)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e","slug":"michael-leslie","email":"mleslie@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":["\u003cp\u003eSubstituted into a complicated enforcement action as lead trial counsel a mere ten days before trial at the request of the State of California. Working with the California Attorney General\u0026rsquo;s office, Mike and the team represented the California Air Resources Board in the trial of an enforcement action brought against a major vehicle and engine manufacturer. The manufacturer had brought a cross-claim against the agency, alleging regulatory and constitutional violations, and seeking sweeping injunctive and declaratory relief, including dismissal of the enforcement action. After multiple witnesses and days of trial, the manufacturer agreed to dismiss its cross-claim with prejudice and to pay CARB almost $2 million, plus an additional amount to be suspended conditioned upon the manufacturer\u0026rsquo;s future compliance with the engine emissions certification laws, thus resolving the case.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObtained a defense verdict after a five-week jury trial in federal court in San Francisco. As lead trial counsel, Mike represented a multinational energy company against claims for compensatory damages of $25 million, as well as punitive damages, brought by a local governmental body that had been compelled to clean up wastes left over when its tenant, an oil recycler, went out of business. After only two hours of deliberation, the jury rendered a complete defense verdict in our client\u0026rsquo;s favor, awarding the plaintiff nothing. After the plaintiff appealed, Mike argued the case before the Ninth Circuit and won an opinion affirming the defense judgment in all respects.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a large energy company in a ten-week jury trial involving claims by a land company for cleanup of hydrocarbon contamination after substituting into the action a mere three weeks before trial. Although the plaintiff went to the jury with a damages claim of almost $70 million\u0026mdash;raised to more than $120 million at trial\u0026mdash;and also asserted a claim for punitive damages, Mike won a nonsuit on the punitive damages claim and obtained a jury verdict for his client on two out of the three areas of contamination at issue. The award on the remaining plume\u0026mdash;after the verdict was reduced by more than $14 million on Mike\u0026rsquo;s successful appeal\u0026mdash;was $3.9 million, almost $20 million less than the plaintiff\u0026rsquo;s pretrial settlement demand.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented several California State agencies against an oil shipper and several other defendants who were involved in a spill of 400,000 gallons of Alaska North Slope crude oil onto Orange County beaches, forcing widespread beach closures. After extensive litigation leading to $11 million in settlements with three of the defendants and precedent-setting decisions from both the Ninth Circuit and the California Court of Appeal, Mike and his team recovered an $18 million jury verdict against the ship owner. This verdict was one of the first natural resource damage claims to go to trial and was reported as one of the ten largest jury verdicts that year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented defrauded investors in a fraud and RICO action against the financiers, attorneys, and promoters of a failed residential housing development. After pretrial settlements with most of the defendants, Mike and the team tried the case to a multimillion-dollar jury verdict against one of California\u0026rsquo;s largest banks. The case then settled on favorable terms, resulting in complete recovery for the 62 plaintiffs.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon summary judgment dismissing numerous tort, nuisance, and environmental claims brought by dozens of condominium owners and a condominium owners association on behalf of the client, a multinational oil company. The case arose out of a 110-unit condominium development built on a site that was a former terminal facility, which was sold by the client more than 25 years previously to another company. The plaintiffs presented a demand of more than $35 million, claiming property damage, diminution of value, nuisance damages, and emotional distress.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon summary judgment in a major case on behalf of the client, a large energy company. The plaintiff, a large real estate developer, claimed that historical contamination by Mike\u0026rsquo;s client led to an alleged $50 to $100 million in lost sales, costs, and damages. After almost five years of discovery and motion practice, in which Mike successfully knocked out all of the fraud, nondisclosure, and punitive damage claims, Mike obtained summary judgment dismissing all of the negligence, nuisance, trespass, and other tort claims, and reducing the damages in the case from an alleged $50 to $100 million to a small breach of contract claim over environmental consulting costs, which subsequently settled.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a group of investors who were defrauded by the registered financial representative of a large independent brokerage. After defeating the brokerage\u0026rsquo;s effort to force the case into a FINRA arbitration\u0026mdash;including obtaining an opinion by the court of appeal affirming the trial court\u0026rsquo;s ruling denying arbitration\u0026mdash;the team successfully litigated the case, ultimately settling the investors\u0026rsquo; claims on the eve of trial for the majority of their investment losses.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn a case alleging fraud in the sale of an oil field in Santa Barbara County, where the plaintiff sought millions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages against our client, Mike obtained summary judgment on the eve of trial dismissing all of the plaintiff\u0026rsquo;s claims. Mike then defended plaintiff\u0026rsquo;s appeal of the summary judgment, winning an affirmance of the summary judgment from the court of appeal, ending the litigation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRegularly represents potentially responsible parties (\u0026ldquo;PRPs\u0026rdquo;) in the prosecution and defense of CERCLA contribution actions, federal and state environmental investigations, and complex multi-plaintiff and multi-defendant toxic tort actions, such as those involving the Burbank Operable Unit of the San Fernando Valley Groundwater Superfund Site and the El Monte Operable Unit of the San Gabriel Valley Groundwater Superfund Site.\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[{"id":3637}]},"expertise":[{"id":74,"guid":"74.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":71,"guid":"71.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":5,"guid":"5.capabilities","index":2,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1236,"guid":"1236.smart_tags","index":3,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":16,"guid":"16.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":102,"guid":"102.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":127,"guid":"127.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":125,"guid":"125.capabilities","index":7,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":3,"guid":"3.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":750,"guid":"750.smart_tags","index":9,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1206,"guid":"1206.smart_tags","index":10,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1205,"guid":"1205.smart_tags","index":11,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":107,"guid":"107.capabilities","index":12,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1248,"guid":"1248.smart_tags","index":13,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1409,"guid":"1409.smart_tags","index":14,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1488,"guid":"1488.smart_tags","index":15,"source":"smartTags"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Leslie","nick_name":"Michael","clerkships":[{"name":"Judicial Clerk, Hon. A. Wallace Tashima, Central District of California","years_held":"1985 - 1986"}],"first_name":"Michael","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":32,"law_schools":[{"id":1904,"meta":{"degree":"J.D.","honors":"","is_law_school":"1","graduation_date":"1985-01-01 00:00:00"},"order":1,"pin_order":null,"pin_expiration":null}],"middle_name":"R.","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"Best Lawyers in America – Environmental Litigator of the Year – Los Angeles","detail":"2016, 2024"},{"title":"Best Lawyers in America – Environmental Litigation","detail":"2013–present"},{"title":"Chambers USA--Ranked lawyer in Environmental Litigation","detail":"Band 3"},{"title":"Benchmark Litigation – National and California Litigation Star, Environmental, General Commercial","detail":"2018-present"},{"title":"Southern California Super Lawyers ","detail":"2004–present"},{"title":"Martindale-Hubbell ","detail":"AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated"}],"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":"Michael R. Leslie is a lawyer of our Business Litigation Practice Group. Read more about him.","primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eMike Leslie is an accomplished trial lawyer and negotiator who focuses on complex environmental litigation, including litigation brought under CERCLA, CEQA, common law environmental torts, and California\u0026rsquo;s Proposition 65. Mike is a\u0026nbsp;leader in the fields of ESG, \"Greenwashing,\" and state and federal Environmental Justice issues and has published and spoken widely on these topics. Mike also has deep expertise in complex commercial litigation, having prevailed in cases involving real estate, class actions, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, misappropriation of trade secrets, and Section 17200, California\u0026rsquo;s unfair business practices statute.\u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMike has a long-standing record of successfully representing clients in the litigation and trial of high-stakes complex actions. Mike regularly represents Fortune 500 corporations, multinational energy companies, governmental agencies, and small businesses. He has tried numerous cases to verdict, negotiated complex multi-party consent decrees with state and federal agencies, and won both significant plaintiff and defense verdicts. In addition to his busy trial practice, he has also won important appeals for his clients before the California Court of Appeal and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMike is a leader in many of the leading environmental bar organizations and is also a frequent speaker on complex litigation and trial practice:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \"ESG and EJ at the Crossroads,\" American Bar Association, Environmental \u0026amp; Energy Litigation, Mass Torts, Products Liability Seminar (January 2025)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \"The Rise of ESG in Litigation: Impacts and Implications for Environmental Litigation, Products Liability and Mass Torts,\" American Bar Association, Environmental \u0026amp; Energy Litigation, Mass Torts, Products Liability Seminar (February 2023)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \"EJ Toolkit: State \u0026amp; Federal Policies and Initiatives,\" California Lawyers Association, 31st Annual Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite (October 2022)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \"Water Justice and Water Equity: Environmental Justice Issues in Water Law,\"\u0026nbsp;Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, 68th Annual Natural Resources and Energy Law Institute (July 2022)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \"Environmental Justice Rises to the Forefront: Litigation, Regulatory and Legislative Impacts,\" ABA Environmental \u0026amp; Energy, Mass Torts and Products Liability Litigation Committees' Joint CLE Seminar (January 2022)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \"Burning Issues in Climate Change: Litigation and Legislation in 2021 and Beyond,\" ABA Environmental \u0026amp; Energy Litigation, Mass Torts and Products Liability Committees' Joint CLE Seminar (January 2021)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \"Impacts of COVID-19 on Federal and State Enforcement Actions and Clean-Ups: Force Majeure in the COVID Era,\" ABA Environmental \u0026amp; Energy Litigation, Mass Torts and Products Liability Committees' Joint CLE Seminar (January 2021)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker and Moderator, \"Groundwater as a Resource and Emerging Contaminants,\" 2017 Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite,\u0026nbsp;California State Bar Environmental Law Section (October 2017)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker and Organizer, \"Private Enforcement of Environmental Law: Key Developments, Trends and Tactics,\" California State Bar Environmental Law Section (May\u0026nbsp;2016)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerator, \"Report from the Paris Climate Change Conference: Decisions Reached, Open Issues and the Path Forward,\" California State Bar Environmental Law Section (April 2016)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \"Strategies for Managing Complex Environmental Matters,\" Los Angeles County Bar Association, Spring Environmental Law Symposium (March 2015)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Environmental Due Diligence: What Really Matters,\u0026rdquo; California State Bar Real Estate Section Retreat (May 2015)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court's Ruling in CTS Corp. v. Waldburger on CERCLA\u0026rsquo;s Preemption of State Limitations Periods for Property and Personal Injury Claims,\u0026rdquo; Los Angeles County Bar Association (August 2014)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \"California's Revised Industrial Stormwater Regulations,\" Los Angeles County Bar Association (December 2013)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;CERCLA's Mid-Life Crisis: How Best to Navigate Cost Recovery Actions,\u0026rdquo; 2013 Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite, California State Bar Environmental Law Section (October 2013)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker and Moderator, \u0026ldquo;Lessons Learned From the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill,\u0026rdquo; 2011 Fall Environmental Law Symposium, Los Angeles County Bar Association Environmental Law Section (March 2011)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChair, \u0026ldquo;The Greening of California: Achieving Green Goals in a Time of Limited Financial Resources,\u0026rdquo; 2011 Spring Super Symposium, Los Angeles County Bar Association Environmental Law Section (March 2011)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Greenhouse Gases: Cap and Trade, Regulatory Strategies, and Impacts on Our Economy and Environment,\u0026rdquo; Los Angeles County Bar Association (April 2011)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Effective Opening Statements and Closing Arguments,\u0026rdquo; 2005 Environmental Trial Academy, California State Bar Association\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaker, \u0026ldquo;Seminar with Complex Court Judges and Selected Counsel Concerning Creative Techniques and Complex Case Management for Trials and Fact-Finding,\u0026rdquo; Los Angeles County Bar Association Litigation Section (2002)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003eSubstituted into a complicated enforcement action as lead trial counsel a mere ten days before trial at the request of the State of California. Working with the California Attorney General\u0026rsquo;s office, Mike and the team represented the California Air Resources Board in the trial of an enforcement action brought against a major vehicle and engine manufacturer. The manufacturer had brought a cross-claim against the agency, alleging regulatory and constitutional violations, and seeking sweeping injunctive and declaratory relief, including dismissal of the enforcement action. After multiple witnesses and days of trial, the manufacturer agreed to dismiss its cross-claim with prejudice and to pay CARB almost $2 million, plus an additional amount to be suspended conditioned upon the manufacturer\u0026rsquo;s future compliance with the engine emissions certification laws, thus resolving the case.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObtained a defense verdict after a five-week jury trial in federal court in San Francisco. As lead trial counsel, Mike represented a multinational energy company against claims for compensatory damages of $25 million, as well as punitive damages, brought by a local governmental body that had been compelled to clean up wastes left over when its tenant, an oil recycler, went out of business. After only two hours of deliberation, the jury rendered a complete defense verdict in our client\u0026rsquo;s favor, awarding the plaintiff nothing. After the plaintiff appealed, Mike argued the case before the Ninth Circuit and won an opinion affirming the defense judgment in all respects.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a large energy company in a ten-week jury trial involving claims by a land company for cleanup of hydrocarbon contamination after substituting into the action a mere three weeks before trial. Although the plaintiff went to the jury with a damages claim of almost $70 million\u0026mdash;raised to more than $120 million at trial\u0026mdash;and also asserted a claim for punitive damages, Mike won a nonsuit on the punitive damages claim and obtained a jury verdict for his client on two out of the three areas of contamination at issue. The award on the remaining plume\u0026mdash;after the verdict was reduced by more than $14 million on Mike\u0026rsquo;s successful appeal\u0026mdash;was $3.9 million, almost $20 million less than the plaintiff\u0026rsquo;s pretrial settlement demand.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented several California State agencies against an oil shipper and several other defendants who were involved in a spill of 400,000 gallons of Alaska North Slope crude oil onto Orange County beaches, forcing widespread beach closures. After extensive litigation leading to $11 million in settlements with three of the defendants and precedent-setting decisions from both the Ninth Circuit and the California Court of Appeal, Mike and his team recovered an $18 million jury verdict against the ship owner. This verdict was one of the first natural resource damage claims to go to trial and was reported as one of the ten largest jury verdicts that year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented defrauded investors in a fraud and RICO action against the financiers, attorneys, and promoters of a failed residential housing development. After pretrial settlements with most of the defendants, Mike and the team tried the case to a multimillion-dollar jury verdict against one of California\u0026rsquo;s largest banks. The case then settled on favorable terms, resulting in complete recovery for the 62 plaintiffs.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon summary judgment dismissing numerous tort, nuisance, and environmental claims brought by dozens of condominium owners and a condominium owners association on behalf of the client, a multinational oil company. The case arose out of a 110-unit condominium development built on a site that was a former terminal facility, which was sold by the client more than 25 years previously to another company. The plaintiffs presented a demand of more than $35 million, claiming property damage, diminution of value, nuisance damages, and emotional distress.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWon summary judgment in a major case on behalf of the client, a large energy company. The plaintiff, a large real estate developer, claimed that historical contamination by Mike\u0026rsquo;s client led to an alleged $50 to $100 million in lost sales, costs, and damages. After almost five years of discovery and motion practice, in which Mike successfully knocked out all of the fraud, nondisclosure, and punitive damage claims, Mike obtained summary judgment dismissing all of the negligence, nuisance, trespass, and other tort claims, and reducing the damages in the case from an alleged $50 to $100 million to a small breach of contract claim over environmental consulting costs, which subsequently settled.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented a group of investors who were defrauded by the registered financial representative of a large independent brokerage. After defeating the brokerage\u0026rsquo;s effort to force the case into a FINRA arbitration\u0026mdash;including obtaining an opinion by the court of appeal affirming the trial court\u0026rsquo;s ruling denying arbitration\u0026mdash;the team successfully litigated the case, ultimately settling the investors\u0026rsquo; claims on the eve of trial for the majority of their investment losses.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn a case alleging fraud in the sale of an oil field in Santa Barbara County, where the plaintiff sought millions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages against our client, Mike obtained summary judgment on the eve of trial dismissing all of the plaintiff\u0026rsquo;s claims. Mike then defended plaintiff\u0026rsquo;s appeal of the summary judgment, winning an affirmance of the summary judgment from the court of appeal, ending the litigation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRegularly represents potentially responsible parties (\u0026ldquo;PRPs\u0026rdquo;) in the prosecution and defense of CERCLA contribution actions, federal and state environmental investigations, and complex multi-plaintiff and multi-defendant toxic tort actions, such as those involving the Burbank Operable Unit of the San Fernando Valley Groundwater Superfund Site and the El Monte Operable Unit of the San Gabriel Valley Groundwater Superfund Site.\u003c/p\u003e"],"recognitions":[{"title":"Best Lawyers in America – Environmental Litigator of the Year – Los Angeles","detail":"2016, 2024"},{"title":"Best Lawyers in America – Environmental Litigation","detail":"2013–present"},{"title":"Chambers USA--Ranked lawyer in Environmental Litigation","detail":"Band 3"},{"title":"Benchmark Litigation – National and California Litigation Star, Environmental, General Commercial","detail":"2018-present"},{"title":"Southern California Super Lawyers ","detail":"2004–present"},{"title":"Martindale-Hubbell ","detail":"AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":8089}]},"capability_group_id":3},"created_at":"2025-12-12T21:57:35.000Z","updated_at":"2025-12-12T21:57:35.000Z","searchable_text":"Leslie{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Best Lawyers in America – Environmental Litigator of the Year – Los Angeles\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"2016, 2024\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Best Lawyers in America – Environmental Litigation\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"2013–present\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Chambers USA--Ranked lawyer in Environmental Litigation\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Band 3\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Benchmark Litigation – National and California Litigation Star, Environmental, General Commercial\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"2018-present\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Southern California Super Lawyers \", :detail=\u0026gt;\"2004–present\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Martindale-Hubbell \", :detail=\u0026gt;\"AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated\"}{{ FIELD }}Substituted into a complicated enforcement action as lead trial counsel a mere ten days before trial at the request of the State of California. Working with the California Attorney General’s office, Mike and the team represented the California Air Resources Board in the trial of an enforcement action brought against a major vehicle and engine manufacturer. The manufacturer had brought a cross-claim against the agency, alleging regulatory and constitutional violations, and seeking sweeping injunctive and declaratory relief, including dismissal of the enforcement action. After multiple witnesses and days of trial, the manufacturer agreed to dismiss its cross-claim with prejudice and to pay CARB almost $2 million, plus an additional amount to be suspended conditioned upon the manufacturer’s future compliance with the engine emissions certification laws, thus resolving the case.{{ FIELD }}Obtained a defense verdict after a five-week jury trial in federal court in San Francisco. As lead trial counsel, Mike represented a multinational energy company against claims for compensatory damages of $25 million, as well as punitive damages, brought by a local governmental body that had been compelled to clean up wastes left over when its tenant, an oil recycler, went out of business. After only two hours of deliberation, the jury rendered a complete defense verdict in our client’s favor, awarding the plaintiff nothing. After the plaintiff appealed, Mike argued the case before the Ninth Circuit and won an opinion affirming the defense judgment in all respects.{{ FIELD }}Represented a large energy company in a ten-week jury trial involving claims by a land company for cleanup of hydrocarbon contamination after substituting into the action a mere three weeks before trial. Although the plaintiff went to the jury with a damages claim of almost $70 million—raised to more than $120 million at trial—and also asserted a claim for punitive damages, Mike won a nonsuit on the punitive damages claim and obtained a jury verdict for his client on two out of the three areas of contamination at issue. The award on the remaining plume—after the verdict was reduced by more than $14 million on Mike’s successful appeal—was $3.9 million, almost $20 million less than the plaintiff’s pretrial settlement demand.{{ FIELD }}Represented several California State agencies against an oil shipper and several other defendants who were involved in a spill of 400,000 gallons of Alaska North Slope crude oil onto Orange County beaches, forcing widespread beach closures. After extensive litigation leading to $11 million in settlements with three of the defendants and precedent-setting decisions from both the Ninth Circuit and the California Court of Appeal, Mike and his team recovered an $18 million jury verdict against the ship owner. This verdict was one of the first natural resource damage claims to go to trial and was reported as one of the ten largest jury verdicts that year.{{ FIELD }}Represented defrauded investors in a fraud and RICO action against the financiers, attorneys, and promoters of a failed residential housing development. After pretrial settlements with most of the defendants, Mike and the team tried the case to a multimillion-dollar jury verdict against one of California’s largest banks. The case then settled on favorable terms, resulting in complete recovery for the 62 plaintiffs.{{ FIELD }}Won summary judgment dismissing numerous tort, nuisance, and environmental claims brought by dozens of condominium owners and a condominium owners association on behalf of the client, a multinational oil company. The case arose out of a 110-unit condominium development built on a site that was a former terminal facility, which was sold by the client more than 25 years previously to another company. The plaintiffs presented a demand of more than $35 million, claiming property damage, diminution of value, nuisance damages, and emotional distress.{{ FIELD }}Won summary judgment in a major case on behalf of the client, a large energy company. The plaintiff, a large real estate developer, claimed that historical contamination by Mike’s client led to an alleged $50 to $100 million in lost sales, costs, and damages. After almost five years of discovery and motion practice, in which Mike successfully knocked out all of the fraud, nondisclosure, and punitive damage claims, Mike obtained summary judgment dismissing all of the negligence, nuisance, trespass, and other tort claims, and reducing the damages in the case from an alleged $50 to $100 million to a small breach of contract claim over environmental consulting costs, which subsequently settled.{{ FIELD }}Represented a group of investors who were defrauded by the registered financial representative of a large independent brokerage. After defeating the brokerage’s effort to force the case into a FINRA arbitration—including obtaining an opinion by the court of appeal affirming the trial court’s ruling denying arbitration—the team successfully litigated the case, ultimately settling the investors’ claims on the eve of trial for the majority of their investment losses.{{ FIELD }}In a case alleging fraud in the sale of an oil field in Santa Barbara County, where the plaintiff sought millions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages against our client, Mike obtained summary judgment on the eve of trial dismissing all of the plaintiff’s claims. Mike then defended plaintiff’s appeal of the summary judgment, winning an affirmance of the summary judgment from the court of appeal, ending the litigation.{{ FIELD }}Regularly represents potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) in the prosecution and defense of CERCLA contribution actions, federal and state environmental investigations, and complex multi-plaintiff and multi-defendant toxic tort actions, such as those involving the Burbank Operable Unit of the San Fernando Valley Groundwater Superfund Site and the El Monte Operable Unit of the San Gabriel Valley Groundwater Superfund Site.