Paul Sonderegger

Practice Areas

Paul Sonderegger is a highly effective litigator and regulatory compliance attorney who has resolved environmental and real estate/construction disputes in state and federal courts across the country.

In his environmental work, Paul counsels clients on groundwater and surface water issues, soil contamination and permit evaluations and transfers for the mining industry, chemical and plastics manufacturers and landfill operators. In court, he has both prosecuted and defended CERCLA contribution and cost recovery lawsuits, litigation under the Missouri “Spill Bill,” cases involving Illinois Environmental Protection Act, the federal Clean Water Act and the Missouri Clean Water Law, as well as common law tort actions and contract disputes. In his compliance-side work, Paul has represented clients before and negotiated with the EPA, the Missouri DNR, the Illinois EPA, the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Surface Mining and the Illinois DNR.

Paul works hard for clients to resolve matters both in court and during administrative proceedings. He participates in every facet of negotiation and litigation, including trying cases in court and before administrative hearing officers, arguing complex motions, representing clients during mediations and preparing and arguing appeals. He also successfully excluded expert testimony in numerous cases through strategic Daubert challenges.

Paul has special experience in permit transfers that are required when a client embarks on company and facility acquisitions. He evaluates the permits, monitors the deadlines to submit requisite paperwork and assists clients in preparing the necessary forms and notifications. Together with his permit team, Paul has handled permit transfers in 17 different countries and over 35 states.

In his real estate and construction work, Paul prosecutes and defends eminent domain lawsuits, commercial lease disputes and complex construction cases. He has handled soil, materials and grading defect claims as well as light rail construction projects and property acquisitions through condemnation. Paul has significant experience in commercial lease disputes on behalf of both landlords and tenants concerning rent disputes, maintenance obligations and additional rent and common area maintenance calculations.

Education