Scott Watson advises clients on regulatory and litigation matters involving federal and state environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); Endangered Species Act (ESA); and Michigan’s National Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA). He has been at the forefront of cleanup efforts and litigation involving releases of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to groundwater and surface water.
“Tackling PFAS issues is among the most critical challenges affecting today’s communities and businesses across the nation,” said David Gillay, chair of the firm’s Environmental Department. “Scott’s deep skill set will prove instrumental in assisting our clients through the ever-changing environmental compliance and regulatory landscape related to PFAS and other emerging contaminants.”
Scott’s broad practice encompasses virtually all traditional environmental law matters, such as the cleanup of contaminated property and mediation, arbitration, and litigation that arises from cleanups. At the same time, Scott has cultivated a creative approach to help clients strategically navigate novel issues facing the environmental industry, including renewable energy, construction, and cultural and historic preservation.
“With over 15 years of practice in the Grand Rapids legal community, Scott has established himself as a trusted adviser and voice of authority in this market,” said Robert Stead, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Grand Rapids office. “I’m thrilled to welcome him to our office and am confident he will be an invaluable addition to our talented team of attorneys.”
Scott received his J.D., magna cum laude, and M.S., magna cum laude, in environmental law from Vermont Law and Graduate School. He received his B.S. in Ecology from the University of Michigan.