{{ FIELD }}Mike Leslie is an accomplished trial lawyer and negotiator who focuses on complex environmental litigation, including litigation brought under CERCLA, CEQA, common law environmental torts, and California’s Proposition 65. Mike is a leader in the fields of ESG, \"Greenwashing,\" and state and federal Environmental Justice issues and has published and spoken widely on these topics. Mike also has deep expertise in complex commercial litigation, having prevailed in cases involving real estate, class actions, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, misappropriation of trade secrets, and Section 17200, California’s unfair business practices statute. \nMike has a long-standing record of successfully representing clients in the litigation and trial of high-stakes complex actions. Mike regularly represents Fortune 500 corporations, multinational energy companies, governmental agencies, and small businesses. He has tried numerous cases to verdict, negotiated complex multi-party consent decrees with state and federal agencies, and won both significant plaintiff and defense verdicts. In addition to his busy trial practice, he has also won important appeals for his clients before the California Court of Appeal and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.\nMike is a leader in many of the leading environmental bar organizations and is also a frequent speaker on complex litigation and trial practice:\n\nSpeaker, \"ESG and EJ at the Crossroads,\" American Bar Association, Environmental \u0026amp; Energy Litigation, Mass Torts, Products Liability Seminar (January 2025)\nSpeaker, \"The Rise of ESG in Litigation: Impacts and Implications for Environmental Litigation, Products Liability and Mass Torts,\" American Bar Association, Environmental \u0026amp; Energy Litigation, Mass Torts, Products Liability Seminar (February 2023)\nModerator, \"EJ Toolkit: State \u0026amp; Federal Policies and Initiatives,\" California Lawyers Association, 31st Annual Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite (October 2022)\nSpeaker, \"Water Justice and Water Equity: Environmental Justice Issues in Water Law,\" Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, 68th Annual Natural Resources and Energy Law Institute (July 2022)\nModerator, \"Environmental Justice Rises to the Forefront: Litigation, Regulatory and Legislative Impacts,\" ABA Environmental \u0026amp; Energy, Mass Torts and Products Liability Litigation Committees' Joint CLE Seminar (January 2022)\nModerator, \"Burning Issues in Climate Change: Litigation and Legislation in 2021 and Beyond,\" ABA Environmental \u0026amp; Energy Litigation, Mass Torts and Products Liability Committees' Joint CLE Seminar (January 2021) \nModerator, \"Impacts of COVID-19 on Federal and State Enforcement Actions and Clean-Ups: Force Majeure in the COVID Era,\" ABA Environmental \u0026amp; Energy Litigation, Mass Torts and Products Liability Committees' Joint CLE Seminar (January 2021) \nSpeaker and Moderator, \"Groundwater as a Resource and Emerging Contaminants,\" 2017 Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite, California State Bar Environmental Law Section (October 2017)\nSpeaker and Organizer, \"Private Enforcement of Environmental Law: Key Developments, Trends and Tactics,\" California State Bar Environmental Law Section (May 2016)\nModerator, \"Report from the Paris Climate Change Conference: Decisions Reached, Open Issues and the Path Forward,\" California State Bar Environmental Law Section (April 2016)\nSpeaker, \"Strategies for Managing Complex Environmental Matters,\" Los Angeles County Bar Association, Spring Environmental Law Symposium (March 2015) \nSpeaker, “Environmental Due Diligence: What Really Matters,” California State Bar Real Estate Section Retreat (May 2015)\nSpeaker, “Impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court's Ruling in CTS Corp. v. Waldburger on CERCLA’s Preemption of State Limitations Periods for Property and Personal Injury Claims,” Los Angeles County Bar Association (August 2014)\nSpeaker, \"California's Revised Industrial Stormwater Regulations,\" Los Angeles County Bar Association (December 2013)\nSpeaker, “CERCLA's Mid-Life Crisis: How Best to Navigate Cost Recovery Actions,” 2013 Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite, California State Bar Environmental Law Section (October 2013)\nSpeaker and Moderator, “Lessons Learned From the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill,” 2011 Fall Environmental Law Symposium, Los Angeles County Bar Association Environmental Law Section (March 2011)\nChair, “The Greening of California: Achieving Green Goals in a Time of Limited Financial Resources,” 2011 Spring Super Symposium, Los Angeles County Bar Association Environmental Law Section (March 2011)\nSpeaker, “Greenhouse Gases: Cap and Trade, Regulatory Strategies, and Impacts on Our Economy and Environment,” Los Angeles County Bar Association (April 2011)\nSpeaker, “Effective Opening Statements and Closing Arguments,” 2005 Environmental Trial Academy, California State Bar Association\nSpeaker, “Seminar with Complex Court Judges and Selected Counsel Concerning Creative Techniques and Complex Case Management for Trials and Fact-Finding,” Los Angeles County Bar Association Litigation Section (2002)\n Michael Leslie lawyer Partner Best Lawyers in America – Environmental Litigator of the Year – Los Angeles 2016, 2024 Best Lawyers in America – Environmental Litigation 2013–present Chambers USA--Ranked lawyer in Environmental Litigation Band 3 Benchmark Litigation – National and California Litigation Star, Environmental, General Commercial 2018-present Southern California Super Lawyers  2004–present Martindale-Hubbell  AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated Dartmouth College  Stanford University Stanford Law School U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit U.S. District Court for the Central District of California U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California California Co-Chair, American Bar Association Litigation Section's Mass Environmental/Toxic Torts Subcommittee (2009–present) Executive Committee, California State Bar Environmental Law Section (2014–2017); Treasurer (2016–2017); Advisor (2017-present) Chair, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Environmental Law Section (2018); Vice-Chair, Treasurer (2014-2017); Executive Committee (2006–present) Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association – Litigation and Environmental Law Sections Member, American Bar Association – Litigation Section Member, Federal Bar Association Member, California Lawyers Association Executive Committee, American Bar Association, Energy \u0026amp; Environmental Litigation Committee (2009-present) Judicial Clerk, Hon. A. Wallace Tashima, Central District of California Substituted into a complicated enforcement action as lead trial counsel a mere ten days before trial at the request of the State of California. Working with the California Attorney General’s office, Mike and the team represented the California Air Resources Board in the trial of an enforcement action brought against a major vehicle and engine manufacturer. The manufacturer had brought a cross-claim against the agency, alleging regulatory and constitutional violations, and seeking sweeping injunctive and declaratory relief, including dismissal of the enforcement action. After multiple witnesses and days of trial, the manufacturer agreed to dismiss its cross-claim with prejudice and to pay CARB almost $2 million, plus an additional amount to be suspended conditioned upon the manufacturer’s future compliance with the engine emissions certification laws, thus resolving the case. Obtained a defense verdict after a five-week jury trial in federal court in San Francisco. As lead trial counsel, Mike represented a multinational energy company against claims for compensatory damages of $25 million, as well as punitive damages, brought by a local governmental body that had been compelled to clean up wastes left over when its tenant, an oil recycler, went out of business. After only two hours of deliberation, the jury rendered a complete defense verdict in our client’s favor, awarding the plaintiff nothing. After the plaintiff appealed, Mike argued the case before the Ninth Circuit and won an opinion affirming the defense judgment in all respects. Represented a large energy company in a ten-week jury trial involving claims by a land company for cleanup of hydrocarbon contamination after substituting into the action a mere three weeks before trial. Although the plaintiff went to the jury with a damages claim of almost $70 million—raised to more than $120 million at trial—and also asserted a claim for punitive damages, Mike won a nonsuit on the punitive damages claim and obtained a jury verdict for his client on two out of the three areas of contamination at issue. The award on the remaining plume—after the verdict was reduced by more than $14 million on Mike’s successful appeal—was $3.9 million, almost $20 million less than the plaintiff’s pretrial settlement demand. Represented several California State agencies against an oil shipper and several other defendants who were involved in a spill of 400,000 gallons of Alaska North Slope crude oil onto Orange County beaches, forcing widespread beach closures. After extensive litigation leading to $11 million in settlements with three of the defendants and precedent-setting decisions from both the Ninth Circuit and the California Court of Appeal, Mike and his team recovered an $18 million jury verdict against the ship owner. This verdict was one of the first natural resource damage claims to go to trial and was reported as one of the ten largest jury verdicts that year. Represented defrauded investors in a fraud and RICO action against the financiers, attorneys, and promoters of a failed residential housing development. After pretrial settlements with most of the defendants, Mike and the team tried the case to a multimillion-dollar jury verdict against one of California’s largest banks. The case then settled on favorable terms, resulting in complete recovery for the 62 plaintiffs. Won summary judgment dismissing numerous tort, nuisance, and environmental claims brought by dozens of condominium owners and a condominium owners association on behalf of the client, a multinational oil company. The case arose out of a 110-unit condominium development built on a site that was a former terminal facility, which was sold by the client more than 25 years previously to another company. The plaintiffs presented a demand of more than $35 million, claiming property damage, diminution of value, nuisance damages, and emotional distress. Won summary judgment in a major case on behalf of the client, a large energy company. The plaintiff, a large real estate developer, claimed that historical contamination by Mike’s client led to an alleged $50 to $100 million in lost sales, costs, and damages. After almost five years of discovery and motion practice, in which Mike successfully knocked out all of the fraud, nondisclosure, and punitive damage claims, Mike obtained summary judgment dismissing all of the negligence, nuisance, trespass, and other tort claims, and reducing the damages in the case from an alleged $50 to $100 million to a small breach of contract claim over environmental consulting costs, which subsequently settled. Represented a group of investors who were defrauded by the registered financial representative of a large independent brokerage. After defeating the brokerage’s effort to force the case into a FINRA arbitration—including obtaining an opinion by the court of appeal affirming the trial court’s ruling denying arbitration—the team successfully litigated the case, ultimately settling the investors’ claims on the eve of trial for the majority of their investment losses. In a case alleging fraud in the sale of an oil field in Santa Barbara County, where the plaintiff sought millions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages against our client, Mike obtained summary judgment on the eve of trial dismissing all of the plaintiff’s claims. Mike then defended plaintiff’s appeal of the summary judgment, winning an affirmance of the summary judgment from the court of appeal, ending the litigation. Regularly represents potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) in the prosecution and defense of CERCLA contribution actions, federal and state environmental investigations, and complex multi-plaintiff and multi-defendant toxic tort actions, such as those involving the Burbank Operable Unit of the San Fernando Valley Groundwater Superfund Site and the El Monte Operable Unit of the San Gabriel Valley Groundwater Superfund Site.","searchable_name":"Michael R. Leslie","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":32,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":445532,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":7304,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eRex Mann is a trial lawyer who focuses his practice on patent litigation and other complex commercial litigation matters. Although his patent litigation practice is nationwide, he has extensive experience specifically in patent-heavy districts, including the Eastern and Western Districts of Texas. On commercial matters he often represents technology companies or works on matters involving complex technology, and his background in engineering enables him to deeply understand clients\u0026rsquo; technologies and businesses to help them better achieve their goals. Rex\u0026rsquo;s work continues to garner him honors from legal publications such as\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eThe Best Lawyers in America\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u0026reg;\u003c/sup\u003e,\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;IAM Patent 1000, Lawdragon\u003c/em\u003e, and\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eBenchmark Litigation\u003c/em\u003e.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRex\u0026rsquo;s intellectual property practice primarily consists of complex patent and trade secret litigation. He has handled bet-the-company patent and trade secret matters, including taking them to trial, and winning. Outside of litigation, he advises his clients on technology licensing issues, policies relating to intellectual property, and targeted patent prosecution advice relating to licensing and litigation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Rex\u0026rsquo;s patent litigation practice is heavily concentrated on matters arising in the Eastern and Western Districts of Texas. In fact, he began his legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable T. John Ward in the Eastern District of Texas, where he gained significant experience in federal trial practice and patent litigation, given the district\u0026rsquo;s intense patent trial docket.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRex has significant trial experience and has tried more than 20 cases or arbitrations as first chair or in an otherwise stand-up role, and he has experience in all phases of trial. In addition to his civil trial work, Rex spent three months on loan as an assistant district attorney in Dallas County, where he tried numerous criminal jury trials to verdict and obtained a guilty verdict in each one.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRex\u0026rsquo;s commercial litigation practice has included a wide variety of matters, including breach of contract, business torts, consumer class actions, RICO violations, securities laws violations, whistleblower or False Claims Act litigation, employment, fraud, suits against the government or government officials, and other related disputes. Given his background in engineering, the work Rex does for his commercial clients often involves technology issues. Moreover, his undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil and environmental engineering are helpful when working on matters in the environmental and oil and gas industries.\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"rex-mann","email":"rmann@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatent, Trade Secret, and Other Intellectual Property Litigation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHalliburton v. U.S. Well Services\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(W.D. Tex.) As trial counsel, prevailed for \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. Well Services\u003c/strong\u003e in the trial of the first of three patent infringement litigations filed by competitor Halliburton, which claimed that U.S. Well Services infringed certain patents involving use of hydraulic fracturing software, as well as methods related to the operation and powering of U.S. Well Services\u0026rsquo; fracturing sites\u0026mdash;a win that\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eAm Law\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;recognized with a \u0026ldquo;Litigator of the Week\u0026rdquo; first-runner-up nod. Rex conducted key cross-examinations of Halliburton\u0026rsquo;s technical experts.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn the Matter of Certain Integrated Circuits, Components Thereof, and Products Containing the Same\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(ITC) Served as trial counsel to defend \u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD)\u003c/strong\u003e in a massive ITC action brought against AMD by its competitor Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek accused AMD of infringing three patents relating to integrated circuit designs. AMD faced an exclusion order and a cease-and-desist order at the ITC. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Cameron\u0026nbsp;Elliot\u0026rsquo;s decision found that all asserted claims of two of the patents were invalid for multiple reasons. For the third patent, he ruled that all asserted claims were not infringed by AMD, and that all but one of those claims were also invalid. Rex conducted multiple cross-examinations and direct examinations of expert witnesses and fact witnesses in the five-day trial.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFlypsi, Inc. v. Google, LLC\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(W.D. Tex.) Trial counsel for plaintiff \u003cstrong\u003eFlypsi\u003c/strong\u003e, an inventor of a novel solution for setting up and connecting telephone calls using multiple phone numbers on a single mobile device, in a dispute alleging Google infringed five of its U.S. patents. Despite Google\u0026rsquo;s argument that it had launched a competing Google Voice product before Flypsi\u0026rsquo;s invention, the jury rejected Google\u0026rsquo;s invalidity and prior use defenses and awarded Flypsi US$12 million for Google\u0026rsquo;s infringement. Rex conducted key cross-examinations of Google\u0026rsquo;s expert and company representative at trial.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTMT Systems, Inc. v. Medtronic, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(W.D. Tex.) Trial counsel for defendant \u003cstrong\u003eMedtronic\u003c/strong\u003e in a patent infringement suit relating to a patent on a design for an abdominal aortic aneurysm stent graft. Rex conducted a key cross-examination of the inventor and put on Medtronic\u0026rsquo;s noninfringement and invalidity expert. The trial resulted in a mistrial due to a hung jury, but post-trial, Rex and his team at Winston were able to get a new favorable claim construction ruling that resulted in a stipulation of noninfringement.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHardin et al. v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(E.D. Tex.) Trial counsel for \u003cstrong\u003eRyan Hardin and Andrew Hill\u003c/strong\u003e, inventors on a patent related to geofencing technology, in a patent infringement suit brought against Samsung. After prevailing for the inventors on key claim construction, summary judgment, and\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eDaubert\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;issues, the case settled days before trial.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFreshworks v. LiveHelpNow, LLC\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(D. Del.) Lead counsel for \u003cstrong\u003eFreshworks\u003c/strong\u003e in a declaratory judgment action filed against LiveHelpNow, LLC involving patents related to chat software. After extensive disputes relating to venue, including a parallel action filed in the Western District of Texas, the case settled.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSieler v. Atieva Inc.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(N.D. Cal.) Lead trial counsel for \u003cstrong\u003eAtieva Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e in a patent inventorship dispute with a former employee, which also included counterclaims for breach of contract, among others. Case settled shortly before trial after summary judgment motions filed by Atieva.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMatch Group v. Muzmatch Limited\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(W.D. Tex.) Lead counsel for defendant in a case involving claims of trademark infringement, patent infringement, trade dress infringement, trademark dilution, and unfair competition. After extensive motion to dismiss briefing, the parties reached a resolution.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTech Pharmacy Services, LLC v. Alixa Rx LLC et al.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(E.D. Tex.) Served as counsel for defendants and obtained a defense verdict in jury trial on claims of trade secret misappropriation, fraud, and patent infringement.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCeats, Inc. v. Continental Airlines, et al\u003c/em\u003e. (E.D. Tex.) Counsel for defendants in patent infringement case related to online ticketing, in which the jury returned a verdict of invalidity on all claims, thus avoiding alleged past and future damages of nearly US$300 million for the defendants.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommercial Litigation and Other Matters\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnbnd Group Pty Ltd. v. Park Lane, LLC et al.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(FINRA Arbitration and S.D.N.Y.) Lead trial counsel in a FINRA arbitration involving contractual and business tort claims, where opposing party sought approximately US$3 million in damages from client \u003cstrong\u003eUnbnd\u003c/strong\u003e and sought significant equitable relief in the form of equity in the company. After a six-day evidentiary hearing that Rex led, the FINRA arbitration panel rejected the opposing party\u0026rsquo;s request for more than US$3M and agreed with Unbnd\u0026rsquo;s position on equity in the company. The Southern District of New York confirmed the award.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSmith v. LifeVantage Corporation et al.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(D. Utah) Counsel for defendant \u003cstrong\u003eLifeVantage\u003c/strong\u003e in a class action lawsuit involving pyramid scheme allegations and claims of RICO violations, antitrust violations, securities laws violations, and unjust enrichment. Hundreds of millions of dollars were at issue. Won a motion to dismiss on several of the claims, and the case proceeded through class discovery on remaining claims, where the team prevailed for LifeVantage in achieving denial of class certification. The case settled shortly after class certification was denied.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConfidential AAA Arbitration in Dallas. Trial counsel for respondent in a confidential arbitration brought by a plaintiff CEO with breach of contract claims close to US$10 million. After a multiday evidentiary hearing where Rex put on a key witness for the company, Rex and the Winston team achieved a complete defense victory and an award of attorneys\u0026rsquo; fees against the claimant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConfidential JAMS Arbitration in San Francisco. Lead trial counsel for then-\u003cstrong\u003eNFL player\u003c/strong\u003e in a JAMS arbitration wherein a marketing agency filed for arbitration against the NFL player for breach of contract alleging millions of dollars in damages. Brought counterclaims on behalf of the NFL player for fraudulent inducement and breach of contract, among others. Achieved a settlement prior to the evidentiary hearing whereby the marketing agency, despite being the initial plaintiff/claimant, actually paid the client a six-figure payment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRanieri et al. v. AdvoCare International LP et al.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(N.D. Tex.) Counsel for defendant \u003cstrong\u003eAdvoCare\u003c/strong\u003e in a class action lawsuit involving pyramid scheme allegations and claims of RICO violations, securities laws violations, and others. Hundreds of millions of dollars were at issue. Won multiple motions to dismiss, including getting the RICO claims dismissed. Class settlement was reached during class discovery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnited States of America ex. rel. Magee v. Texas Heart Hospital of the Southwest LLP et al.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(E.D. Tex.) Counsel for relators in a kickback case, wherein relators brought claims under the False Claims Act. Shortly before trial, the defendants settled for US$48 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWaterside Corporation, et al. v. Bayside Land Partners, LLC\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(Texas State Court) Represented developer of a billion-dollar lakeside real estate project outside Dallas in this dispute, in which the client faced an injunction in favor of the marina owner restricting development, obtaining dissolution of the injunction in favor of marina owner and dismissal of all claims against developer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFee Smith Sharp \u0026amp; Vitullo LLP et al. v. Deana Strunk et al.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(Dallas, Tex. Dist. Ct.) Trial counsel for defendant in a breach of contract action seeking close to US$10 million in damages. After successfully defeating a motion to compel arbitration through the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and completing discovery, the case settled on the eve of trial.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn re Woodbridge Investments Litigation\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(C.D. Cal.) Counsel for defendant in a class action proceeding brought against the bank for aiding and abetting fraud claims, among others, relating to the Woodbridge billion-dollar Ponzi scheme. Case settled after class certification briefing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProphet Equity LP et al. v. Twin City Insurance Company\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(5th Cir.) Counsel for appellant wherein a reversal was achieved of a summary judgment ruling against client on contractual insurance issues. The case settled shortly after the decision from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCrothers et al. v. Teton County Board of County Commissioners et al.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(D. Wyo.) Trial counsel for plaintiffs in an action alleging multiple constitutional violations by various law enforcement officials and agencies in the Teton County area. Also served as appellate counsel for a related criminal proceeding wherein an appeal was sought for various\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eBrady\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;violations, and argued at the court, along with co-counsel Alan Dershowitz, in the post-trial and appellate phase.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRysher Entertainment et al. v. Cox Media Group, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(L.A. Cnty. Super. Ct., Cal.) Represented \u003cstrong\u003eRysher Entertainment, 2929 Entertainment, and Qualia Capital\u003c/strong\u003e as plaintiffs in a contractual indemnification case arising out of underlying litigation brought by actor Don Johnson related to the television series\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eNash Bridges\u003c/em\u003e. Obtained summary judgment from the trial court holding that Cox was liable under the contract, and the case settled shortly before a scheduled trial on damages.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSabre Corporation, et al. v. The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, et al.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(N.Y. Com. Div.) Represented \u003cstrong\u003eSabre\u003c/strong\u003e and related entities in an insurance coverage case against two insurance companies relating to the insurers\u0026rsquo; failure to indemnify Sabre in a major piece of litigation. Obtained summary judgment at the trial court level declaring that the insurers had a duty to defend Sabre, and a disqualifying conflict of interest prevented insurers from controlling the defense. The case settled shortly before a scheduled trial on damages.\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[]},"expertise":[{"id":74,"guid":"74.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":13,"guid":"13.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":3,"guid":"3.capabilities","index":2,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":5,"guid":"5.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":127,"guid":"127.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":107,"guid":"107.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":126,"guid":"126.