- OVERVIEW
- INSIGHTS
- NEWS & EVENTS
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Education
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University of Michigan Law School,
J.D., 1990
Notes Editor, Journal of Law Reform, 1989-1990
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Saint Louis University,
B.S., magna cum laude, 1987
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Admissions
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Illinois
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Missouri
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Iowa
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Illinois USDC, Central District
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Illinois USDC, Southern District
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Missouri USDC, Eastern District
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Affiliations
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American Railway Development Association
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Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
Current Co-Chair, Environmental and Conservation Law Committee
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Chemical Industry Council of Illinois
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Illinois State Bar Association
Section on Environmental Law
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National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel
Environmental Committee
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The Missouri Bar
Environmental & Energy Law Committee
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Recognitions
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Listed in The Best Lawyers in America,® 2014-2023 (by BL Rankings)
Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions- Defendants
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Listed in Chambers USA, 2009-2016 (by Chambers & Partners)
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Listed in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, 2008-2019 (by Thomson Reuters)
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Listed in Super Lawyers Business Edition, 2009-2010 (by Thomson Reuters)
Environmental Litigation
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Employment
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Thompson Coburn LLP
Partner, 1999-Present
Associate, 1992-1998
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Instruction
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Lecturer
“Recent Developments and Decisions” at NBI’s Fundamentals of Water Law in Missouri: Protecting Water Rights and Quality
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Guest Lecturer
Meramec Community College
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Joe is an experienced environmental law counselor who provides actionable, common-sense advice to clients on a wide array of regulatory and litigation issues.
He represents and advises clients on compliance matters as well as contested matters such as citizens suits, administrative actions and civil and criminal enforcement under the various state and federal environmental statutes, including the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, CERCLA, FIFRA, and RCRA. He has completed the HAZWOPER 40-hour training course and is certified to accompany a client's first responders at accident scenes to act as the client's eyes and ears as the scene develops.
His diverse practice has included working with clients to obtain and renew air permits, defending clients against toxic tort allegations arising from incidents such as train derailments, refinery explosions and alleged environmental contamination related to radiation, oil, animal fat, solvents, heavy metals and other organic and inorganic substances. Joe's practice is nationwide and he has handled matters involving the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as numerous state environmental agencies and regulatory authorities throughout the country.
In addition to representing clients in purely environmental matters, Joe also acts as outside general counsel for a number of closely held companies and managers of publicly held companies. These clients frequently seek his assistance in representing them in non-environmental matters. As a result, Joe's practice is one of the most diverse in the environmental department. He has substantial experience in representing clients in general litigation, product liability and toxic tort litigation, contract disputes, trucking litigation including fatality cases, intellectual property disputes, OSHA matters and insurance coverage and indemnification lawsuits. This broad based experience causes Joe to think outside the box and bring creative solutions to those he represents.
Thompson Coburn Publications
CSB’s new accidental release reporting rule expands facilities’ reporting obligations
EHS voluntary compliance prevents injuries and saves money
Kina Hart’s message to EHS leaders: ‘Don’t leave safety to others’
What to do when the government comes calling: A checklist for handling facility inspections
Former head of OSHA discusses workplace injury policies, DOJ enforcement
Publications
Co-Author, “How to Effectively Manage a Government Inspection";
The St. Louis Bar Journal
Contributor, “Civil and Criminal Liability";
Missouri Bar Continuing Legal Education Environmental Law Deskbook