William F Ford Jr

Career

My approach as an attorney focuses on prompt proactive communications and setting clear, realistic expectations. I invest time in understanding clients’ goals to tailor a strategy that aligns with their objectives. As one client stated, Bill “is a true partner managing complex matters, anticipating problems and understanding our business.”

William “Bill” Ford collaborates with clients facing environmental and other legal challenges, developing strategies to help them achieve their goals. With nearly 40 years of experience in complex dispute resolution—including environmental and general business litigation—he successfully advocates for clients of all sizes nationwide. Bill’s deep understanding of CERCLA, a.k.a. Superfund, as well as other environmental issues, ensures that clients receive critical guidance in navigating environmental regulations and resolving disputes efficiently. His strategic approach to legal challenges helps clients achieve their goals responsibly while minimizing risks.

Bill handles environmental cost recovery, transactions, litigation and regulatory matters. He works with clients on hazardous and non-hazardous waste issues, Clean Water Act permitting, RCRA, Supplemental Environmental Projects and alleged Oil Pollution Act violations.

Beyond environmental matters, Bill represents clients in general litigation and mass torts, including:

Class action and multidistrict litigation (MDL) defense

Commercial litigation

Contaminants and toxic torts

Government agency negotiations

Product liability

Working with Bill means clients have a seasoned advocate skilled in coordinating complex remediation efforts, managing toxic torts and addressing emerging issues like PFAS. His industry knowledge provides clients with strategies tailored to their specific needs.

Practice Areas

Contaminants & Toxic Torts

Environmental Law

Litigation

Class Action Defense

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

ESG Guidance

Environmental Insurance Analysis & Recovery

Environmental Issues in Business Transactions

Environmental Litigation

Environmental Regulatory Compliance

Superfund (CERCLA) & Site Remediation

General Business & Complex Commercial Litigation

Navigating the Second Trump Administration: Executive Orders & the Changing Legal Landscape

Experience

Collaborating with environmental contractors at numerous sites to effectively manage client obligations, costs and scope.

Mediated and settled Superfund litigation related to scrap electronics recycling in state and federal courts.

Negotiating with regulatory agencies and other PRPs at a multi-billion-dollar sediment site.

Resolved alleged Clean Water Act 404 violations through agreements that include Supplemental Environmental Projects.

Resolved a six-figure Clean Air Act violation related to National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and particulate matter (PM) efficiency.