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":118,"guid":"118.capabilities","index":7,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1233,"guid":"1233.smart_tags","index":8,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":763,"guid":"763.smart_tags","index":9,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1409,"guid":"1409.smart_tags","index":10,"source":"smartTags"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Mann","nick_name":"Rex","clerkships":[{"name":"Law Clerk, Honorable T. John Ward, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas","years_held":"2010 - 2011"}],"first_name":"Rex","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":176,"law_schools":[{"id":2055,"meta":{"degree":"J.D.","honors":"high honors","is_law_school":"1","graduation_date":"2010-01-01 00:00:00"},"order":1,"pin_order":null,"pin_expiration":null}],"middle_name":"A.","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"Recognized as “Up and Coming” and Ranked for Intellectual Property – Texas","detail":"Chambers USA, 2024-2025"},{"title":"Recognized within the “Top 50” in Patent Litigation Report","detail":"Patexia, 2024–2025"},{"title":"Ranked by IAM Patent 1000","detail":"2025"},{"title":"Litigation – Intellectual Property","detail":"The Best Lawyers in America®, 2025-2026"},{"title":"Litigation – Patent","detail":"The Best Lawyers in America®, 2026"},{"title":"Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Intellectual Property, and Intellectual Property Law","detail":"Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch in America, 2021–2023"},{"title":"“Green 500: Leading Environmental Lawyers”","detail":"Lawdragon, 2023–2025"},{"title":"“Future Star”","detail":"Benchmark Litigation US, 2021–2026"},{"title":"“Texas Lawyer on the Rise” ","detail":"Texas Lawyer, 2020"},{"title":"“Up-and-Coming 100: Texas Rising Stars”","detail":"Super Lawyers, 2019–2021"},{"title":"“Rising Star”","detail":"Super Lawyers, 2016–2024"},{"title":"Order of the Chancellors","detail":"University of Texas School of Law"},{"title":"Order of the Coif","detail":"University of Texas School of Law"},{"title":"Order of the Barristers","detail":"University of Texas School of Law"}],"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eRex Mann is a trial lawyer who focuses his practice on patent litigation and other complex commercial litigation matters. Although his patent litigation practice is nationwide, he has extensive experience specifically in patent-heavy districts, including the Eastern and Western Districts of Texas. On commercial matters he often represents technology companies or works on matters involving complex technology, and his background in engineering enables him to deeply understand clients\u0026rsquo; technologies and businesses to help them better achieve their goals. Rex\u0026rsquo;s work continues to garner him honors from legal publications such as\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eThe Best Lawyers in America\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u0026reg;\u003c/sup\u003e,\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;IAM Patent 1000, Lawdragon\u003c/em\u003e, and\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eBenchmark Litigation\u003c/em\u003e.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRex\u0026rsquo;s intellectual property practice primarily consists of complex patent and trade secret litigation. He has handled bet-the-company patent and trade secret matters, including taking them to trial, and winning. Outside of litigation, he advises his clients on technology licensing issues, policies relating to intellectual property, and targeted patent prosecution advice relating to licensing and litigation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Rex\u0026rsquo;s patent litigation practice is heavily concentrated on matters arising in the Eastern and Western Districts of Texas. In fact, he began his legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable T. John Ward in the Eastern District of Texas, where he gained significant experience in federal trial practice and patent litigation, given the district\u0026rsquo;s intense patent trial docket.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRex has significant trial experience and has tried more than 20 cases or arbitrations as first chair or in an otherwise stand-up role, and he has experience in all phases of trial. In addition to his civil trial work, Rex spent three months on loan as an assistant district attorney in Dallas County, where he tried numerous criminal jury trials to verdict and obtained a guilty verdict in each one.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRex\u0026rsquo;s commercial litigation practice has included a wide variety of matters, including breach of contract, business torts, consumer class actions, RICO violations, securities laws violations, whistleblower or False Claims Act litigation, employment, fraud, suits against the government or government officials, and other related disputes. Given his background in engineering, the work Rex does for his commercial clients often involves technology issues. Moreover, his undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil and environmental engineering are helpful when working on matters in the environmental and oil and gas industries.\u003c/p\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatent, Trade Secret, and Other Intellectual Property Litigation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHalliburton v. U.S. Well Services\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(W.D. Tex.) As trial counsel, prevailed for \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. Well Services\u003c/strong\u003e in the trial of the first of three patent infringement litigations filed by competitor Halliburton, which claimed that U.S. Well Services infringed certain patents involving use of hydraulic fracturing software, as well as methods related to the operation and powering of U.S. Well Services\u0026rsquo; fracturing sites\u0026mdash;a win that\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eAm Law\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;recognized with a \u0026ldquo;Litigator of the Week\u0026rdquo; first-runner-up nod. Rex conducted key cross-examinations of Halliburton\u0026rsquo;s technical experts.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn the Matter of Certain Integrated Circuits, Components Thereof, and Products Containing the Same\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(ITC) Served as trial counsel to defend \u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD)\u003c/strong\u003e in a massive ITC action brought against AMD by its competitor Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek accused AMD of infringing three patents relating to integrated circuit designs. AMD faced an exclusion order and a cease-and-desist order at the ITC. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Cameron\u0026nbsp;Elliot\u0026rsquo;s decision found that all asserted claims of two of the patents were invalid for multiple reasons. For the third patent, he ruled that all asserted claims were not infringed by AMD, and that all but one of those claims were also invalid. Rex conducted multiple cross-examinations and direct examinations of expert witnesses and fact witnesses in the five-day trial.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFlypsi, Inc. v. Google, LLC\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(W.D. Tex.) Trial counsel for plaintiff \u003cstrong\u003eFlypsi\u003c/strong\u003e, an inventor of a novel solution for setting up and connecting telephone calls using multiple phone numbers on a single mobile device, in a dispute alleging Google infringed five of its U.S. patents. Despite Google\u0026rsquo;s argument that it had launched a competing Google Voice product before Flypsi\u0026rsquo;s invention, the jury rejected Google\u0026rsquo;s invalidity and prior use defenses and awarded Flypsi US$12 million for Google\u0026rsquo;s infringement. Rex conducted key cross-examinations of Google\u0026rsquo;s expert and company representative at trial.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTMT Systems, Inc. v. Medtronic, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(W.D. Tex.) Trial counsel for defendant \u003cstrong\u003eMedtronic\u003c/strong\u003e in a patent infringement suit relating to a patent on a design for an abdominal aortic aneurysm stent graft. Rex conducted a key cross-examination of the inventor and put on Medtronic\u0026rsquo;s noninfringement and invalidity expert. The trial resulted in a mistrial due to a hung jury, but post-trial, Rex and his team at Winston were able to get a new favorable claim construction ruling that resulted in a stipulation of noninfringement.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHardin et al. v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(E.D. Tex.) Trial counsel for \u003cstrong\u003eRyan Hardin and Andrew Hill\u003c/strong\u003e, inventors on a patent related to geofencing technology, in a patent infringement suit brought against Samsung. After prevailing for the inventors on key claim construction, summary judgment, and\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eDaubert\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;issues, the case settled days before trial.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFreshworks v. LiveHelpNow, LLC\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(D. Del.) Lead counsel for \u003cstrong\u003eFreshworks\u003c/strong\u003e in a declaratory judgment action filed against LiveHelpNow, LLC involving patents related to chat software. After extensive disputes relating to venue, including a parallel action filed in the Western District of Texas, the case settled.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSieler v. Atieva Inc.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(N.D. Cal.) Lead trial counsel for \u003cstrong\u003eAtieva Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e in a patent inventorship dispute with a former employee, which also included counterclaims for breach of contract, among others. Case settled shortly before trial after summary judgment motions filed by Atieva.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMatch Group v. Muzmatch Limited\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(W.D. Tex.) Lead counsel for defendant in a case involving claims of trademark infringement, patent infringement, trade dress infringement, trademark dilution, and unfair competition. After extensive motion to dismiss briefing, the parties reached a resolution.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTech Pharmacy Services, LLC v. Alixa Rx LLC et al.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(E.D. Tex.) Served as counsel for defendants and obtained a defense verdict in jury trial on claims of trade secret misappropriation, fraud, and patent infringement.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCeats, Inc. v. Continental Airlines, et al\u003c/em\u003e. (E.D. Tex.) Counsel for defendants in patent infringement case related to online ticketing, in which the jury returned a verdict of invalidity on all claims, thus avoiding alleged past and future damages of nearly US$300 million for the defendants.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommercial Litigation and Other Matters\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnbnd Group Pty Ltd. v. Park Lane, LLC et al.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(FINRA Arbitration and S.D.N.Y.) Lead trial counsel in a FINRA arbitration involving contractual and business tort claims, where opposing party sought approximately US$3 million in damages from client \u003cstrong\u003eUnbnd\u003c/strong\u003e and sought significant equitable relief in the form of equity in the company. After a six-day evidentiary hearing that Rex led, the FINRA arbitration panel rejected the opposing party\u0026rsquo;s request for more than US$3M and agreed with Unbnd\u0026rsquo;s position on equity in the company. The Southern District of New York confirmed the award.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSmith v. LifeVantage Corporation et al.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(D. Utah) Counsel for defendant \u003cstrong\u003eLifeVantage\u003c/strong\u003e in a class action lawsuit involving pyramid scheme allegations and claims of RICO violations, antitrust violations, securities laws violations, and unjust enrichment. Hundreds of millions of dollars were at issue. Won a motion to dismiss on several of the claims, and the case proceeded through class discovery on remaining claims, where the team prevailed for LifeVantage in achieving denial of class certification. The case settled shortly after class certification was denied.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConfidential AAA Arbitration in Dallas. Trial counsel for respondent in a confidential arbitration brought by a plaintiff CEO with breach of contract claims close to US$10 million. After a multiday evidentiary hearing where Rex put on a key witness for the company, Rex and the Winston team achieved a complete defense victory and an award of attorneys\u0026rsquo; fees against the claimant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConfidential JAMS Arbitration in San Francisco. Lead trial counsel for then-\u003cstrong\u003eNFL player\u003c/strong\u003e in a JAMS arbitration wherein a marketing agency filed for arbitration against the NFL player for breach of contract alleging millions of dollars in damages. Brought counterclaims on behalf of the NFL player for fraudulent inducement and breach of contract, among others. Achieved a settlement prior to the evidentiary hearing whereby the marketing agency, despite being the initial plaintiff/claimant, actually paid the client a six-figure payment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRanieri et al. v. AdvoCare International LP et al.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(N.D. Tex.) Counsel for defendant \u003cstrong\u003eAdvoCare\u003c/strong\u003e in a class action lawsuit involving pyramid scheme allegations and claims of RICO violations, securities laws violations, and others. Hundreds of millions of dollars were at issue. Won multiple motions to dismiss, including getting the RICO claims dismissed. Class settlement was reached during class discovery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnited States of America ex. rel. Magee v. Texas Heart Hospital of the Southwest LLP et al.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(E.D. Tex.) Counsel for relators in a kickback case, wherein relators brought claims under the False Claims Act. Shortly before trial, the defendants settled for US$48 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWaterside Corporation, et al. v. Bayside Land Partners, LLC\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(Texas State Court) Represented developer of a billion-dollar lakeside real estate project outside Dallas in this dispute, in which the client faced an injunction in favor of the marina owner restricting development, obtaining dissolution of the injunction in favor of marina owner and dismissal of all claims against developer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFee Smith Sharp \u0026amp; Vitullo LLP et al. v. Deana Strunk et al.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(Dallas, Tex. Dist. Ct.) Trial counsel for defendant in a breach of contract action seeking close to US$10 million in damages. After successfully defeating a motion to compel arbitration through the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and completing discovery, the case settled on the eve of trial.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn re Woodbridge Investments Litigation\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(C.D. Cal.) Counsel for defendant in a class action proceeding brought against the bank for aiding and abetting fraud claims, among others, relating to the Woodbridge billion-dollar Ponzi scheme. Case settled after class certification briefing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProphet Equity LP et al. v. Twin City Insurance Company\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(5th Cir.) Counsel for appellant wherein a reversal was achieved of a summary judgment ruling against client on contractual insurance issues. The case settled shortly after the decision from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCrothers et al. v. Teton County Board of County Commissioners et al.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(D. Wyo.) Trial counsel for plaintiffs in an action alleging multiple constitutional violations by various law enforcement officials and agencies in the Teton County area. Also served as appellate counsel for a related criminal proceeding wherein an appeal was sought for various\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eBrady\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;violations, and argued at the court, along with co-counsel Alan Dershowitz, in the post-trial and appellate phase.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRysher Entertainment et al. v. Cox Media Group, Inc.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(L.A. Cnty. Super. Ct., Cal.) Represented \u003cstrong\u003eRysher Entertainment, 2929 Entertainment, and Qualia Capital\u003c/strong\u003e as plaintiffs in a contractual indemnification case arising out of underlying litigation brought by actor Don Johnson related to the television series\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eNash Bridges\u003c/em\u003e. Obtained summary judgment from the trial court holding that Cox was liable under the contract, and the case settled shortly before a scheduled trial on damages.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSabre Corporation, et al. v. The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, et al.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;(N.Y. Com. Div.) Represented \u003cstrong\u003eSabre\u003c/strong\u003e and related entities in an insurance coverage case against two insurance companies relating to the insurers\u0026rsquo; failure to indemnify Sabre in a major piece of litigation. Obtained summary judgment at the trial court level declaring that the insurers had a duty to defend Sabre, and a disqualifying conflict of interest prevented insurers from controlling the defense. The case settled shortly before a scheduled trial on damages.\u003c/p\u003e"],"recognitions":[{"title":"Recognized as “Up and Coming” and Ranked for Intellectual Property – Texas","detail":"Chambers USA, 2024-2025"},{"title":"Recognized within the “Top 50” in Patent Litigation Report","detail":"Patexia, 2024–2025"},{"title":"Ranked by IAM Patent 1000","detail":"2025"},{"title":"Litigation – Intellectual Property","detail":"The Best Lawyers in America®, 2025-2026"},{"title":"Litigation – Patent","detail":"The Best Lawyers in America®, 2026"},{"title":"Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Intellectual Property, and Intellectual Property Law","detail":"Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch in America, 2021–2023"},{"title":"“Green 500: Leading Environmental Lawyers”","detail":"Lawdragon, 2023–2025"},{"title":"“Future Star”","detail":"Benchmark Litigation US, 2021–2026"},{"title":"“Texas Lawyer on the Rise” ","detail":"Texas Lawyer, 2020"},{"title":"“Up-and-Coming 100: Texas Rising Stars”","detail":"Super Lawyers, 2019–2021"},{"title":"“Rising Star”","detail":"Super Lawyers, 2016–2024"},{"title":"Order of the Chancellors","detail":"University of Texas School of Law"},{"title":"Order of the Coif","detail":"University of Texas School of Law"},{"title":"Order of the Barristers","detail":"University of Texas School of Law"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":13343}]},"capability_group_id":3},"created_at":"2026-02-03T16:04:53.000Z","updated_at":"2026-02-03T16:04:53.000Z","searchable_text":"Mann{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Recognized as “Up and Coming” and Ranked for Intellectual Property – Texas\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Chambers USA, 2024-2025\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Recognized within the “Top 50” in Patent Litigation Report\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Patexia, 2024–2025\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Ranked by IAM Patent 1000\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"2025\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Litigation – Intellectual Property\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"The Best Lawyers in America®, 2025-2026\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Litigation – Patent\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"The Best Lawyers in America®, 2026\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Intellectual Property, and Intellectual Property Law\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch in America, 2021–2023\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"“Green 500: Leading Environmental Lawyers”\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Lawdragon, 2023–2025\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"“Future Star”\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Benchmark Litigation US, 2021–2026\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"“Texas Lawyer on the Rise” \", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Texas Lawyer, 2020\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"“Up-and-Coming 100: Texas Rising Stars”\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Super Lawyers, 2019–2021\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"“Rising Star”\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Super Lawyers, 2016–2024\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Order of the Chancellors\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"University of Texas School of Law\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Order of the Coif\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"University of Texas School of Law\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Order of the Barristers\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"University of Texas School of Law\"}{{ FIELD }}Patent, Trade Secret, and Other Intellectual Property Litigation{{ FIELD }}Halliburton v. U.S. Well Services (W.D. Tex.) As trial counsel, prevailed for U.S. Well Services in the trial of the first of three patent infringement litigations filed by competitor Halliburton, which claimed that U.S. Well Services infringed certain patents involving use of hydraulic fracturing software, as well as methods related to the operation and powering of U.S. Well Services’ fracturing sites—a win that Am Law recognized with a “Litigator of the Week” first-runner-up nod. Rex conducted key cross-examinations of Halliburton’s technical experts.{{ FIELD }}In the Matter of Certain Integrated Circuits, Components Thereof, and Products Containing the Same (ITC) Served as trial counsel to defend Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) in a massive ITC action brought against AMD by its competitor Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek accused AMD of infringing three patents relating to integrated circuit designs. AMD faced an exclusion order and a cease-and-desist order at the ITC. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Cameron Elliot’s decision found that all asserted claims of two of the patents were invalid for multiple reasons. For the third patent, he ruled that all asserted claims were not infringed by AMD, and that all but one of those claims were also invalid. Rex conducted multiple cross-examinations and direct examinations of expert witnesses and fact witnesses in the five-day trial.{{ FIELD }}Flypsi, Inc. v. Google, LLC (W.D. Tex.) Trial counsel for plaintiff Flypsi, an inventor of a novel solution for setting up and connecting telephone calls using multiple phone numbers on a single mobile device, in a dispute alleging Google infringed five of its U.S. patents. Despite Google’s argument that it had launched a competing Google Voice product before Flypsi’s invention, the jury rejected Google’s invalidity and prior use defenses and awarded Flypsi US$12 million for Google’s infringement. Rex conducted key cross-examinations of Google’s expert and company representative at trial.{{ FIELD }}TMT Systems, Inc. v. Medtronic, Inc. (W.D. Tex.) Trial counsel for defendant Medtronic in a patent infringement suit relating to a patent on a design for an abdominal aortic aneurysm stent graft. Rex conducted a key cross-examination of the inventor and put on Medtronic’s noninfringement and invalidity expert. The trial resulted in a mistrial due to a hung jury, but post-trial, Rex and his team at Winston were able to get a new favorable claim construction ruling that resulted in a stipulation of noninfringement.{{ FIELD }}Hardin et al. v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (E.D. Tex.) Trial counsel for Ryan Hardin and Andrew Hill, inventors on a patent related to geofencing technology, in a patent infringement suit brought against Samsung. After prevailing for the inventors on key claim construction, summary judgment, and Daubert issues, the case settled days before trial.{{ FIELD }}Freshworks v. LiveHelpNow, LLC (D. Del.) Lead counsel for Freshworks in a declaratory judgment action filed against LiveHelpNow, LLC involving patents related to chat software. After extensive disputes relating to venue, including a parallel action filed in the Western District of Texas, the case settled.{{ FIELD }}Sieler v. Atieva Inc. (N.D. Cal.) Lead trial counsel for Atieva Inc. in a patent inventorship dispute with a former employee, which also included counterclaims for breach of contract, among others. Case settled shortly before trial after summary judgment motions filed by Atieva.{{ FIELD }}Match Group v. Muzmatch Limited (W.D. Tex.) Lead counsel for defendant in a case involving claims of trademark infringement, patent infringement, trade dress infringement, trademark dilution, and unfair competition. After extensive motion to dismiss briefing, the parties reached a resolution.{{ FIELD }}Tech Pharmacy Services, LLC v. Alixa Rx LLC et al. (E.D. Tex.) Served as counsel for defendants and obtained a defense verdict in jury trial on claims of trade secret misappropriation, fraud, and patent infringement.{{ FIELD }}Ceats, Inc. v. Continental Airlines, et al. (E.D. Tex.) Counsel for defendants in patent infringement case related to online ticketing, in which the jury returned a verdict of invalidity on all claims, thus avoiding alleged past and future damages of nearly US$300 million for the defendants.{{ FIELD }}Commercial Litigation and Other Matters{{ FIELD }}Unbnd Group Pty Ltd. v. Park Lane, LLC et al. (FINRA Arbitration and S.D.N.Y.) Lead trial counsel in a FINRA arbitration involving contractual and business tort claims, where opposing party sought approximately US$3 million in damages from client Unbnd and sought significant equitable relief in the form of equity in the company. After a six-day evidentiary hearing that Rex led, the FINRA arbitration panel rejected the opposing party’s request for more than US$3M and agreed with Unbnd’s position on equity in the company. The Southern District of New York confirmed the award.{{ FIELD }}Smith v. LifeVantage Corporation et al. (D. Utah) Counsel for defendant LifeVantage in a class action lawsuit involving pyramid scheme allegations and claims of RICO violations, antitrust violations, securities laws violations, and unjust enrichment. Hundreds of millions of dollars were at issue. Won a motion to dismiss on several of the claims, and the case proceeded through class discovery on remaining claims, where the team prevailed for LifeVantage in achieving denial of class certification. The case settled shortly after class certification was denied.{{ FIELD }}Confidential AAA Arbitration in Dallas. Trial counsel for respondent in a confidential arbitration brought by a plaintiff CEO with breach of contract claims close to US$10 million. After a multiday evidentiary hearing where Rex put on a key witness for the company, Rex and the Winston team achieved a complete defense victory and an award of attorneys’ fees against the claimant.{{ FIELD }}Confidential JAMS Arbitration in San Francisco. Lead trial counsel for then-NFL player in a JAMS arbitration wherein a marketing agency filed for arbitration against the NFL player for breach of contract alleging millions of dollars in damages. Brought counterclaims on behalf of the NFL player for fraudulent inducement and breach of contract, among others. Achieved a settlement prior to the evidentiary hearing whereby the marketing agency, despite being the initial plaintiff/claimant, actually paid the client a six-figure payment.{{ FIELD }}Ranieri et al. v. AdvoCare International LP et al. (N.D. Tex.) Counsel for defendant AdvoCare in a class action lawsuit involving pyramid scheme allegations and claims of RICO violations, securities laws violations, and others. Hundreds of millions of dollars were at issue. Won multiple motions to dismiss, including getting the RICO claims dismissed. Class settlement was reached during class discovery.{{ FIELD }}United States of America ex. rel. Magee v. Texas Heart Hospital of the Southwest LLP et al. (E.D. Tex.) Counsel for relators in a kickback case, wherein relators brought claims under the False Claims Act. Shortly before trial, the defendants settled for US$48 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act.{{ FIELD }}Waterside Corporation, et al. v. Bayside Land Partners, LLC (Texas State Court) Represented developer of a billion-dollar lakeside real estate project outside Dallas in this dispute, in which the client faced an injunction in favor of the marina owner restricting development, obtaining dissolution of the injunction in favor of marina owner and dismissal of all claims against developer.{{ FIELD }}Fee Smith Sharp \u0026amp; Vitullo LLP et al. v. Deana Strunk et al. (Dallas, Tex. Dist. Ct.) Trial counsel for defendant in a breach of contract action seeking close to US$10 million in damages. After successfully defeating a motion to compel arbitration through the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and completing discovery, the case settled on the eve of trial.{{ FIELD }}In re Woodbridge Investments Litigation (C.D. Cal.) Counsel for defendant in a class action proceeding brought against the bank for aiding and abetting fraud claims, among others, relating to the Woodbridge billion-dollar Ponzi scheme. Case settled after class certification briefing.