Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to welcome William J. Curtis to the firm’s St. Louis office as a partner in the Environmental & Energy Law practice groups.
Bill represents clients in government investigations and environmental litigation related to syndicated conservation easements, carbon and energy credits, and traditional environmental issues. He represents professionals, companies, and investors navigating the confluence of environmental, energy, and tax law by employing deep experience navigating high-stakes investigations spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other state and federal regulators. His individualized approach to client matters and attention to detail allow him to provide clients with solutions tailored to their unique needs and risk profiles.
In his vast environmental practice, Bill focuses on regulatory enforcement actions related to the sale, use, release, or disposal of potentially hazardous materials, including mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). He has provided representation in everything from mass torts and class actions to Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) matters to environmental citizen suits, working closely with relevant field experts – including hydrologists, toxicologists, epidemiologists, and engineers – to create robust courtroom strategies and strong positions for negotiated settlements.
“Bill joins us with extensive experience representing clients in some of the most challenging environmental, energy and tax disputes,” said Amy Mistler, office managing partner for Spencer Fane in St. Louis. “His ability to navigate the highly nuanced confluence of environmental, energy, and tax law will be a fantastic addition to our team’s diverse talents, and we look forward to how he will contribute to the collaborative insights that guide quick and successful resolutions for our clients.”
Bill obtained his bachelor’s degree from Truman State University before earning his Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School. He has been externally distinguished for his exceptional representation in mass torts and class actions as well as general environmental law several times.
Outside of private practice, Bill is a frequent thought leader, publishing content and presenting discussions related to his focus areas in prominent legal publications and at regional and national industry events.