Laurence S Kirsch

Practice Areas

LAURENCE KIRSCH is a partner in the Environmental practice group who focuses on environmental negotiation and litigation, emphasizing large contaminated sites, sediment sites and complex environmental enforcement proceedings. Mr. Kirsch brings his combined background in science and law to his practice which includes matters that have involved air, surface water, groundwater, hazardous waste, sediments, toxic substances regulation and indoor air quality, among other issues.

Mr. Kirsch has litigated and counseled clients on matters involving the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund), SARA Title III (TRI), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act and related state statutes. In addition, Mr. Kirsch has considerable experience on matters involving the interface between environmental laws and bankruptcy. Among other things, prior to joining Sidley, he litigated the first estimation proceeding ever conducted of a federal CERCLA claim in a bankruptcy proceeding, resulting in a no liability ruling for the debtor on an $80 million claim by the United States. As part of that same bankruptcy proceeding, he also participated in the creation of the first environmental remediation trust used in a Chapter 11 proceeding to take and hold title to contaminated property, allowing debtors to reorganize successfully. As part of his work on environmental bankruptcies, he has litigated and negotiated a number of key issues concerning how environmental obligations are addressed in bankruptcy proceedings.