{{ FIELD }}Prophet Equity LP et al. v. Twin City Insurance Company (5th Cir.) Counsel for appellant wherein a reversal was achieved of a summary judgment ruling against client on contractual insurance issues. The case settled shortly after the decision from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.{{ FIELD }}Crothers et al. v. Teton County Board of County Commissioners et al. (D. Wyo.) Trial counsel for plaintiffs in an action alleging multiple constitutional violations by various law enforcement officials and agencies in the Teton County area. Also served as appellate counsel for a related criminal proceeding wherein an appeal was sought for various Brady violations, and argued at the court, along with co-counsel Alan Dershowitz, in the post-trial and appellate phase.{{ FIELD }}Rysher Entertainment et al. v. Cox Media Group, Inc. (L.A. Cnty. Super. Ct., Cal.) Represented Rysher Entertainment, 2929 Entertainment, and Qualia Capital as plaintiffs in a contractual indemnification case arising out of underlying litigation brought by actor Don Johnson related to the television series Nash Bridges. Obtained summary judgment from the trial court holding that Cox was liable under the contract, and the case settled shortly before a scheduled trial on damages.{{ FIELD }}Sabre Corporation, et al. v. The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, et al. (N.Y. Com. Div.) Represented Sabre and related entities in an insurance coverage case against two insurance companies relating to the insurers’ failure to indemnify Sabre in a major piece of litigation. Obtained summary judgment at the trial court level declaring that the insurers had a duty to defend Sabre, and a disqualifying conflict of interest prevented insurers from controlling the defense. The case settled shortly before a scheduled trial on damages.{{ FIELD }}Rex Mann is a trial lawyer who focuses his practice on patent litigation and other complex commercial litigation matters. Although his patent litigation practice is nationwide, he has extensive experience specifically in patent-heavy districts, including the Eastern and Western Districts of Texas. On commercial matters he often represents technology companies or works on matters involving complex technology, and his background in engineering enables him to deeply understand clients’ technologies and businesses to help them better achieve their goals. Rex’s work continues to garner him honors from legal publications such as The Best Lawyers in America®, IAM Patent 1000, Lawdragon, and Benchmark Litigation.\nRex’s intellectual property practice primarily consists of complex patent and trade secret litigation. He has handled bet-the-company patent and trade secret matters, including taking them to trial, and winning. Outside of litigation, he advises his clients on technology licensing issues, policies relating to intellectual property, and targeted patent prosecution advice relating to licensing and litigation.\n“Rex’s patent litigation practice is heavily concentrated on matters arising in the Eastern and Western Districts of Texas. In fact, he began his legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable T. John Ward in the Eastern District of Texas, where he gained significant experience in federal trial practice and patent litigation, given the district’s intense patent trial docket.\nRex has significant trial experience and has tried more than 20 cases or arbitrations as first chair or in an otherwise stand-up role, and he has experience in all phases of trial. In addition to his civil trial work, Rex spent three months on loan as an assistant district attorney in Dallas County, where he tried numerous criminal jury trials to verdict and obtained a guilty verdict in each one.\nRex’s commercial litigation practice has included a wide variety of matters, including breach of contract, business torts, consumer class actions, RICO violations, securities laws violations, whistleblower or False Claims Act litigation, employment, fraud, suits against the government or government officials, and other related disputes. Given his background in engineering, the work Rex does for his commercial clients often involves technology issues. Moreover, his undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil and environmental engineering are helpful when working on matters in the environmental and oil and gas industries. Partner Recognized as “Up and Coming” and Ranked for Intellectual Property – Texas Chambers USA, 2024-2025 Recognized within the “Top 50” in Patent Litigation Report Patexia, 2024–2025 Ranked by IAM Patent 1000 2025 Litigation – Intellectual Property The Best Lawyers in America®, 2025-2026 Litigation – Patent The Best Lawyers in America®, 2026 Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Intellectual Property, and Intellectual Property Law Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch in America, 2021–2023 “Green 500: Leading Environmental Lawyers” Lawdragon, 2023–2025 “Future Star” Benchmark Litigation US, 2021–2026 “Texas Lawyer on the Rise”  Texas Lawyer, 2020 “Up-and-Coming 100: Texas Rising Stars” Super Lawyers, 2019–2021 “Rising Star” Super Lawyers, 2016–2024 Order of the Chancellors University of Texas School of Law Order of the Coif University of Texas School of Law Order of the Barristers University of Texas School of Law Texas A\u0026amp;M University Texas A\u0026amp;M School of Law The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas School of Law Texas A\u0026amp;M University Texas A\u0026amp;M School of Law Texas Board of Trustees, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, 2016–2022 Board Member, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, 2017–2018 District 6 Grievance Committee Member, State Bar of Texas, 2015–2018 Co-Chair of the Judiciary Committee, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, 2015–2017 Co-Chair of the Business and Career Development Committee, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, 2015–2016 Law Clerk, Honorable T. John Ward, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas Patent, Trade Secret, and Other Intellectual Property Litigation Halliburton v. U.S. Well Services (W.D. Tex.) As trial counsel, prevailed for U.S. Well Services in the trial of the first of three patent infringement litigations filed by competitor Halliburton, which claimed that U.S. Well Services infringed certain patents involving use of hydraulic fracturing software, as well as methods related to the operation and powering of U.S. Well Services’ fracturing sites—a win that Am Law recognized with a “Litigator of the Week” first-runner-up nod. Rex conducted key cross-examinations of Halliburton’s technical experts. In the Matter of Certain Integrated Circuits, Components Thereof, and Products Containing the Same (ITC) Served as trial counsel to defend Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) in a massive ITC action brought against AMD by its competitor Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek accused AMD of infringing three patents relating to integrated circuit designs. AMD faced an exclusion order and a cease-and-desist order at the ITC. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Cameron Elliot’s decision found that all asserted claims of two of the patents were invalid for multiple reasons. For the third patent, he ruled that all asserted claims were not infringed by AMD, and that all but one of those claims were also invalid. Rex conducted multiple cross-examinations and direct examinations of expert witnesses and fact witnesses in the five-day trial. Flypsi, Inc. v. Google, LLC (W.D. Tex.) Trial counsel for plaintiff Flypsi, an inventor of a novel solution for setting up and connecting telephone calls using multiple phone numbers on a single mobile device, in a dispute alleging Google infringed five of its U.S. patents. Despite Google’s argument that it had launched a competing Google Voice product before Flypsi’s invention, the jury rejected Google’s invalidity and prior use defenses and awarded Flypsi US$12 million for Google’s infringement. Rex conducted key cross-examinations of Google’s expert and company representative at trial. TMT Systems, Inc. v. Medtronic, Inc. (W.D. Tex.) Trial counsel for defendant Medtronic in a patent infringement suit relating to a patent on a design for an abdominal aortic aneurysm stent graft. Rex conducted a key cross-examination of the inventor and put on Medtronic’s noninfringement and invalidity expert. The trial resulted in a mistrial due to a hung jury, but post-trial, Rex and his team at Winston were able to get a new favorable claim construction ruling that resulted in a stipulation of noninfringement. Hardin et al. v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (E.D. Tex.) Trial counsel for Ryan Hardin and Andrew Hill, inventors on a patent related to geofencing technology, in a patent infringement suit brought against Samsung. After prevailing for the inventors on key claim construction, summary judgment, and Daubert issues, the case settled days before trial. Freshworks v. LiveHelpNow, LLC (D. Del.) Lead counsel for Freshworks in a declaratory judgment action filed against LiveHelpNow, LLC involving patents related to chat software. After extensive disputes relating to venue, including a parallel action filed in the Western District of Texas, the case settled. Sieler v. Atieva Inc. (N.D. Cal.) Lead trial counsel for Atieva Inc. in a patent inventorship dispute with a former employee, which also included counterclaims for breach of contract, among others. Case settled shortly before trial after summary judgment motions filed by Atieva. Match Group v. Muzmatch Limited (W.D. Tex.) Lead counsel for defendant in a case involving claims of trademark infringement, patent infringement, trade dress infringement, trademark dilution, and unfair competition. After extensive motion to dismiss briefing, the parties reached a resolution. Tech Pharmacy Services, LLC v. Alixa Rx LLC et al. (E.D. Tex.) Served as counsel for defendants and obtained a defense verdict in jury trial on claims of trade secret misappropriation, fraud, and patent infringement. Ceats, Inc. v. Continental Airlines, et al. (E.D. Tex.) Counsel for defendants in patent infringement case related to online ticketing, in which the jury returned a verdict of invalidity on all claims, thus avoiding alleged past and future damages of nearly US$300 million for the defendants. Commercial Litigation and Other Matters Unbnd Group Pty Ltd. v. Park Lane, LLC et al. (FINRA Arbitration and S.D.N.Y.) Lead trial counsel in a FINRA arbitration involving contractual and business tort claims, where opposing party sought approximately US$3 million in damages from client Unbnd and sought significant equitable relief in the form of equity in the company. After a six-day evidentiary hearing that Rex led, the FINRA arbitration panel rejected the opposing party’s request for more than US$3M and agreed with Unbnd’s position on equity in the company. The Southern District of New York confirmed the award. Smith v. LifeVantage Corporation et al. (D. Utah) Counsel for defendant LifeVantage in a class action lawsuit involving pyramid scheme allegations and claims of RICO violations, antitrust violations, securities laws violations, and unjust enrichment. Hundreds of millions of dollars were at issue. Won a motion to dismiss on several of the claims, and the case proceeded through class discovery on remaining claims, where the team prevailed for LifeVantage in achieving denial of class certification. The case settled shortly after class certification was denied. Confidential AAA Arbitration in Dallas. Trial counsel for respondent in a confidential arbitration brought by a plaintiff CEO with breach of contract claims close to US$10 million. After a multiday evidentiary hearing where Rex put on a key witness for the company, Rex and the Winston team achieved a complete defense victory and an award of attorneys’ fees against the claimant. Confidential JAMS Arbitration in San Francisco. Lead trial counsel for then-NFL player in a JAMS arbitration wherein a marketing agency filed for arbitration against the NFL player for breach of contract alleging millions of dollars in damages. Brought counterclaims on behalf of the NFL player for fraudulent inducement and breach of contract, among others. Achieved a settlement prior to the evidentiary hearing whereby the marketing agency, despite being the initial plaintiff/claimant, actually paid the client a six-figure payment. Ranieri et al. v. AdvoCare International LP et al. (N.D. Tex.) Counsel for defendant AdvoCare in a class action lawsuit involving pyramid scheme allegations and claims of RICO violations, securities laws violations, and others. Hundreds of millions of dollars were at issue. Won multiple motions to dismiss, including getting the RICO claims dismissed. Class settlement was reached during class discovery. United States of America ex. rel. Magee v. Texas Heart Hospital of the Southwest LLP et al. (E.D. Tex.) Counsel for relators in a kickback case, wherein relators brought claims under the False Claims Act. Shortly before trial, the defendants settled for US$48 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act. Waterside Corporation, et al. v. Bayside Land Partners, LLC (Texas State Court) Represented developer of a billion-dollar lakeside real estate project outside Dallas in this dispute, in which the client faced an injunction in favor of the marina owner restricting development, obtaining dissolution of the injunction in favor of marina owner and dismissal of all claims against developer. Fee Smith Sharp \u0026amp; Vitullo LLP et al. v. Deana Strunk et al. (Dallas, Tex. Dist. Ct.) Trial counsel for defendant in a breach of contract action seeking close to US$10 million in damages. After successfully defeating a motion to compel arbitration through the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and completing discovery, the case settled on the eve of trial. In re Woodbridge Investments Litigation (C.D. Cal.) Counsel for defendant in a class action proceeding brought against the bank for aiding and abetting fraud claims, among others, relating to the Woodbridge billion-dollar Ponzi scheme. Case settled after class certification briefing. Prophet Equity LP et al. v. Twin City Insurance Company (5th Cir.) Counsel for appellant wherein a reversal was achieved of a summary judgment ruling against client on contractual insurance issues. The case settled shortly after the decision from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Crothers et al. v. Teton County Board of County Commissioners et al. (D. Wyo.) Trial counsel for plaintiffs in an action alleging multiple constitutional violations by various law enforcement officials and agencies in the Teton County area. Also served as appellate counsel for a related criminal proceeding wherein an appeal was sought for various Brady violations, and argued at the court, along with co-counsel Alan Dershowitz, in the post-trial and appellate phase. Rysher Entertainment et al. v. Cox Media Group, Inc. (L.A. Cnty. Super. Ct., Cal.) Represented Rysher Entertainment, 2929 Entertainment, and Qualia Capital as plaintiffs in a contractual indemnification case arising out of underlying litigation brought by actor Don Johnson related to the television series Nash Bridges. Obtained summary judgment from the trial court holding that Cox was liable under the contract, and the case settled shortly before a scheduled trial on damages. Sabre Corporation, et al. v. The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, et al. (N.Y. Com. Div.) Represented Sabre and related entities in an insurance coverage case against two insurance companies relating to the insurers’ failure to indemnify Sabre in a major piece of litigation. Obtained summary judgment at the trial court level declaring that the insurers had a duty to defend Sabre, and a disqualifying conflict of interest prevented insurers from controlling the defense. The case settled shortly before a scheduled trial on damages.","searchable_name":"Rex A. Mann","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":176,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":426678,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":5311,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eElizabeth Morgan represents public and private companies, as well as investment banks and investors, in a broad range of capital markets transactions, as well as on corporate governance and disclosure matters.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiz\u0026rsquo;s capital markets experience includes investment grade and high yield debt, sustainability-linked and green bonds, convertible notes, preferred stock, initial public offerings, secondary offerings, \u0026ldquo;shelf\u0026rdquo; offerings, \u0026ldquo;at-the-market\u0026rdquo; offerings and Rule 144A transactions, as well as private placement transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, consent solicitations and other corporate reorganization and liability management transactions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiz also advises public companies and their boards of directors on corporate governance, securities law and ESG and sustainability matters, including best practices and disclosures.\u0026nbsp; Representative experience includes advising on Securities and Exchange Commission reporting requirements, proxy disclosures, stakeholder engagement, director independence, proxy advisory services, board and committee charters and governance guidelines, and disclosure controls and procedures.\u0026nbsp; Liz also advises public companies on shareholder activism, including on shareholder proposals and preparing for and responding to hedge fund and corporate governance activism.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiz\u0026rsquo;s experience also includes a variety of syndicated loan transactions, leveraged acquisition finance, mergers and acquisitions and other strategic corporate transactions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiz represents companies in a variety of industries (including healthcare, retail, technology and REITs) and represents both foreign and domestic companies.\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"elizabeth-morgan","email":"emorgan@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":null,"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[]},"expertise":[{"id":75,"guid":"75.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":26,"guid":"26.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":27,"guid":"27.capabilities","index":2,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":29,"guid":"29.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":32,"guid":"32.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":33,"guid":"33.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":107,"guid":"107.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":114,"guid":"114.capabilities","index":7,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":80,"guid":"80.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":118,"guid":"118.capabilities","index":9,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1192,"guid":"1192.smart_tags","index":10,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":123,"guid":"123.capabilities","index":11,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1204,"guid":"1204.smart_tags","index":12,"source":"smartTags"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Morgan","nick_name":"Elizabeth","clerkships":[],"first_name":"Elizabeth","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":101,"law_schools":[{"id":512,"meta":{"degree":"J.D.","honors":null,"is_law_school":1,"graduation_date":null},"order":1,"pin_order":null,"pin_expiration":null}],"middle_name":" ","name_suffix":"","recognitions":null,"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eElizabeth Morgan represents public and private companies, as well as investment banks and investors, in a broad range of capital markets transactions, as well as on corporate governance and disclosure matters.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiz\u0026rsquo;s capital markets experience includes investment grade and high yield debt, sustainability-linked and green bonds, convertible notes, preferred stock, initial public offerings, secondary offerings, \u0026ldquo;shelf\u0026rdquo; offerings, \u0026ldquo;at-the-market\u0026rdquo; offerings and Rule 144A transactions, as well as private placement transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, consent solicitations and other corporate reorganization and liability management transactions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiz also advises public companies and their boards of directors on corporate governance, securities law and ESG and sustainability matters, including best practices and disclosures.\u0026nbsp; Representative experience includes advising on Securities and Exchange Commission reporting requirements, proxy disclosures, stakeholder engagement, director independence, proxy advisory services, board and committee charters and governance guidelines, and disclosure controls and procedures.\u0026nbsp; Liz also advises public companies on shareholder activism, including on shareholder proposals and preparing for and responding to hedge fund and corporate governance activism.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiz\u0026rsquo;s experience also includes a variety of syndicated loan transactions, leveraged acquisition finance, mergers and acquisitions and other strategic corporate transactions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiz represents companies in a variety of industries (including healthcare, retail, technology and REITs) and represents both foreign and domestic companies.\u003c/p\u003e"},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":6224}]},"capability_group_id":1},"created_at":"2025-05-26T04:55:56.000Z","updated_at":"2025-05-26T04:55:56.000Z","searchable_text":"Morgan{{ FIELD }}Elizabeth Morgan represents public and private companies, as well as investment banks and investors, in a broad range of capital markets transactions, as well as on corporate governance and disclosure matters.\nLiz’s capital markets experience includes investment grade and high yield debt, sustainability-linked and green bonds, convertible notes, preferred stock, initial public offerings, secondary offerings, “shelf” offerings, “at-the-market” offerings and Rule 144A transactions, as well as private placement transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, consent solicitations and other corporate reorganization and liability management transactions.\nLiz also advises public companies and their boards of directors on corporate governance, securities law and ESG and sustainability matters, including best practices and disclosures.  Representative experience includes advising on Securities and Exchange Commission reporting requirements, proxy disclosures, stakeholder engagement, director independence, proxy advisory services, board and committee charters and governance guidelines, and disclosure controls and procedures.  Liz also advises public companies on shareholder activism, including on shareholder proposals and preparing for and responding to hedge fund and corporate governance activism. \nLiz’s experience also includes a variety of syndicated loan transactions, leveraged acquisition finance, mergers and acquisitions and other strategic corporate transactions.\nLiz represents companies in a variety of industries (including healthcare, retail, technology and REITs) and represents both foreign and domestic companies. Partner Middlebury College  Cornell University Cornell Law School New York","searchable_name":"Elizabeth Morgan","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":101,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":444453,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":646,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eJennifer Morgan has over two decades of experience advising clients on real estate private equity. She represents sponsors and institutional investors in a range of real estate investments and transactions. Jennifer co-leads King \u0026amp; Spalding\u0026rsquo;s Real Estate \u0026amp; Funds Practice Group and has served\u0026nbsp;on the firm\u0026rsquo;s managing policy committee.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJennifer advises clients on structuring and negotiating fund formations and other capital transactions, including private real estate investment trusts and other structured investments. She often represents real estate private equity clients in connection with joint ventures, asset and entity-level acquisitions and dispositions, and related transactions.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJennifer has been named a top real estate attorney in the 2013 through 2025\u0026nbsp;editions of \u003cem\u003eChambers USA\u003c/em\u003e, was named by GlobeSt.com to its 2025 Rainmakers in CRE Debt, Equity \u0026amp; Finance list, and was chosen as one of \u003cem\u003eFortune\u003c/em\u003e magazine\u0026rsquo;s Women Leaders in the Law in 2013. A regular speaker at real estate private equity conferences, Jennifer was recognized by the \u003cem\u003eLegal 500\u003c/em\u003e 2016 guide in the Real Estate and Construction\u0026mdash;Real Estate category. In addition, she was named a New York Super Lawyer in 2011 and 2012 by \u003cem\u003eSuper Lawyers\u003c/em\u003e, which also selected her for its list of the 2012 and 2013 Top Real Estate Women Attorneys.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJennifer is an adjunct professor of Real Estate Transactions at Columbia Business School and Columbia Law School and a member of the Board of Directors for Street Law, Inc.\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"jennifer-morgan","email":"jmorgan@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":null,"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[]},"expertise":[{"id":26,"guid":"26.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":107,"guid":"107.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":104,"guid":"104.capabilities","index":2,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":78,"guid":"78.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":33,"guid":"33.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":36,"guid":"36.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":75,"guid":"75.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":970,"guid":"970.smart_tags","index":7,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":114,"guid":"114.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":127,"guid":"127.capabilities","index":9,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1255,"guid":"1255.smart_tags","index":10,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1434,"guid":"1434.smart_tags","index":11,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1064,"guid":"1064.smart_tags","index":12,"source":"smartTags"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Morgan","nick_name":"Jennifer","clerkships":[{"name":"Judicial Clerk, Hon. William C. O'Kelley, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia","years_held":"1995 - 1996"}],"first_name":"Jennifer","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":202,"law_schools":[],"middle_name":"M.","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"Women of Influence Honoree ","detail":"New York Business Journal, 2025"},{"title":"Ranked Band 2 in Chambers New York Real Estate: Corporate","detail":"Chambers USA, 2025"},{"title":"Top Real Estate Attorney","detail":"Chambers USA, 2013 — 2025"},{"title":"Rainmaker in CRE Debt, Equity \u0026 Finance","detail":"GlobeSt.com, 2025"},{"title":"Leading Global Real Estate Lawyer","detail":"Lawdragon 500, 2024"},{"title":"Notable Practitioner, Investment Funds, M\u0026A and Private Equity","detail":"IFLR 1000, 2021"},{"title":"Real Estate and Construction: Real Estate ","detail":"Legal 500, 2016"},{"title":"Women Leaders in the Law","detail":"Fortune magazine, 2013"},{"title":"Top Real Estate Women Attorneys ","detail":"Super Lawyers, 2012 and 2013"},{"title":"New York Super Lawyer","detail":"Super Lawyers, 2011 and 2012"}],"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eJennifer Morgan has over two decades of experience advising clients on real estate private equity. She represents sponsors and institutional investors in a range of real estate investments and transactions. Jennifer co-leads King \u0026amp; Spalding\u0026rsquo;s Real Estate \u0026amp; Funds Practice Group and has served\u0026nbsp;on the firm\u0026rsquo;s managing policy committee.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJennifer advises clients on structuring and negotiating fund formations and other capital transactions, including private real estate investment trusts and other structured investments. She often represents real estate private equity clients in connection with joint ventures, asset and entity-level acquisitions and dispositions, and related transactions.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJennifer has been named a top real estate attorney in the 2013 through 2025\u0026nbsp;editions of \u003cem\u003eChambers USA\u003c/em\u003e, was named by GlobeSt.com to its 2025 Rainmakers in CRE Debt, Equity \u0026amp; Finance list, and was chosen as one of \u003cem\u003eFortune\u003c/em\u003e magazine\u0026rsquo;s Women Leaders in the Law in 2013. A regular speaker at real estate private equity conferences, Jennifer was recognized by the \u003cem\u003eLegal 500\u003c/em\u003e 2016 guide in the Real Estate and Construction\u0026mdash;Real Estate category. In addition, she was named a New York Super Lawyer in 2011 and 2012 by \u003cem\u003eSuper Lawyers\u003c/em\u003e, which also selected her for its list of the 2012 and 2013 Top Real Estate Women Attorneys.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJennifer is an adjunct professor of Real Estate Transactions at Columbia Business School and Columbia Law School and a member of the Board of Directors for Street Law, Inc.