Environmental issues can significantly impact an organization's bottom line and reputation. Charlie's ability to distill complicated issues into actionable strategies helps clients manage risks effectively – whether in courtrooms, boardrooms, or mediation. His guidance frequently protects both financial interests and environmental integrity.
In commercial transactions, Charlie's experience is often the critical factor to a successful outcome. He guides clients through environmental risk management in mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. His counsel on lender liability issues and environmental audits can prove invaluable for real estate transactions and facility assessments. Charlie also tackles waste management and remedial actions and defends against citizens' suits.
Beyond litigation, Charlie serves as a neutral mediator and arbitrator in various forums. His balanced approach to dispute resolution stems from active listening and a deep understanding of the business and legal nuances inherent in these types of matters. This skill set allows him to bridge gaps between disparate parties, fostering a constructive dialogue that can lead to creative outcomes.
Professional and Community Involvement
Member, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee of the American Bar Association’s Litigation Section
Chair, State Bar of Georgia Environmental Law Section
Vice chair, Georgia Bar Association Environmental Law Section
Co-Chair, American Bar Association, Environmental & Energy Litigation Committee
Board member, State Bar of Wisconsin Environmental Law Section
Board Chair, Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA), Georgia Chapter
Board member, Broadway Grand Rapids
Vice-chair, International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), Environmental & Energy Law Committee
Member, American Bar Association Section of Litigation, Professional Development Committee
Secretary, State Bar of Georgia Environmental Law Section
Member, Georgia Brownfield Association
Member, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Energy & Natural Resources Committee
Member, Lawyers Club of Atlanta
Member, NSF-International Strategic Registrations Advisory Council
Member, Michigan Pulp & Paper Environmental Council
Former governing council member, American Bar Association Section of Litigation
Former board member, Michigan Chemistry Council (MCC)
Former co-chair, American Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee
Former chair, State Bar of Michigan Environmental Law Section
Former chair, Air & Waste Management Association national Legal/Liability Committee
A&WMA Annual Conference & Exhibition, Chicago (2013) and Detroit (2009) planning committees
Former president, East Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education
Past Vice-Chair, Arrington Place Townhome Association
Honors
Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers, 2022-2024
The Best Lawyers in America, 1995-2025; Lawyer of the Year 2013, 2014 and 2018
Michigan Super Lawyers, 2006-2018, 2024
Who’s Who in American Law, 1992-2016
Detroit Bar Association “Chairperson of the Year” (1995-1996)
/Passle/6488d4630e7e25c9ac9f834a/SearchServiceImages/2024-05-05-21-14-44-327-6637f6c4824451178249712c.jpg)
