Chris regularly advises clients on complex regulatory matters, including obtaining and maintaining liability protections for entities purchasing and remediating brownfields properties under state voluntary cleanup programs; obtaining registrations for pesticidal products; navigating National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review processes; and complying with a host of federal and state environmental laws, including obtaining and complying with necessary permits. Chris also assists clients in performing environmental due diligence and negotiating environmental provisions in mergers, property and asset purchase agreements, loan and financing agreements, access agreements, and liability transfer agreements.
Chris represents clients in a wide array of state and federal litigation matters. He represents potentially responsible parties in numerous actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Chris represents companies in resolving enforcement actions brought by the U.S. EPA and state environmental agencies under numerous environmental laws. Chris also guides clients through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) cost recovery actions and appeals. Chris represents clients in cases of national significance, including numerous complex federal multidistrict litigation matters.
Prior to joining Clark Hill, Chris was an associate concentrating on environmental and governmental law for a regional firm in Charlotte, N.C., where he assisted in all aspects of litigation, performed extensive environmental due diligence of domestic and international companies and facilities, and assisted clients with general compliance and permitting matters. Prior to that, Chris was an assistant city attorney for the City of Charlotte where he litigated a wide range of issues on behalf of the city.