\u003c/p\u003e","recognitions":[{"title":"Women of Influence Honoree ","detail":"New York Business Journal, 2025"},{"title":"Ranked Band 2 in Chambers New York Real Estate: Corporate","detail":"Chambers USA, 2025"},{"title":"Top Real Estate Attorney","detail":"Chambers USA, 2013 — 2025"},{"title":"Rainmaker in CRE Debt, Equity \u0026 Finance","detail":"GlobeSt.com, 2025"},{"title":"Leading Global Real Estate Lawyer","detail":"Lawdragon 500, 2024"},{"title":"Notable Practitioner, Investment Funds, M\u0026A and Private Equity","detail":"IFLR 1000, 2021"},{"title":"Real Estate and Construction: Real Estate ","detail":"Legal 500, 2016"},{"title":"Women Leaders in the Law","detail":"Fortune magazine, 2013"},{"title":"Top Real Estate Women Attorneys ","detail":"Super Lawyers, 2012 and 2013"},{"title":"New York Super Lawyer","detail":"Super Lawyers, 2011 and 2012"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":5187}]},"capability_group_id":1},"created_at":"2025-12-18T22:26:27.000Z","updated_at":"2025-12-18T22:26:27.000Z","searchable_text":"Morgan{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Women of Influence Honoree \", :detail=\u0026gt;\"New York Business Journal, 2025\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Ranked Band 2 in Chambers New York Real Estate: Corporate\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Chambers USA, 2025\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Top Real Estate Attorney\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Chambers USA, 2013 — 2025\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Rainmaker in CRE Debt, Equity \u0026amp; Finance\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"GlobeSt.com, 2025\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Leading Global Real Estate Lawyer\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Lawdragon 500, 2024\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Notable Practitioner, Investment Funds, M\u0026amp;A and Private Equity\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"IFLR 1000, 2021\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Real Estate and Construction: Real Estate \", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Legal 500, 2016\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Women Leaders in the Law\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Fortune magazine, 2013\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Top Real Estate Women Attorneys \", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Super Lawyers, 2012 and 2013\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"New York Super Lawyer\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Super Lawyers, 2011 and 2012\"}{{ FIELD }}Jennifer Morgan has over two decades of experience advising clients on real estate private equity. She represents sponsors and institutional investors in a range of real estate investments and transactions. Jennifer co-leads King \u0026amp; Spalding’s Real Estate \u0026amp; Funds Practice Group and has served on the firm’s managing policy committee.\nJennifer advises clients on structuring and negotiating fund formations and other capital transactions, including private real estate investment trusts and other structured investments. She often represents real estate private equity clients in connection with joint ventures, asset and entity-level acquisitions and dispositions, and related transactions.\nJennifer has been named a top real estate attorney in the 2013 through 2025 editions of Chambers USA, was named by GlobeSt.com to its 2025 Rainmakers in CRE Debt, Equity \u0026amp; Finance list, and was chosen as one of Fortune magazine’s Women Leaders in the Law in 2013. A regular speaker at real estate private equity conferences, Jennifer was recognized by the Legal 500 2016 guide in the Real Estate and Construction—Real Estate category. In addition, she was named a New York Super Lawyer in 2011 and 2012 by Super Lawyers, which also selected her for its list of the 2012 and 2013 Top Real Estate Women Attorneys.\nJennifer is an adjunct professor of Real Estate Transactions at Columbia Business School and Columbia Law School and a member of the Board of Directors for Street Law, Inc. Partner Women of Influence Honoree  New York Business Journal, 2025 Ranked Band 2 in Chambers New York Real Estate: Corporate Chambers USA, 2025 Top Real Estate Attorney Chambers USA, 2013 — 2025 Rainmaker in CRE Debt, Equity \u0026amp; Finance GlobeSt.com, 2025 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyer Lawdragon 500, 2024 Notable Practitioner, Investment Funds, M\u0026amp;A and Private Equity IFLR 1000, 2021 Real Estate and Construction: Real Estate  Legal 500, 2016 Women Leaders in the Law Fortune magazine, 2013 Top Real Estate Women Attorneys  Super Lawyers, 2012 and 2013 New York Super Lawyer Super Lawyers, 2011 and 2012 District of Columbia Georgia New York Judicial Clerk, Hon. William C. O'Kelley, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia","searchable_name":"Jennifer M. Morgan","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":202,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":436394,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":2937,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eFor over 25 years, Cal Smith has advised companies and their boards of directors on numerous high profile M\u0026amp;A and other complex corporate transactions for public companies, including spin-offs, buyouts and other special situations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCal also has extensive experience counseling boards of directors, CEOs and other C-Suite executives with respect to shareholder and stakeholder activism, proxy fights and preparedness, takeover defense and corporate governance as well as fiduciary duties and risk oversight, including as to ESG, cybersecurity and engaging with institutional investors and other key governance constituencies. Cal was Corporate Secretary of Georgia-Pacific Corporation when it was acquired by Koch Industries, Inc. in a deal valued at $21 billion. Cal\u0026rsquo;s practice also involves significant capital markets-related work and counseling regarding SEC reporting requirements.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCal co-leads King \u0026amp; Spalding\u0026rsquo;s Public Companies Practice Group and is recognized by\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eChambers USA\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eThe Best Lawyers in America\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLegal 500\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;as a leading lawyer in the Corporate/M\u0026amp;A/Governance categories. He also has been twice named a BTI Client Service All-Star, as well as a winner of Lexology\u0026rsquo;s U.S. Client Choice Award for M\u0026amp;A and General Corporate.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePresentations and Speaking Engagements\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresenter, \u0026ldquo;Understanding the \u0026ldquo;E\u0026rdquo; in ESG: What Public Company Directors Need to Know,\u0026rdquo; National Association of Corporate Directors, 2021 (Atlanta, GA)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCo-Chair, \u0026ldquo;Negotiated Corporate Acquisitions,\u0026rdquo; Georgia Bar/ICLE Seminar, 2016 (Atlanta, GA)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresenter, \u0026ldquo;Special Committee Overview: A Guide for Corporate Counsel,\u0026rdquo; Corporate Counsel Institute, December 2008 (Atlanta, GA)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresenter, \u0026ldquo;Corporate Governance Update\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;Form 8-K and other Disclosure Issues,\u0026rdquo; Glasser Legal Works' SEC Hot Topics Institute, Winter 2006 (Atlanta, GA)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresenter, \u0026ldquo;The Continuing Quest for the Risk-Free MD\u0026amp;A in the Sarbanes-Oxley Environment\u0026rdquo;, SEC Institute's 20th Annual National Reporting Conference, August and November, 2004 (San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresenter, \u0026ldquo;Accelerated and Enhanced 8-K Current Disclosure\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;Preparing the New MD\u0026amp;A\u0026rdquo;, Glasser Legal Works' SEC Hot Topics Institute Fall 2004 (Atlanta, GA)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e","slug":"william-smith-2","email":"calsmith@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":["\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Genuine Parts Company in its $1.3 billion acquisition of Kaman Distribution Group.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of CURO Group Holdings Corp. in its $360 million acquisition of Heights Finance.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of American First Finance Inc. in its $1.47 billion sale to FirstCash Inc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised Aaron's Holdings Company, Inc. in the spin-off of its Aaron's Business segment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Energizer in its $2 billion carve-out acquisition of Spectrum Brands\u0026rsquo; global battery business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of the special committee of the board of directors of comScore in activist campaign by Starboard Value.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. in its $1.8 billion sale to Restaurant Brands International, Inc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Lindsay Goldberg LLC affiliates Crown Paper Group Inc. and Golden West Packaging Group LLC in several strategic transactions including, most recently, Golden West\u0026rsquo;s acquisition of Heritage Solutions Inc., Capital Corrugated Inc., PackageOne Inc., Package Innovators Corporation and their co-owned captive sheet feeder, Cal Sheets LLC.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Mueller Water Products, Inc. in its $315 million sale of its Anvil International division.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. in a number of capital market transactions, totaling over $2.0 billion.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Ingersoll-Rand Corporation\u0026rsquo;s security business in its spin-off from Ingersoll-Rand.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Bowater Incorporated in its $8 billion merger with Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. and representation of AbitibiBowater Inc., in a number of financing transactions; including its issuance of $413 million of senior secured notes and a concurrent exchange offer of $293 million in senior unsecured notes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of The Home Depot, Inc. in multiple roll-up acquisitions since 2004.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Georgia-Pacific Corporation in numerous transactions including:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThe $810 million sale of Georgia-Pacific Corporation's building products distribution business to an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management L.P.;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThe $56 million sale of Georgia-Pacific Corporation's shortline railroads to Genesee \u0026amp; Wyoming Inc.;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThe $790 million sale by Georgia-Pacific Corporation of a controlling interest in Unisource Worldwide Inc. to an affiliate of Bain Capital Partners, LLC;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThe exchange of plywood plants and an oriented strand board plant between Georgia-Pacific Corporation and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThe spin-off and subsequent merger of Georgia-Pacific Corporation's timber business with Plum Creek Timber Company Inc.; and\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThe $850 million sale by Georgia-Pacific Corporation of a portion of its North American commercial tissue business to Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (Publ).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Gray Television, Inc. in the $515 million purchase of 15 television stations from Stations Holding Company Inc.\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[]},"expertise":[{"id":32,"guid":"32.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":27,"guid":"27.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":107,"guid":"107.capabilities","index":2,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":105,"guid":"105.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":463,"guid":"463.smart_tags","index":4,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":72,"guid":"72.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":75,"guid":"75.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":114,"guid":"114.capabilities","index":7,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":126,"guid":"126.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1220,"guid":"1220.smart_tags","index":9,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":127,"guid":"127.capabilities","index":10,"source":"capabilities"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Smith","nick_name":"Cal","clerkships":[],"first_name":"William","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":101,"law_schools":[],"middle_name":"C.","name_suffix":"III","recognitions":[{"title":"2022 BTI Client Service All-Star","detail":"BTI, 2022"},{"title":"2018 BTI Client Service All-Star","detail":"BTI, 2018"},{"title":"Named by Chambers USA as one of the leading Corporate/M\u0026A lawyers in the State of Georgia","detail":""},{"title":"Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in Mergers \u0026 Acquisitions Law","detail":""},{"title":"Named a “BTI Client Service All-Star”","detail":""},{"title":"Winner of the U.S. Client Choice Award for M\u0026A and General Corporate as determined by International Law Office and Lexol","detail":""},{"title":"Selected as a Super Lawyer by Law \u0026 Politics and Atlanta Magazine for M\u0026A excellence","detail":""},{"title":"Named to Georgia Trend magazine's Legal Elite","detail":""},{"title":"Selected as one of the top 14 young Atlanta lawyers “On the Rise” by The Fulton County Daily Report","detail":""}],"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eFor over 25 years, Cal Smith has advised companies and their boards of directors on numerous high profile M\u0026amp;A and other complex corporate transactions for public companies, including spin-offs, buyouts and other special situations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCal also has extensive experience counseling boards of directors, CEOs and other C-Suite executives with respect to shareholder and stakeholder activism, proxy fights and preparedness, takeover defense and corporate governance as well as fiduciary duties and risk oversight, including as to ESG, cybersecurity and engaging with institutional investors and other key governance constituencies. Cal was Corporate Secretary of Georgia-Pacific Corporation when it was acquired by Koch Industries, Inc. in a deal valued at $21 billion. Cal\u0026rsquo;s practice also involves significant capital markets-related work and counseling regarding SEC reporting requirements.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCal co-leads King \u0026amp; Spalding\u0026rsquo;s Public Companies Practice Group and is recognized by\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eChambers USA\u003c/em\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eThe Best Lawyers in America\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLegal 500\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;as a leading lawyer in the Corporate/M\u0026amp;A/Governance categories. He also has been twice named a BTI Client Service All-Star, as well as a winner of Lexology\u0026rsquo;s U.S. Client Choice Award for M\u0026amp;A and General Corporate.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePresentations and Speaking Engagements\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresenter, \u0026ldquo;Understanding the \u0026ldquo;E\u0026rdquo; in ESG: What Public Company Directors Need to Know,\u0026rdquo; National Association of Corporate Directors, 2021 (Atlanta, GA)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCo-Chair, \u0026ldquo;Negotiated Corporate Acquisitions,\u0026rdquo; Georgia Bar/ICLE Seminar, 2016 (Atlanta, GA)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresenter, \u0026ldquo;Special Committee Overview: A Guide for Corporate Counsel,\u0026rdquo; Corporate Counsel Institute, December 2008 (Atlanta, GA)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresenter, \u0026ldquo;Corporate Governance Update\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;Form 8-K and other Disclosure Issues,\u0026rdquo; Glasser Legal Works' SEC Hot Topics Institute, Winter 2006 (Atlanta, GA)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresenter, \u0026ldquo;The Continuing Quest for the Risk-Free MD\u0026amp;A in the Sarbanes-Oxley Environment\u0026rdquo;, SEC Institute's 20th Annual National Reporting Conference, August and November, 2004 (San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresenter, \u0026ldquo;Accelerated and Enhanced 8-K Current Disclosure\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;Preparing the New MD\u0026amp;A\u0026rdquo;, Glasser Legal Works' SEC Hot Topics Institute Fall 2004 (Atlanta, GA)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Genuine Parts Company in its $1.3 billion acquisition of Kaman Distribution Group.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of CURO Group Holdings Corp. in its $360 million acquisition of Heights Finance.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of American First Finance Inc. in its $1.47 billion sale to FirstCash Inc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised Aaron's Holdings Company, Inc. in the spin-off of its Aaron's Business segment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Energizer in its $2 billion carve-out acquisition of Spectrum Brands\u0026rsquo; global battery business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of the special committee of the board of directors of comScore in activist campaign by Starboard Value.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. in its $1.8 billion sale to Restaurant Brands International, Inc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Lindsay Goldberg LLC affiliates Crown Paper Group Inc. and Golden West Packaging Group LLC in several strategic transactions including, most recently, Golden West\u0026rsquo;s acquisition of Heritage Solutions Inc., Capital Corrugated Inc., PackageOne Inc., Package Innovators Corporation and their co-owned captive sheet feeder, Cal Sheets LLC.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Mueller Water Products, Inc. in its $315 million sale of its Anvil International division.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. in a number of capital market transactions, totaling over $2.0 billion.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Ingersoll-Rand Corporation\u0026rsquo;s security business in its spin-off from Ingersoll-Rand.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Bowater Incorporated in its $8 billion merger with Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. and representation of AbitibiBowater Inc., in a number of financing transactions; including its issuance of $413 million of senior secured notes and a concurrent exchange offer of $293 million in senior unsecured notes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of The Home Depot, Inc. in multiple roll-up acquisitions since 2004.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Georgia-Pacific Corporation in numerous transactions including:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThe $810 million sale of Georgia-Pacific Corporation's building products distribution business to an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management L.P.;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThe $56 million sale of Georgia-Pacific Corporation's shortline railroads to Genesee \u0026amp; Wyoming Inc.;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThe $790 million sale by Georgia-Pacific Corporation of a controlling interest in Unisource Worldwide Inc. to an affiliate of Bain Capital Partners, LLC;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThe exchange of plywood plants and an oriented strand board plant between Georgia-Pacific Corporation and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThe spin-off and subsequent merger of Georgia-Pacific Corporation's timber business with Plum Creek Timber Company Inc.; and\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThe $850 million sale by Georgia-Pacific Corporation of a portion of its North American commercial tissue business to Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (Publ).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresentation of Gray Television, Inc. in the $515 million purchase of 15 television stations from Stations Holding Company Inc.\u003c/p\u003e"],"recognitions":[{"title":"2022 BTI Client Service All-Star","detail":"BTI, 2022"},{"title":"2018 BTI Client Service All-Star","detail":"BTI, 2018"},{"title":"Named by Chambers USA as one of the leading Corporate/M\u0026A lawyers in the State of Georgia","detail":""},{"title":"Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in Mergers \u0026 Acquisitions Law","detail":""},{"title":"Named a “BTI Client Service All-Star”","detail":""},{"title":"Winner of the U.S. Client Choice Award for M\u0026A and General Corporate as determined by International Law Office and Lexol","detail":""},{"title":"Selected as a Super Lawyer by Law \u0026 Politics and Atlanta Magazine for M\u0026A excellence","detail":""},{"title":"Named to Georgia Trend magazine's Legal Elite","detail":""},{"title":"Selected as one of the top 14 young Atlanta lawyers “On the Rise” by The Fulton County Daily Report","detail":""}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":5293}]},"capability_group_id":1},"created_at":"2025-09-02T04:51:51.000Z","updated_at":"2025-09-02T04:51:51.000Z","searchable_text":"Smith{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"2022 BTI Client Service All-Star\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"BTI, 2022\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"2018 BTI Client Service All-Star\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"BTI, 2018\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Named by Chambers USA as one of the leading Corporate/M\u0026amp;A lawyers in the State of Georgia\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in Mergers \u0026amp; Acquisitions Law\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Named a “BTI Client Service All-Star”\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Winner of the U.S. Client Choice Award for M\u0026amp;A and General Corporate as determined by International Law Office and Lexol\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Selected as a Super Lawyer by Law \u0026amp; Politics and Atlanta Magazine for M\u0026amp;A excellence\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Named to Georgia Trend magazine's Legal Elite\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Selected as one of the top 14 young Atlanta lawyers “On the Rise” by The Fulton County Daily Report\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"\"}{{ FIELD }}Representation of Genuine Parts Company in its $1.3 billion acquisition of Kaman Distribution Group.{{ FIELD }}Representation of CURO Group Holdings Corp. in its $360 million acquisition of Heights Finance.{{ FIELD }}Representation of American First Finance Inc. in its $1.47 billion sale to FirstCash Inc.{{ FIELD }}Advised Aaron's Holdings Company, Inc. in the spin-off of its Aaron's Business segment.{{ FIELD }}Representation of Energizer in its $2 billion carve-out acquisition of Spectrum Brands’ global battery business.{{ FIELD }}Representation of the special committee of the board of directors of comScore in activist campaign by Starboard Value.{{ FIELD }}Representation of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. in its $1.8 billion sale to Restaurant Brands International, Inc.{{ FIELD }}Representation of Lindsay Goldberg LLC affiliates Crown Paper Group Inc. and Golden West Packaging Group LLC in several strategic transactions including, most recently, Golden West’s acquisition of Heritage Solutions Inc., Capital Corrugated Inc., PackageOne Inc., Package Innovators Corporation and their co-owned captive sheet feeder, Cal Sheets LLC.{{ FIELD }}Representation of Mueller Water Products, Inc. in its $315 million sale of its Anvil International division.{{ FIELD }}Representation of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. in a number of capital market transactions, totaling over $2.0 billion.{{ FIELD }}Representation of Ingersoll-Rand Corporation’s security business in its spin-off from Ingersoll-Rand.{{ FIELD }}Representation of Bowater Incorporated in its $8 billion merger with Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. and representation of AbitibiBowater Inc., in a number of financing transactions; including its issuance of $413 million of senior secured notes and a concurrent exchange offer of $293 million in senior unsecured notes.{{ FIELD }}Representation of The Home Depot, Inc. in multiple roll-up acquisitions since 2004.{{ FIELD }}Representation of Georgia-Pacific Corporation in numerous transactions including:\nThe $810 million sale of Georgia-Pacific Corporation's building products distribution business to an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management L.P.;\nThe $56 million sale of Georgia-Pacific Corporation's shortline railroads to Genesee \u0026amp; Wyoming Inc.;\nThe $790 million sale by Georgia-Pacific Corporation of a controlling interest in Unisource Worldwide Inc. to an affiliate of Bain Capital Partners, LLC;\nThe exchange of plywood plants and an oriented strand board plant between Georgia-Pacific Corporation and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation;\nThe spin-off and subsequent merger of Georgia-Pacific Corporation's timber business with Plum Creek Timber Company Inc.; and\nThe $850 million sale by Georgia-Pacific Corporation of a portion of its North American commercial tissue business to Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (Publ).{{ FIELD }}Representation of Gray Television, Inc. in the $515 million purchase of 15 television stations from Stations Holding Company Inc.{{ FIELD }}For over 25 years, Cal Smith has advised companies and their boards of directors on numerous high profile M\u0026amp;A and other complex corporate transactions for public companies, including spin-offs, buyouts and other special situations.\nCal also has extensive experience counseling boards of directors, CEOs and other C-Suite executives with respect to shareholder and stakeholder activism, proxy fights and preparedness, takeover defense and corporate governance as well as fiduciary duties and risk oversight, including as to ESG, cybersecurity and engaging with institutional investors and other key governance constituencies. Cal was Corporate Secretary of Georgia-Pacific Corporation when it was acquired by Koch Industries, Inc. in a deal valued at $21 billion. Cal’s practice also involves significant capital markets-related work and counseling regarding SEC reporting requirements. \nCal co-leads King \u0026amp; Spalding’s Public Companies Practice Group and is recognized by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America and Legal 500 as a leading lawyer in the Corporate/M\u0026amp;A/Governance categories. He also has been twice named a BTI Client Service All-Star, as well as a winner of Lexology’s U.S. Client Choice Award for M\u0026amp;A and General Corporate.