Practice Areas
Dean S. Sommer concentrates on environmental pollution, toxic tort, products liability, and brownfield redevelopment matters addressing the release of, and exposure to, contamination in the environment. His clients include a mix of industry, municipalities, bona-fide prospective purchasers, and brownfield developers and he provides both defense and plaintiff litigation services. Dean has been counsel for brownfield projects throughout the Hudson Valley, Capital District and New York City. He has significant “risk communication” and broad due diligence experience. Dean is noted for his ability to assess cases and promptly identify avenues for negotiated resolutions and/or strategic litigation. His knowledge of the technical issues involved in pollution-related matters allows him to closely coordinate with technical/scientific consultants. Dean gained an understanding of government having served as Section Chief of the Toxics Enforcement Unit in the State Attorney General’s Office. He has been leading or supervising attorney on dozens of CERCLA, RCRA, CWA and Navigation Law cases.