\nPresentations and Speaking Engagements\n\nPresenter, “Understanding the “E” in ESG: What Public Company Directors Need to Know,” National Association of Corporate Directors, 2021 (Atlanta, GA)\nCo-Chair, “Negotiated Corporate Acquisitions,” Georgia Bar/ICLE Seminar, 2016 (Atlanta, GA)\nPresenter, “Special Committee Overview: A Guide for Corporate Counsel,” Corporate Counsel Institute, December 2008 (Atlanta, GA)\nPresenter, “Corporate Governance Update” and “Form 8-K and other Disclosure Issues,” Glasser Legal Works' SEC Hot Topics Institute, Winter 2006 (Atlanta, GA)\nPresenter, “The Continuing Quest for the Risk-Free MD\u0026amp;A in the Sarbanes-Oxley Environment”, SEC Institute's 20th Annual National Reporting Conference, August and November, 2004 (San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA)\nPresenter, “Accelerated and Enhanced 8-K Current Disclosure” and “Preparing the New MD\u0026amp;A”, Glasser Legal Works' SEC Hot Topics Institute Fall 2004 (Atlanta, GA)\n Partner 2022 BTI Client Service All-Star BTI, 2022 2018 BTI Client Service All-Star BTI, 2018 Named by Chambers USA as one of the leading Corporate/M\u0026amp;A lawyers in the State of Georgia  Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in Mergers \u0026amp; Acquisitions Law  Named a “BTI Client Service All-Star”  Winner of the U.S. Client Choice Award for M\u0026amp;A and General Corporate as determined by International Law Office and Lexol  Selected as a Super Lawyer by Law \u0026amp; Politics and Atlanta Magazine for M\u0026amp;A excellence  Named to Georgia Trend magazine's Legal Elite  Selected as one of the top 14 young Atlanta lawyers “On the Rise” by The Fulton County Daily Report  Wake Forest University Wake Forest University School of Law Emory University Emory University School of Law Georgia State Bar of Georgia Atlanta Bar Association Representation of Genuine Parts Company in its $1.3 billion acquisition of Kaman Distribution Group. Representation of CURO Group Holdings Corp. in its $360 million acquisition of Heights Finance. Representation of American First Finance Inc. in its $1.47 billion sale to FirstCash Inc. Advised Aaron's Holdings Company, Inc. in the spin-off of its Aaron's Business segment. Representation of Energizer in its $2 billion carve-out acquisition of Spectrum Brands’ global battery business. Representation of the special committee of the board of directors of comScore in activist campaign by Starboard Value. Representation of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. in its $1.8 billion sale to Restaurant Brands International, Inc. Representation of Lindsay Goldberg LLC affiliates Crown Paper Group Inc. and Golden West Packaging Group LLC in several strategic transactions including, most recently, Golden West’s acquisition of Heritage Solutions Inc., Capital Corrugated Inc., PackageOne Inc., Package Innovators Corporation and their co-owned captive sheet feeder, Cal Sheets LLC. Representation of Mueller Water Products, Inc. in its $315 million sale of its Anvil International division. Representation of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. in a number of capital market transactions, totaling over $2.0 billion. Representation of Ingersoll-Rand Corporation’s security business in its spin-off from Ingersoll-Rand. Representation of Bowater Incorporated in its $8 billion merger with Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. and representation of AbitibiBowater Inc., in a number of financing transactions; including its issuance of $413 million of senior secured notes and a concurrent exchange offer of $293 million in senior unsecured notes. Representation of The Home Depot, Inc. in multiple roll-up acquisitions since 2004. Representation of Georgia-Pacific Corporation in numerous transactions including:\nThe $810 million sale of Georgia-Pacific Corporation's building products distribution business to an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management L.P.;\nThe $56 million sale of Georgia-Pacific Corporation's shortline railroads to Genesee \u0026amp; Wyoming Inc.;\nThe $790 million sale by Georgia-Pacific Corporation of a controlling interest in Unisource Worldwide Inc. to an affiliate of Bain Capital Partners, LLC;\nThe exchange of plywood plants and an oriented strand board plant between Georgia-Pacific Corporation and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation;\nThe spin-off and subsequent merger of Georgia-Pacific Corporation's timber business with Plum Creek Timber Company Inc.; and\nThe $850 million sale by Georgia-Pacific Corporation of a portion of its North American commercial tissue business to Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (Publ). Representation of Gray Television, Inc. in the $515 million purchase of 15 television stations from Stations Holding Company Inc.","searchable_name":"William C. Smith III (Cal)","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":101,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":442379,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":926,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eCynthia Stroman focuses on environmental, health and safety issues in administrative matters, transactions and litigation. A partner in our Environmental practice, Cynthia advises clients in matters concerning the risk, transportation and management of chemical substances in industrial and consumer products, as well as environmental, health and safety issues arising in transactional or energy project matters.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith scientific training and experience as a project manager and environmental engineer, Cynthia brings a unique perspective to her client work on environmental issues. She represents companies in environmentally sensitive industries with administrative proceedings, litigation and transactions involving environmental law.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCynthia frequently advises manufacturers and related companies on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Hazardous Materials Regulations, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and similar state and non-U.S. regulatory regimes concerning the risk, transportation and management of chemical substances throughout the supply chain.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCynthia also assists project proponents, investors and lenders in navigating EHS issues in transactions or the project authorization process, particularly concerning the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act and other NEPA-related statutes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on her background, Cynthia also helps clients to address complex scientific issues in litigation and administrative matters concerning risk assessment for, and exposure to, a range of hazardous substances, including polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), metals, criteria pollutants, solvents, radioactive materials, and chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCynthia has been named a Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer by\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eSuper Lawyers\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;magazine, and also has been cited by\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLegal 500\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;for her work on environmental transactional and regulatory matters.\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"cynthia-am-stroman","email":"cstroman@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":["\u003cp\u003eAssisting\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eproduct manufacturers and importers\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;with TSCA compliance and enforcement matters, including Section 6 risk evaluations under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCounseling\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003emanufacturers and distributors\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on FIFRA pesticide registration requirements, exemptions, and emerging pathogen claims for antimicrobial disinfectants, treated articles, and cleaning products.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvising\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003emanufacturers\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eand importers\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eon TSCA significant new use rules (SNURs), new chemicals submittals, import/export certifications, reporting and enforcement issues under the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) program, coordinating multiple submissions of product assessment studies to EPA under TSCA section 8(e), and counseling on applicability of protections for confidential business information (CBI).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCounseling\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003emultinational clients\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eon materials compliance management system design and auditing, and product stewardship program management.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCounseling\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eproduct manufacturers\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on warnings and \u0026ldquo;no significant risk level\u0026rdquo; requirements under California\u0026rsquo;s Proposition 65, advising companies regarding private party enforcement, and assessing adequacy of Proposition 65 support documentation for proposed listing of chemicals as carcinogens or reproductive hazards.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvising\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eclients nationwide\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on the safe transportation of hazardous materials (\u0026ldquo;hazmat\u0026rdquo;) across all modes, including highway, rail, aviation, marine and pipeline, under the Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Safety regulations of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as related international transportation of dangerous goods regimes (IATA, IMDG).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvising\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003edevelopers or other project participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on NEPA, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and other environmental, health and safety (EHS) considerations associated with natural gas projects, petrochemical facilities, LNG terminals, renewable energy facilities and pipelines.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAssisting\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eclients\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;with EHS issues in domestic and international transactions, including those involving natural gas production and transportation, LNG, petrochemicals, shale oil and gas, liquids terminals, chemicals, electrical power generation, as well as wind, solar, storage and other renewable energy assets.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvising\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eclients\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on PHMSA regulation of pipelines, including reactivation and abandonment, product changes, classification of hazardous liquids, and incident regulation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCounseling\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eclients\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on the regulatory status of potentially hazardous materials, including specific packaging and labeling requirements, under RCRA, DOT, OSHA and GHS and other international regimes, including EHS issues applicable to both hazardous and non-hazardous materials.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eProviding strategic advice on\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eEHS regulation of offshore facilities,\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;particularly concerning the intersection of EHS statutes and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting and advising\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003estakeholders\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein Magnuson-Stevens Act, NEPA, and other administrative proceedings regarding fisheries, protected species and related issues.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWorking with\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eclients\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on hazardous and solid waste management issues, including negotiating remediation contract provisions; assessing hazardous waste liability for product residuals, recyclables, and other materials; and evaluating waste management compliance and product stewardship programs.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePreparing\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eexpert witnesses\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in a number of scientific disciplines, including emissions testing and modeling, analytical chemistry, toxicology, epidemiology, industrial hygiene, hazard communications, product warnings, process engineering and chemistry; and preparing scientific and regulatory content in cases involving alleged exposures to PFAS, arsenic, beryllium, manganese, benzene, radioactive materials (including NORM), criteria pollutants, silica, PCBs, dioxins, furans, solvents, chlorinated hydrocarbons and various other substances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDeveloping successful\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003e\u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eDaubert\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;challenges\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;to testimony of plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; experts, achieving exclusion or narrowing of such experts\u0026rsquo; testimony; and preparing trial cross-examination of plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; experts.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWorking with\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003escientific experts\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on human health and ecological risk assessments in administrative proceedings and litigation, including developing and evaluating risk assessments, product stewardship strategies and scientific manuscripts in anticipation of litigation or regulatory proceedings.\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[{"id":141}]},"expertise":[{"id":71,"guid":"71.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":35,"guid":"35.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1206,"guid":"1206.smart_tags","index":2,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":127,"guid":"127.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":81,"guid":"81.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":16,"guid":"16.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":102,"guid":"102.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":106,"guid":"106.capabilities","index":7,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":105,"guid":"105.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":984,"guid":"984.smart_tags","index":9,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1508,"guid":"1508.smart_tags","index":10,"source":"smartTags"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Stroman","nick_name":"Cynthia","clerkships":[{"name":"Law Clerk, Hon. Emilio M. Garza, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit","years_held":"1994 -1995"}],"first_name":"Cynthia AM","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":202,"law_schools":[],"middle_name":" ","name_suffix":"","recognitions":[{"title":"Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer","detail":"Super Lawyers"},{"title":"Environmental Transactional","detail":"Legal 500"}],"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eCynthia Stroman focuses on environmental, health and safety issues in administrative matters, transactions and litigation. A partner in our Environmental practice, Cynthia advises clients in matters concerning the risk, transportation and management of chemical substances in industrial and consumer products, as well as environmental, health and safety issues arising in transactional or energy project matters.[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith scientific training and experience as a project manager and environmental engineer, Cynthia brings a unique perspective to her client work on environmental issues. She represents companies in environmentally sensitive industries with administrative proceedings, litigation and transactions involving environmental law.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCynthia frequently advises manufacturers and related companies on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Hazardous Materials Regulations, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and similar state and non-U.S. regulatory regimes concerning the risk, transportation and management of chemical substances throughout the supply chain.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCynthia also assists project proponents, investors and lenders in navigating EHS issues in transactions or the project authorization process, particularly concerning the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act and other NEPA-related statutes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on her background, Cynthia also helps clients to address complex scientific issues in litigation and administrative matters concerning risk assessment for, and exposure to, a range of hazardous substances, including polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), metals, criteria pollutants, solvents, radioactive materials, and chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCynthia has been named a Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer by\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eSuper Lawyers\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;magazine, and also has been cited by\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eLegal 500\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;for her work on environmental transactional and regulatory matters.\u003c/p\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003eAssisting\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eproduct manufacturers and importers\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;with TSCA compliance and enforcement matters, including Section 6 risk evaluations under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCounseling\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003emanufacturers and distributors\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on FIFRA pesticide registration requirements, exemptions, and emerging pathogen claims for antimicrobial disinfectants, treated articles, and cleaning products.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvising\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003emanufacturers\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eand importers\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eon TSCA significant new use rules (SNURs), new chemicals submittals, import/export certifications, reporting and enforcement issues under the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) program, coordinating multiple submissions of product assessment studies to EPA under TSCA section 8(e), and counseling on applicability of protections for confidential business information (CBI).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCounseling\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003emultinational clients\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eon materials compliance management system design and auditing, and product stewardship program management.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCounseling\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eproduct manufacturers\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on warnings and \u0026ldquo;no significant risk level\u0026rdquo; requirements under California\u0026rsquo;s Proposition 65, advising companies regarding private party enforcement, and assessing adequacy of Proposition 65 support documentation for proposed listing of chemicals as carcinogens or reproductive hazards.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvising\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eclients nationwide\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on the safe transportation of hazardous materials (\u0026ldquo;hazmat\u0026rdquo;) across all modes, including highway, rail, aviation, marine and pipeline, under the Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Safety regulations of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as related international transportation of dangerous goods regimes (IATA, IMDG).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvising\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003edevelopers or other project participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on NEPA, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and other environmental, health and safety (EHS) considerations associated with natural gas projects, petrochemical facilities, LNG terminals, renewable energy facilities and pipelines.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAssisting\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eclients\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;with EHS issues in domestic and international transactions, including those involving natural gas production and transportation, LNG, petrochemicals, shale oil and gas, liquids terminals, chemicals, electrical power generation, as well as wind, solar, storage and other renewable energy assets.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvising\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eclients\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on PHMSA regulation of pipelines, including reactivation and abandonment, product changes, classification of hazardous liquids, and incident regulation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCounseling\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eclients\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on the regulatory status of potentially hazardous materials, including specific packaging and labeling requirements, under RCRA, DOT, OSHA and GHS and other international regimes, including EHS issues applicable to both hazardous and non-hazardous materials.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eProviding strategic advice on\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003eEHS regulation of offshore facilities,\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;particularly concerning the intersection of EHS statutes and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresenting and advising\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003estakeholders\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein Magnuson-Stevens Act, NEPA, and other administrative proceedings regarding fisheries, protected species and related issues.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWorking with\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eclients\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on hazardous and solid waste management issues, including negotiating remediation contract provisions; assessing hazardous waste liability for product residuals, recyclables, and other materials; and evaluating waste management compliance and product stewardship programs.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePreparing\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eexpert witnesses\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in a number of scientific disciplines, including emissions testing and modeling, analytical chemistry, toxicology, epidemiology, industrial hygiene, hazard communications, product warnings, process engineering and chemistry; and preparing scientific and regulatory content in cases involving alleged exposures to PFAS, arsenic, beryllium, manganese, benzene, radioactive materials (including NORM), criteria pollutants, silica, PCBs, dioxins, furans, solvents, chlorinated hydrocarbons and various other substances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDeveloping successful\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003e\u003cem data-redactor-tag=\"em\"\u003eDaubert\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;challenges\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;to testimony of plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; experts, achieving exclusion or narrowing of such experts\u0026rsquo; testimony; and preparing trial cross-examination of plaintiffs\u0026rsquo; experts.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWorking with\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"\u003escientific experts\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on human health and ecological risk assessments in administrative proceedings and litigation, including developing and evaluating risk assessments, product stewardship strategies and scientific manuscripts in anticipation of litigation or regulatory proceedings.\u003c/p\u003e"],"recognitions":[{"title":"Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer","detail":"Super Lawyers"},{"title":"Environmental Transactional","detail":"Legal 500"}]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":1213}]},"capability_group_id":2},"created_at":"2025-11-05T05:03:52.000Z","updated_at":"2025-11-05T05:03:52.000Z","searchable_text":"Stroman{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Super Lawyers\"}{{ FIELD }}{:title=\u0026gt;\"Environmental Transactional\", :detail=\u0026gt;\"Legal 500\"}{{ FIELD }}Assisting product manufacturers and importers with TSCA compliance and enforcement matters, including Section 6 risk evaluations under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.{{ FIELD }}Counseling manufacturers and distributors on FIFRA pesticide registration requirements, exemptions, and emerging pathogen claims for antimicrobial disinfectants, treated articles, and cleaning products.{{ FIELD }}Advising manufacturers and importers on TSCA significant new use rules (SNURs), new chemicals submittals, import/export certifications, reporting and enforcement issues under the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) program, coordinating multiple submissions of product assessment studies to EPA under TSCA section 8(e), and counseling on applicability of protections for confidential business information (CBI).{{ FIELD }}Counseling multinational clients on materials compliance management system design and auditing, and product stewardship program management.{{ FIELD }}Counseling product manufacturers on warnings and “no significant risk level” requirements under California’s Proposition 65, advising companies regarding private party enforcement, and assessing adequacy of Proposition 65 support documentation for proposed listing of chemicals as carcinogens or reproductive hazards.{{ FIELD }}Advising clients nationwide on the safe transportation of hazardous materials (“hazmat”) across all modes, including highway, rail, aviation, marine and pipeline, under the Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Safety regulations of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as related international transportation of dangerous goods regimes (IATA, IMDG).{{ FIELD }}Advising developers or other project participants on NEPA, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and other environmental, health and safety (EHS) considerations associated with natural gas projects, petrochemical facilities, LNG terminals, renewable energy facilities and pipelines.{{ FIELD }}Assisting clients with EHS issues in domestic and international transactions, including those involving natural gas production and transportation, LNG, petrochemicals, shale oil and gas, liquids terminals, chemicals, electrical power generation, as well as wind, solar, storage and other renewable energy assets.{{ FIELD }}Advising clients on PHMSA regulation of pipelines, including reactivation and abandonment, product changes, classification of hazardous liquids, and incident regulation.{{ FIELD }}Counseling clients on the regulatory status of potentially hazardous materials, including specific packaging and labeling requirements, under RCRA, DOT, OSHA and GHS and other international regimes, including EHS issues applicable to both hazardous and non-hazardous materials.{{ FIELD }}Providing strategic advice on EHS regulation of offshore facilities, particularly concerning the intersection of EHS statutes and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.{{ FIELD }}Representing and advising stakeholders in Magnuson-Stevens Act, NEPA, and other administrative proceedings regarding fisheries, protected species and related issues.{{ FIELD }}Working with clients on hazardous and solid waste management issues, including negotiating remediation contract provisions; assessing hazardous waste liability for product residuals, recyclables, and other materials; and evaluating waste management compliance and product stewardship programs.{{ FIELD }}Preparing expert witnesses in a number of scientific disciplines, including emissions testing and modeling, analytical chemistry, toxicology, epidemiology, industrial hygiene, hazard communications, product warnings, process engineering and chemistry; and preparing scientific and regulatory content in cases involving alleged exposures to PFAS, arsenic, beryllium, manganese, benzene, radioactive materials (including NORM), criteria pollutants, silica, PCBs, dioxins, furans, solvents, chlorinated hydrocarbons and various other substances.{{ FIELD }}Developing successful Daubert challenges to testimony of plaintiffs’ experts, achieving exclusion or narrowing of such experts’ testimony; and preparing trial cross-examination of plaintiffs’ experts.{{ FIELD }}Working with scientific experts on human health and ecological risk assessments in administrative proceedings and litigation, including developing and evaluating risk assessments, product stewardship strategies and scientific manuscripts in anticipation of litigation or regulatory proceedings.{{ FIELD }}Cynthia Stroman focuses on environmental, health and safety issues in administrative matters, transactions and litigation. A partner in our Environmental practice, Cynthia advises clients in matters concerning the risk, transportation and management of chemical substances in industrial and consumer products, as well as environmental, health and safety issues arising in transactional or energy project matters.\nWith scientific training and experience as a project manager and environmental engineer, Cynthia brings a unique perspective to her client work on environmental issues. She represents companies in environmentally sensitive industries with administrative proceedings, litigation and transactions involving environmental law.\nCynthia frequently advises manufacturers and related companies on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Hazardous Materials Regulations, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and similar state and non-U.S. regulatory regimes concerning the risk, transportation and management of chemical substances throughout the supply chain.\nCynthia also assists project proponents, investors and lenders in navigating EHS issues in transactions or the project authorization process, particularly concerning the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act and other NEPA-related statutes.\nDrawing on her background, Cynthia also helps clients to address complex scientific issues in litigation and administrative matters concerning risk assessment for, and exposure to, a range of hazardous substances, including polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), metals, criteria pollutants, solvents, radioactive materials, and chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons.\nCynthia has been named a Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers magazine, and also has been cited by Legal 500 for her work on environmental transactional and regulatory matters. Cynthia AM Stroman Partner Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer Super Lawyers Environmental Transactional Legal 500 Cornell University Cornell Law School University of Michigan University of Michigan Law School District of Columbia Maryland Texas American Bar Association District of Columbia Bar Association State Bar of Texas (Environmental \u0026amp; Natural Resources Section) Maryland State Bar Association Law Clerk, Hon. Emilio M. Garza, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Assisting product manufacturers and importers with TSCA compliance and enforcement matters, including Section 6 risk evaluations under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. Counseling manufacturers and distributors on FIFRA pesticide registration requirements, exemptions, and emerging pathogen claims for antimicrobial disinfectants, treated articles, and cleaning products. Advising manufacturers and importers on TSCA significant new use rules (SNURs), new chemicals submittals, import/export certifications, reporting and enforcement issues under the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) program, coordinating multiple submissions of product assessment studies to EPA under TSCA section 8(e), and counseling on applicability of protections for confidential business information (CBI). Counseling multinational clients on materials compliance management system design and auditing, and product stewardship program management. Counseling product manufacturers on warnings and “no significant risk level” requirements under California’s Proposition 65, advising companies regarding private party enforcement, and assessing adequacy of Proposition 65 support documentation for proposed listing of chemicals as carcinogens or reproductive hazards. Advising clients nationwide on the safe transportation of hazardous materials (“hazmat”) across all modes, including highway, rail, aviation, marine and pipeline, under the Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Safety regulations of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as related international transportation of dangerous goods regimes (IATA, IMDG). Advising developers or other project participants on NEPA, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and other environmental, health and safety (EHS) considerations associated with natural gas projects, petrochemical facilities, LNG terminals, renewable energy facilities and pipelines. Assisting clients with EHS issues in domestic and international transactions, including those involving natural gas production and transportation, LNG, petrochemicals, shale oil and gas, liquids terminals, chemicals, electrical power generation, as well as wind, solar, storage and other renewable energy assets. Advising clients on PHMSA regulation of pipelines, including reactivation and abandonment, product changes, classification of hazardous liquids, and incident regulation. Counseling clients on the regulatory status of potentially hazardous materials, including specific packaging and labeling requirements, under RCRA, DOT, OSHA and GHS and other international regimes, including EHS issues applicable to both hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Providing strategic advice on EHS regulation of offshore facilities, particularly concerning the intersection of EHS statutes and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Representing and advising stakeholders in Magnuson-Stevens Act, NEPA, and other administrative proceedings regarding fisheries, protected species and related issues. Working with clients on hazardous and solid waste management issues, including negotiating remediation contract provisions; assessing hazardous waste liability for product residuals, recyclables, and other materials; and evaluating waste management compliance and product stewardship programs. Preparing expert witnesses in a number of scientific disciplines, including emissions testing and modeling, analytical chemistry, toxicology, epidemiology, industrial hygiene, hazard communications, product warnings, process engineering and chemistry; and preparing scientific and regulatory content in cases involving alleged exposures to PFAS, arsenic, beryllium, manganese, benzene, radioactive materials (including NORM), criteria pollutants, silica, PCBs, dioxins, furans, solvents, chlorinated hydrocarbons and various other substances. Developing successful Daubert challenges to testimony of plaintiffs’ experts, achieving exclusion or narrowing of such experts’ testimony; and preparing trial cross-examination of plaintiffs’ experts. Working with scientific experts on human health and ecological risk assessments in administrative proceedings and litigation, including developing and evaluating risk assessments, product stewardship strategies and scientific manuscripts in anticipation of litigation or regulatory proceedings.","searchable_name":"Cynthia AM Stroman (Cynthia)","is_active":true,"featured":null,"publish_date":null,"expiration_date":null,"blog_featured":null,"published_by":202,"capability_group_featured":null,"home_page_featured":null},{"id":442351,"version":1,"owner_type":"Person","owner_id":716,"payload":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eKeith Townsend specializes in representing public and private companies with respect to mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions and governance matters. \u0026nbsp;Keith co-leads King \u0026amp; Spalding\u0026rsquo;s Global Corporate Practice. \u0026nbsp;In addition, Keith serves on our Managing Policy Committee. \u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeith has substantial experience working on a broad range of public company M\u0026amp;A transactions, including stock-for-stock strategic mergers, tender offers, spin-offs, cross-border transactions, statutory cash mergers and divestitures, and SPAC mergers. In addition, Keith has significant experience representing special committees in connection with going private and other conflict of interest transactions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeith also has significant experience representing issuers in IPOs and offerings of debt, preferred stock and hybrid securities. Specifically, Keith\u0026rsquo;s capital markets experience includes initial public offerings, secondary offerings, \u0026ldquo;shelf\u0026rdquo; offerings, \u0026ldquo;at-the-market\u0026rdquo; offerings and Rule 144A offerings, as well as private placement transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, consent solicitations and other corporate reorganization and liability management transactions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeith has extensive experience in advising boards and the C-suite for public company clients on governance issues, Securities and Exchange Commission reporting and disclosure requirements, activism and other corporate and securities matters.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeith has been recognized by Chambers USA, Legal 500, M\u0026amp;A Advisor, Super Lawyers, IFLR and Lawdragon. Keith has also been recognized by Best Lawyers for his expertise in Corporate Governance Law, Mergers \u0026amp; Acquisitions Law and Securities and Capital Markets Law, noting that he received Best Lawyers\u0026rsquo; 2025 \u0026ldquo;Lawyer of the Year\u0026rdquo; award for his work in Securities and Capital Markets Law. In addition, Keith was named Most Effective Deal-Maker by the Daily Report and recognized by BTI Consulting Group as a Client Service All-Star.\u003c/p\u003e","slug":"keith-townsend","email":"ktownsend@kslaw.com","phone":null,"matters":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eM\u0026amp;A\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvised \u003cstrong\u003eKodiak Gas\u003c/strong\u003e in its acquisition of CSI Compresso LP in an all-stock merger valued at approximately $854 million\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u003cstrong\u003e EVE Partners\u003c/strong\u003e in connection with the merger of its portfolio company Omni Logistics with Forward Air Corporation in a cash-and-stock transaction\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised \u003cstrong\u003eMativ Holdings, Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e in the sale of its Engineered Papers business\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised \u003cstrong\u003eUS Xpress\u003c/strong\u003e in $800 million sale to Knight-Swift\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eEvo Payments\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $4 billion sale to Global Payments\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised \u003cstrong\u003eExterran Corp.\u003c/strong\u003e in $1.5 billion merger with Enerflex Ltd.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eMastercraft Boats\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with the acquisition of Nauticstar\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSchweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $3 billion merger of equals with Neenah Inc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eMailchimp\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $12 billion acquisition by Intuit\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eRiverview Acquisition Corp.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on its $1.1 billion SPAC merger with Westrock Coffee\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSharecare\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein $3.8 billion SPAC merger with Falcon Capital Acquisition Corp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eArbor Pharmaceuticals\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein connection with merger with Azurity Pharmaceuticals\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSweetwater Sound\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in its sale to Providence Equity Partners\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGreat American Outdoors Group\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;(parent of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela\u0026rsquo;s) in proposed take private of Sportsman\u0026rsquo;s Warehouse\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eZaxby\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in sale of stake to Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eLightning eMotors\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $800 million SPAC merger with Gig Capital 3\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003e21st Century Oncology\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with $1.5 billion sale to GenesisCare\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eXerox\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in unsolicited offer and proxy contest for HP Inc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eColumbia Properties\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with $100 million acquisition of Normandy Real Estate Management\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTotal System Services, Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $54 billion merger of equals with Global Payments\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTransocean\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $2.7 billion acquisition of Ocean Rig\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTransocean\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $3.4 billion cross border acquisition of Songa Offshore\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eConocoPhillips\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with $13.3 billion sale of Western Canada assets to Cenovus Energy\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eEndochoice\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $210 million sale to Boston Scientific\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ePost Properties\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $17 billion merger with Mid-America Apartment Communities\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTotal System Services\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein its $2.3 billion acquisition of Transfirst\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eHanesbrands\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with $600 million acquisition of Maidenform Brands, Inc. and $225 million acquisition of Gear For Sports\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Novelis\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein connection with its sale to Hindalco Industries for $6 billion\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCapital Markets and Liability Management\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eMillicom International Cellular S.A.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on $450 million senior notes offering\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral Motors\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with $10 billion multi-tranche Accelerated Share Repurchase Program\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eConocoPhillips\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $2.7 billion notes offering with SMR feature to fund Surmont acquisition\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCox Communications, Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multiple offerings of over $2.5 billion of senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSatellogic Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in offer of floating rate convertible secured notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ePiedmont\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $400 million notes offering and $200 million \u0026ldquo;tack on\u0026rdquo; offering\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTruist\u003c/strong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eBofA\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026amp;\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eWells\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eFargo\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $1.2 billion inaugural notes offering for Heico Corp to fund a material acquisition\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eNautilus, Inc.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein connection with registered direct offering\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eConocoPhillips\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $1.1 billion notes offering and concurrent waterfall tender offer for 7 series of outstanding notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTrane Technologies\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein $700 million inaugural post-spin notes offering\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral Motors\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in completing the offering of $2.25 billion aggregate principal amount \"green bonds\" consisting of $1 billion senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eConocoPhillips\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on private exchange offers over $3 billion of notes and on multiple cash tender offers for multiple tranches of debt aggregating over $5 billion\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWorked with sponsors on multiple SPAC IPOs, including $250 million IPO of\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eRiverview Acquisition Corp.\u003c/strong\u003e,\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e$200 million IPO of\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eBOA Acquisition Corp.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eand $625 million IPO of HCM Acquisition Corp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented BofA Securities and several other Initial Purchasers in\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eBlueLinx Holdings\u0026rsquo;\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;unregistered offering of $300 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eThe RealReal\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on $250 million offering of convertible senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGenuine Parts\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on $500 million offering of senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eXerox\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein multiple offerings of over $1.7 billion of senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral Motors\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multi-tranche $4 billion notes offering\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eUnited Parcel Service\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multiple offerings of over $12 billion of senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eIFM Investors\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $275 million senior secured notes offering\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eEVO Payments Inc.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein a $250 million \u0026ldquo;Up-C\u0026rdquo; IPO, multiple secondary offerings of approximately $350 million and $150 million preferred stock investment by Madison Dearborn Partners\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJW Aluminum\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with the issue of $300 million of senior secured notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eAmericold Realty Trust\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with its $942 million IPO\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eEndochoice\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in its $100 million IPO\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eMastercraft Boats\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with multiple following offerings\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eNivalis Therapeutics\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in its $88.5 million IPO\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eWingstop\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in its $125 million IPO and multiple follow on offerings\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCarter\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multiple offerings of notes in excess of $1 billion\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSunTrust Banks, Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in various securities offerings, including: public offerings of $2.5 billion of common stock, over $1.5 billion of preferred stock, over $2.0 billion of trust preferred and other hybrid securities and over $4.0 billion of senior notes; and in a private offering for approximately $575 million under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented underwriters\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eRaymond James\u003c/strong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCitigroup\u003c/strong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eStifel\u003c/strong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eRBC Capital Markets\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;and other underwriters in CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc.\u0026rsquo;s $140 million IPO and multiple follow on offerings raising proceeds in excess of $250 million\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eColonial Pipeline\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein multiple offerings of notes raising proceeds in excess of $2 billion\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eMorgan Stanley\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eRaymond James\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an underwritten public offering by Rayonier in connection with an acquisition with a gross transaction value of more than $300 million\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eBrigade Capital\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with Guitar Center\u0026rsquo;s exchange offer and consent solicitation for $325 million of outstanding senior notes and related support agreement\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ePost Properties, Inc.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein multiple offerings of senior notes for aggregate proceeds of approximately $785 million, a common stock offering for aggregate proceeds of approximately $75 million and in a tender offer for $150 million of senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJack Cooper\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with multiple liability management transactions, including private exchange offer transactions for an aggregate of approximately $525 million of outstanding senior secured notes and PIK Toggle notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eNovelis Corporation\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with multiple offerings of over $3.5 billion of senior notes and related tender offers and liability management transactions\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eAcuity Brands\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with multiple offerings of senior notes raising proceeds of over $850 million\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGeorgia Pacific\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with multiple offers of senior notes for aggregate proceeds in excess of $2 billion\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTotal System Services\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multiple offerings of service notes raising proceeds in excess of $3.5 billion\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eHanesbrands\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with multiple offerings of over $1.4 billion of senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCousins Properties, Post Properties, CatchMark Timber Trust\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ePiedmont\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multiple offerings of senior notes and in \u0026ldquo;at-the-market\u0026rdquo; equity offering programs\u003c/p\u003e"],"taggings":{"tags":[],"meta_tags":[{"id":259}]},"expertise":[{"id":75,"guid":"75.capabilities","index":0,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":26,"guid":"26.capabilities","index":1,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":27,"guid":"27.capabilities","index":2,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":29,"guid":"29.capabilities","index":3,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":107,"guid":"107.capabilities","index":4,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":103,"guid":"103.capabilities","index":5,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":80,"guid":"80.capabilities","index":6,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":72,"guid":"72.capabilities","index":7,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":106,"guid":"106.capabilities","index":8,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":984,"guid":"984.smart_tags","index":9,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":114,"guid":"114.capabilities","index":10,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":111,"guid":"111.capabilities","index":11,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":115,"guid":"115.capabilities","index":12,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1140,"guid":"1140.smart_tags","index":13,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1141,"guid":"1141.smart_tags","index":14,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":118,"guid":"118.capabilities","index":15,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1184,"guid":"1184.smart_tags","index":16,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1192,"guid":"1192.smart_tags","index":17,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":123,"guid":"123.capabilities","index":18,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1202,"guid":"1202.smart_tags","index":19,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":126,"guid":"126.capabilities","index":20,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1220,"guid":"1220.smart_tags","index":21,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":127,"guid":"127.capabilities","index":22,"source":"capabilities"},{"id":1255,"guid":"1255.smart_tags","index":23,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":1261,"guid":"1261.smart_tags","index":24,"source":"smartTags"},{"id":133,"guid":"133.capabilities","index":25,"source":"capabilities"}],"is_active":true,"last_name":"Townsend","nick_name":"Keith","clerkships":[],"first_name":"Keith","title_rank":9999,"updated_by":202,"law_schools":[],"middle_name":"M.","name_suffix":"","recognitions":null,"linked_in_url":null,"seodescription":null,"primary_title_id":15,"translated_fields":{"en":{"bio":"\u003cp\u003eKeith Townsend specializes in representing public and private companies with respect to mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions and governance matters. \u0026nbsp;Keith co-leads King \u0026amp; Spalding\u0026rsquo;s Global Corporate Practice. \u0026nbsp;In addition, Keith serves on our Managing Policy Committee. \u0026nbsp;[[--readmore--]]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeith has substantial experience working on a broad range of public company M\u0026amp;A transactions, including stock-for-stock strategic mergers, tender offers, spin-offs, cross-border transactions, statutory cash mergers and divestitures, and SPAC mergers. In addition, Keith has significant experience representing special committees in connection with going private and other conflict of interest transactions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeith also has significant experience representing issuers in IPOs and offerings of debt, preferred stock and hybrid securities. Specifically, Keith\u0026rsquo;s capital markets experience includes initial public offerings, secondary offerings, \u0026ldquo;shelf\u0026rdquo; offerings, \u0026ldquo;at-the-market\u0026rdquo; offerings and Rule 144A offerings, as well as private placement transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, consent solicitations and other corporate reorganization and liability management transactions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeith has extensive experience in advising boards and the C-suite for public company clients on governance issues, Securities and Exchange Commission reporting and disclosure requirements, activism and other corporate and securities matters.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeith has been recognized by Chambers USA, Legal 500, M\u0026amp;A Advisor, Super Lawyers, IFLR and Lawdragon. Keith has also been recognized by Best Lawyers for his expertise in Corporate Governance Law, Mergers \u0026amp; Acquisitions Law and Securities and Capital Markets Law, noting that he received Best Lawyers\u0026rsquo; 2025 \u0026ldquo;Lawyer of the Year\u0026rdquo; award for his work in Securities and Capital Markets Law. In addition, Keith was named Most Effective Deal-Maker by the Daily Report and recognized by BTI Consulting Group as a Client Service All-Star.\u003c/p\u003e","matters":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eM\u0026amp;A\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvised \u003cstrong\u003eKodiak Gas\u003c/strong\u003e in its acquisition of CSI Compresso LP in an all-stock merger valued at approximately $854 million\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u003cstrong\u003e EVE Partners\u003c/strong\u003e in connection with the merger of its portfolio company Omni Logistics with Forward Air Corporation in a cash-and-stock transaction\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised \u003cstrong\u003eMativ Holdings, Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e in the sale of its Engineered Papers business\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised \u003cstrong\u003eUS Xpress\u003c/strong\u003e in $800 million sale to Knight-Swift\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eEvo Payments\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $4 billion sale to Global Payments\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised \u003cstrong\u003eExterran Corp.\u003c/strong\u003e in $1.5 billion merger with Enerflex Ltd.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eMastercraft Boats\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with the acquisition of Nauticstar\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSchweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $3 billion merger of equals with Neenah Inc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eMailchimp\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $12 billion acquisition by Intuit\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eRiverview Acquisition Corp.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on its $1.1 billion SPAC merger with Westrock Coffee\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSharecare\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein $3.8 billion SPAC merger with Falcon Capital Acquisition Corp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eArbor Pharmaceuticals\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein connection with merger with Azurity Pharmaceuticals\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSweetwater Sound\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in its sale to Providence Equity Partners\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGreat American Outdoors Group\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;(parent of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela\u0026rsquo;s) in proposed take private of Sportsman\u0026rsquo;s Warehouse\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eZaxby\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in sale of stake to Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eLightning eMotors\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $800 million SPAC merger with Gig Capital 3\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003e21st Century Oncology\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with $1.5 billion sale to GenesisCare\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eXerox\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in unsolicited offer and proxy contest for HP Inc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eColumbia Properties\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with $100 million acquisition of Normandy Real Estate Management\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTotal System Services, Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $54 billion merger of equals with Global Payments\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTransocean\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $2.7 billion acquisition of Ocean Rig\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTransocean\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $3.4 billion cross border acquisition of Songa Offshore\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eConocoPhillips\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with $13.3 billion sale of Western Canada assets to Cenovus Energy\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eEndochoice\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $210 million sale to Boston Scientific\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ePost Properties\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $17 billion merger with Mid-America Apartment Communities\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTotal System Services\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein its $2.3 billion acquisition of Transfirst\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eHanesbrands\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with $600 million acquisition of Maidenform Brands, Inc. and $225 million acquisition of Gear For Sports\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Novelis\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein connection with its sale to Hindalco Industries for $6 billion\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCapital Markets and Liability Management\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eMillicom International Cellular S.A.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on $450 million senior notes offering\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral Motors\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with $10 billion multi-tranche Accelerated Share Repurchase Program\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eConocoPhillips\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $2.7 billion notes offering with SMR feature to fund Surmont acquisition\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCox Communications, Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multiple offerings of over $2.5 billion of senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSatellogic Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in offer of floating rate convertible secured notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ePiedmont\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $400 million notes offering and $200 million \u0026ldquo;tack on\u0026rdquo; offering\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTruist\u003c/strong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eBofA\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026amp;\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eWells\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eFargo\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $1.2 billion inaugural notes offering for Heico Corp to fund a material acquisition\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eNautilus, Inc.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein connection with registered direct offering\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eConocoPhillips\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $1.1 billion notes offering and concurrent waterfall tender offer for 7 series of outstanding notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTrane Technologies\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein $700 million inaugural post-spin notes offering\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral Motors\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in completing the offering of $2.25 billion aggregate principal amount \"green bonds\" consisting of $1 billion senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eConocoPhillips\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on private exchange offers over $3 billion of notes and on multiple cash tender offers for multiple tranches of debt aggregating over $5 billion\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWorked with sponsors on multiple SPAC IPOs, including $250 million IPO of\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eRiverview Acquisition Corp.\u003c/strong\u003e,\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e$200 million IPO of\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eBOA Acquisition Corp.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eand $625 million IPO of HCM Acquisition Corp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented BofA Securities and several other Initial Purchasers in\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eBlueLinx Holdings\u0026rsquo;\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;unregistered offering of $300 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eThe RealReal\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on $250 million offering of convertible senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGenuine Parts\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;on $500 million offering of senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eXerox\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein multiple offerings of over $1.7 billion of senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral Motors\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multi-tranche $4 billion notes offering\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eUnited Parcel Service\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multiple offerings of over $12 billion of senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eIFM Investors\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in $275 million senior secured notes offering\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eEVO Payments Inc.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein a $250 million \u0026ldquo;Up-C\u0026rdquo; IPO, multiple secondary offerings of approximately $350 million and $150 million preferred stock investment by Madison Dearborn Partners\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJW Aluminum\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with the issue of $300 million of senior secured notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eAmericold Realty Trust\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with its $942 million IPO\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eEndochoice\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in its $100 million IPO\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eMastercraft Boats\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with multiple following offerings\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eNivalis Therapeutics\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in its $88.5 million IPO\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eWingstop\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in its $125 million IPO and multiple follow on offerings\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCarter\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multiple offerings of notes in excess of $1 billion\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSunTrust Banks, Inc.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in various securities offerings, including: public offerings of $2.5 billion of common stock, over $1.5 billion of preferred stock, over $2.0 billion of trust preferred and other hybrid securities and over $4.0 billion of senior notes; and in a private offering for approximately $575 million under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented underwriters\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eRaymond James\u003c/strong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCitigroup\u003c/strong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eStifel\u003c/strong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eRBC Capital Markets\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;and other underwriters in CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc.\u0026rsquo;s $140 million IPO and multiple follow on offerings raising proceeds in excess of $250 million\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eColonial Pipeline\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein multiple offerings of notes raising proceeds in excess of $2 billion\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eMorgan Stanley\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eRaymond James\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in an underwritten public offering by Rayonier in connection with an acquisition with a gross transaction value of more than $300 million\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdvised\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eBrigade Capital\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with Guitar Center\u0026rsquo;s exchange offer and consent solicitation for $325 million of outstanding senior notes and related support agreement\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ePost Properties, Inc.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ein multiple offerings of senior notes for aggregate proceeds of approximately $785 million, a common stock offering for aggregate proceeds of approximately $75 million and in a tender offer for $150 million of senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJack Cooper\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with multiple liability management transactions, including private exchange offer transactions for an aggregate of approximately $525 million of outstanding senior secured notes and PIK Toggle notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eNovelis Corporation\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with multiple offerings of over $3.5 billion of senior notes and related tender offers and liability management transactions\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eAcuity Brands\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with multiple offerings of senior notes raising proceeds of over $850 million\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eGeorgia Pacific\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with multiple offers of senior notes for aggregate proceeds in excess of $2 billion\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTotal System Services\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multiple offerings of service notes raising proceeds in excess of $3.5 billion\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eHanesbrands\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in connection with multiple offerings of over $1.4 billion of senior notes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRepresented\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCousins Properties, Post Properties, CatchMark Timber Trust\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ePiedmont\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;in multiple offerings of senior notes and in \u0026ldquo;at-the-market\u0026rdquo; equity offering programs\u003c/p\u003e"]},"locales":["en"]},"secondary_title_id":null,"upload_assignments":{"headshot":[{"id":11831}]},"capability_group_id":1},"created_at":"2025-11-05T05:03:11.000Z","updated_at":"2025-11-05T05:03:11.000Z","searchable_text":"Townsend{{ FIELD }}M\u0026amp;A\nAdvised Kodiak Gas in its acquisition of CSI Compresso LP in an all-stock merger valued at approximately $854 million{{ FIELD }}Advised EVE Partners in connection with the merger of its portfolio company Omni Logistics with Forward Air Corporation in a cash-and-stock transaction{{ FIELD }}Advised Mativ Holdings, Inc. in the sale of its Engineered Papers business{{ FIELD }}Advised US Xpress in $800 million sale to Knight-Swift{{ FIELD }}Advised Evo Payments in $4 billion sale to Global Payments{{ FIELD }}Advised Exterran Corp. in $1.5 billion merger with Enerflex Ltd.{{ FIELD }}Represented Mastercraft Boats in connection with the acquisition of Nauticstar{{ FIELD }}Advised Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. in $3 billion merger of equals with Neenah Inc.{{ FIELD }}Advised Mailchimp in $12 billion acquisition by Intuit{{ FIELD }}Advised Riverview Acquisition Corp. on its $1.1 billion SPAC merger with Westrock Coffee{{ FIELD }}Represented Sharecare in $3.8 billion SPAC merger with Falcon Capital Acquisition Corp.{{ FIELD }}Advised Arbor Pharmaceuticals in connection with merger with Azurity Pharmaceuticals{{ FIELD }}Advised Sweetwater Sound in its sale to Providence Equity Partners{{ FIELD }}Represented Great American Outdoors Group (parent of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s) in proposed take private of Sportsman’s Warehouse{{ FIELD }}Advised Zaxby’s in sale of stake to Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division{{ FIELD }}Represented Lightning eMotors in $800 million SPAC merger with Gig Capital 3{{ FIELD }}Advised 21st Century Oncology in connection with $1.5 billion sale to GenesisCare{{ FIELD }}Represented Xerox in unsolicited offer and proxy contest for HP Inc.{{ FIELD }}Advised Columbia Properties in connection with $100 million acquisition of Normandy Real Estate Management{{ FIELD }}Advised Total System Services, Inc. in $54 billion merger of equals with Global Payments{{ FIELD }}Represented Transocean in $2.7 billion acquisition of Ocean Rig{{ FIELD }}Represented Transocean in $3.4 billion cross border acquisition of Songa Offshore{{ FIELD }}Represented ConocoPhillips in connection with $13.3 billion sale of Western Canada assets to Cenovus Energy{{ FIELD }}Represented Endochoice in $210 million sale to Boston Scientific{{ FIELD }}Represented Post Properties in $17 billion merger with Mid-America Apartment Communities{{ FIELD }}Advised Total System Services in its $2.3 billion acquisition of Transfirst{{ FIELD }}Represented Hanesbrands in connection with $600 million acquisition of Maidenform Brands, Inc. and $225 million acquisition of Gear For Sports{{ FIELD }}Represented Novelis in connection with its sale to Hindalco Industries for $6 billion{{ FIELD }}Capital Markets and Liability Management\nRepresented Millicom International Cellular S.A. on $450 million senior notes offering{{ FIELD }}Represented General Motors in connection with $10 billion multi-tranche Accelerated Share Repurchase Program{{ FIELD }}Represented ConocoPhillips in $2.7 billion notes offering with SMR feature to fund Surmont acquisition{{ FIELD }}Represented Cox Communications, Inc. in multiple offerings of over $2.5 billion of senior notes{{ FIELD }}Represented Satellogic Inc. in offer of floating rate convertible secured notes{{ FIELD }}Represented Piedmont in $400 million notes offering and $200 million “tack on” offering{{ FIELD }}Represented Truist, BofA \u0026amp; Wells Fargo in $1.2 billion inaugural notes offering for Heico Corp to fund a material acquisition{{ FIELD }}Represented Nautilus, Inc. in connection with registered direct offering{{ FIELD }}Represented ConocoPhillips in $1.1 billion notes offering and concurrent waterfall tender offer for 7 series of outstanding notes{{ FIELD }}Represented Trane Technologies in $700 million inaugural post-spin notes offering{{ FIELD }}Represented General Motors in completing the offering of $2.25 billion aggregate principal amount \"green bonds\" consisting of $1 billion senior notes{{ FIELD }}Represented ConocoPhillips on private exchange offers over $3 billion of notes and on multiple cash tender offers for multiple tranches of debt aggregating over $5 billion{{ FIELD }}Worked with sponsors on multiple SPAC IPOs, including $250 million IPO of Riverview Acquisition Corp., $200 million IPO of BOA Acquisition Corp. and $625 million IPO of HCM Acquisition Corp.{{ FIELD }}Represented BofA Securities and several other Initial Purchasers in BlueLinx Holdings’ unregistered offering of $300 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes{{ FIELD }}Represented The RealReal on $250 million offering of convertible senior notes{{ FIELD }}Advised Genuine Parts on $500 million offering of senior notes{{ FIELD }}Represented Xerox in multiple offerings of over $1.7 billion of senior notes{{ FIELD }}Represented General Motors in multi-tranche $4 billion notes offering{{ FIELD }}Represented United Parcel Service in multiple offerings of over $12 billion of senior notes{{ FIELD }}Represented IFM Investors in $275 million senior secured notes offering{{ FIELD }}Represented EVO Payments Inc. in a $250 million “Up-C” IPO, multiple secondary offerings of approximately $350 million and $150 million preferred stock investment by Madison Dearborn Partners{{ FIELD }}Represented JW Aluminum in connection with the issue of $300 million of senior secured notes{{ FIELD }}Represented Americold Realty Trust in connection with its $942 million IPO{{ FIELD }}Represented Endochoice in its $100 million IPO{{ FIELD }}Represented Mastercraft Boats in connection with multiple following offerings{{ FIELD }}Advised Nivalis Therapeutics in its $88.5 million IPO{{ FIELD }}Represented Wingstop in its $125 million IPO and multiple follow on offerings{{ FIELD }}Represented Carter’s in multiple offerings of notes in excess of $1 billion{{ FIELD }}Represented SunTrust Banks, Inc. in various securities offerings, including: public offerings of $2.5 billion of common stock, over $1.5 billion of preferred stock, over $2.0 billion of trust preferred and other hybrid securities and over $4.0 billion of senior notes; and in a private offering for approximately $575 million under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program{{ FIELD }}Represented underwriters Raymond James, Citigroup, Stifel, RBC Capital Markets and other underwriters in CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc.’s $140 million IPO and multiple follow on offerings raising proceeds in excess of $250 million{{ FIELD }}Represented Colonial Pipeline in multiple offerings of notes raising proceeds in excess of $2 billion{{ FIELD }}Advised Morgan Stanley and Raymond James in an underwritten public offering by Rayonier in connection with an acquisition with a gross transaction value of more than $300 million{{ FIELD }}Advised Brigade Capital in connection with Guitar Center’s exchange offer and consent solicitation for $325 million of outstanding senior notes and related support agreement{{ FIELD }}Represented Post Properties, Inc. in multiple offerings of senior notes for aggregate proceeds of approximately $785 million, a common stock offering for aggregate proceeds of approximately $75 million and in a tender offer for $150 million of senior notes{{ FIELD }}Represented Jack Cooper in connection with multiple liability management transactions, including private exchange offer transactions for an aggregate of approximately $525 million of outstanding senior secured notes and PIK Toggle notes{{ FIELD }}Represented Novelis Corporation in connection with multiple offerings of over $3.5 billion of senior notes and related tender offers and liability management transactions{{ FIELD }}Represented Acuity Brands in connection with multiple offerings of senior notes raising proceeds of over $850 million{{ FIELD }}Represented Georgia Pacific in connection with multiple offers of senior notes for aggregate proceeds in excess of $2 billion{{ FIELD }}Represented Total System Services in multiple offerings of service notes raising proceeds in excess of $3.5 billion{{ FIELD }}Represented Hanesbrands in connection with multiple offerings of over $1.4 billion of senior notes{{ FIELD }}Represented Cousins Properties, Post Properties, CatchMark Timber Trust and Piedmont in multiple offerings of senior notes and in “at-the-market” equity offering programs{{ FIELD }}Keith Townsend specializes in representing public and private companies with respect to mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions and governance matters.  Keith co-leads King \u0026amp; Spalding’s Global Corporate Practice.  In addition, Keith serves on our Managing Policy Committee.  \nKeith has substantial experience working on a broad range of public company M\u0026amp;A transactions, including stock-for-stock strategic mergers, tender offers, spin-offs, cross-border transactions, statutory cash mergers and divestitures, and SPAC mergers. In addition, Keith has significant experience representing special committees in connection with going private and other conflict of interest transactions.\nKeith also has significant experience representing issuers in IPOs and offerings of debt, preferred stock and hybrid securities. Specifically, Keith’s capital markets experience includes initial public offerings, secondary offerings, “shelf” offerings, “at-the-market” offerings and Rule 144A offerings, as well as private placement transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, consent solicitations and other corporate reorganization and liability management transactions.\nKeith has extensive experience in advising boards and the C-suite for public company clients on governance issues, Securities and Exchange Commission reporting and disclosure requirements, activism and other corporate and securities matters.\nKeith has been recognized by Chambers USA, Legal 500, M\u0026amp;A Advisor, Super Lawyers, IFLR and Lawdragon. Keith has also been recognized by Best Lawyers for his expertise in Corporate Governance Law, Mergers \u0026amp; Acquisitions Law and Securities and Capital Markets Law, noting that he received Best Lawyers’ 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” award for his work in Securities and Capital Markets Law. In addition, Keith was named Most Effective Deal-Maker by the Daily Report and recognized by BTI Consulting Group as a Client Service All-Star. Keith M Townsend Partner The University of Tennessee University of Tennessee College of Law University of Virginia University of Virginia School of Law Georgia State Bar of Georgia M\u0026amp;A\nAdvised Kodiak Gas in its acquisition of CSI Compresso LP in an all-stock merger valued at approximately $854 million Advised EVE Partners in connection with the merger of its portfolio company Omni Logistics with Forward Air Corporation in a cash-and-stock transaction Advised Mativ Holdings, Inc. in the sale of its Engineered Papers business Advised US Xpress in $800 million sale to Knight-Swift Advised Evo Payments in $4 billion sale to Global Payments Advised Exterran Corp. in $1.5 billion merger with Enerflex Ltd. Represented Mastercraft Boats in connection with the acquisition of Nauticstar Advised Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. in $3 billion merger of equals with Neenah Inc. Advised Mailchimp in $12 billion acquisition by Intuit Advised Riverview Acquisition Corp. on its $1.1 billion SPAC merger with Westrock Coffee Represented Sharecare in $3.8 billion SPAC merger with Falcon Capital Acquisition Corp. Advised Arbor Pharmaceuticals in connection with merger with Azurity Pharmaceuticals Advised Sweetwater Sound in its sale to Providence Equity Partners Represented Great American Outdoors Group (parent of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s) in proposed take private of Sportsman’s Warehouse Advised Zaxby’s in sale of stake to Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division Represented Lightning eMotors in $800 million SPAC merger with Gig Capital 3 Advised 21st Century Oncology in connection with $1.5 billion sale to GenesisCare Represented Xerox in unsolicited offer and proxy contest for HP Inc. Advised Columbia Properties in connection with $100 million acquisition of Normandy Real Estate Management Advised Total System Services, Inc. in $54 billion merger of equals with Global Payments Represented Transocean in $2.7 billion acquisition of Ocean Rig Represented Transocean in $3.4 billion cross border acquisition of Songa Offshore Represented ConocoPhillips in connection with $13.3 billion sale of Western Canada assets to Cenovus Energy Represented Endochoice in $210 million sale to Boston Scientific Represented Post Properties in $17 billion merger with Mid-America Apartment Communities Advised Total System Services in its $2.3 billion acquisition of Transfirst Represented Hanesbrands in connection with $600 million acquisition of Maidenform Brands, Inc. and $225 million acquisition of Gear For Sports Represented Novelis in connection with its sale to Hindalco Industries for $6 billion Capital Markets and Liability Management\nRepresented Millicom International Cellular S.A. on $450 million senior notes offering Represented General Motors in connection with $10 billion multi-tranche Accelerated Share Repurchase Program Represented ConocoPhillips in $2.7 billion notes offering with SMR feature to fund Surmont acquisition Represented Cox Communications, Inc. in multiple offerings of over $2.5 billion of senior notes Represented Satellogic Inc. in offer of floating rate convertible secured notes Represented Piedmont in $400 million notes offering and $200 million “tack on” offering Represented Truist, BofA \u0026amp; Wells Fargo in $1.2 billion inaugural notes offering for Heico Corp to fund a material acquisition Represented Nautilus, Inc. in connection with registered direct offering Represented ConocoPhillips in $1.1 billion notes offering and concurrent waterfall tender offer for 7 series of outstanding notes Represented Trane Technologies in $700 million inaugural post-spin notes offering Represented General Motors in completing the offering of $2.25 billion aggregate principal amount \"green bonds\" consisting of $1 billion senior notes Represented ConocoPhillips on private exchange offers over $3 billion of notes and on multiple cash tender offers for multiple tranches of debt aggregating over $5 billion Worked with sponsors on multiple SPAC IPOs, including $250 million IPO of Riverview Acquisition Corp., $200 million IPO of BOA Acquisition Corp. and $625 million IPO of HCM Acquisition Corp. Represented BofA Securities and several other Initial Purchasers in BlueLinx Holdings’ unregistered offering of $300 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes Represented The RealReal on $250 million offering of convertible senior notes Advised Genuine Parts on $500 million offering of senior notes Represented Xerox in multiple offerings of over $1.7 billion of senior notes Represented General Motors in multi-tranche $4 billion notes offering Represented United Parcel Service in multiple offerings of over $12 billion of senior notes Represented IFM Investors in $275 million senior secured notes offering Represented EVO Payments Inc. in a $250 million “Up-C” IPO, multiple secondary offerings of approximately $350 million and $150 million preferred stock investment by Madison Dearborn Partners Represented JW Aluminum in connection with the issue of $300 million of senior secured notes Represented Americold Realty Trust in connection with its $942 million IPO Represented Endochoice in its $100 million IPO Represented Mastercraft Boats in connection with multiple following offerings Advised Nivalis Therapeutics in its $88.5 million IPO Represented Wingstop in its $125 million IPO and multiple follow on offerings Represented Carter’s in multiple offerings of notes in excess of $1 billion Represented SunTrust Banks, Inc. in various securities offerings, including: public offerings of $2.5 billion of common stock, over $1.5 billion of preferred stock, over $2.0 billion of trust preferred and other hybrid securities and over $4.0 billion of senior notes; and in a private offering for approximately $575 million under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program Represented underwriters Raymond James, Citigroup, Stifel, RBC Capital Markets and other underwriters in CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc.’s $140 million IPO and multiple follow on offerings raising proceeds in excess of $250 million Represented Colonial Pipeline in multiple offerings of notes raising proceeds in excess of $2 billion Advised Morgan Stanley and Raymond James in an underwritten public offering by Rayonier in connection with an acquisition with a gross transaction value of more than $300 million Advised Brigade Capital in connection with Guitar Center’s exchange offer and consent solicitation for $325 million of outstanding senior notes and related support agreement Represented Post Properties, Inc. in multiple offerings of senior notes for aggregate proceeds of approximately $785 million, a common stock offering for aggregate proceeds of approximately $75 million and in a tender offer for $150 million of senior notes Represented Jack Cooper in connection with multiple liability management transactions, including private exchange offer transactions for an aggregate of approximately $525 million of outstanding senior secured notes and PIK Toggle notes Represented Novelis Corporation in connection with multiple offerings of over $3.5 billion of senior notes and related tender offers and liability management transactions Represented Acuity Brands in connection with multiple offerings of senior notes raising proceeds of over $850 million Represented Georgia Pacific in connection with multiple offers of senior notes for aggregate proceeds in excess of $2 billion Represented Total System Services in multiple offerings of service notes raising proceeds in excess of $3.5 billion Represented Hanesbrands in connection with multiple offerings of over $1.4 billion of senior notes Represented Cousins Properties, Post Properties, CatchMark Timber Trust and Piedmont in multiple offerings of senior notes and in “at-the-market” equity offering programs","searchable_name":"Keith M. 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