RALEIGH (February 16) – Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton announced today that firm partner William Lane has been appointed General Counsel of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Mr. Lane, who is currently a Partner in Kilpatrick Townsend’s Raleigh office, will be the chief legal officer at DEQ and he will lead a staff of approximately ten attorneys. He will be the DEQ’s first point of contact in litigation, acting as the service agent for all contested cases, tort claims and other lawsuits involving the department. Mr. Lane will supervise the rulemaking coordination process and provide advice on new policy initiative, legislation, contracts, conflicts of interest, and dispute resolution.

The DEQ is the leading state agency working to protect North Carolina’s environment and natural resources. It administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, coastal resources and public health. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses and the public and encourages sound environmental stewardship through its education programs.

“We are proud of the firm’s long, rich legacy of having our lawyers serve as government leaders,” said Henry Walker, Kilpatrick Townsend Chair. “Bill is an exceptional environmental attorney, who has been repeatedly recognized by his clients and peers in North Carolina as one of the best in his field. The DEQ has made a wonderful choice in Bill, and the entire firm congratulates him on this outstanding honor.”

“The General Counsel position requires a thorough understanding of environmental law and policy in North Carolina,” said Alan McConnell, Leader of Kilpatrick Townsend’s Environmental Team. “Having worked with Bill for nearly 20 years, I have seen firsthand his devotion to his practice and his remarkable leadership skills. I know that he will bring the same commitment, intellect, and passion to this position.”

Mr. Lane’s practice focuses on environmental and energy issues. Over the last twenty years, he has advised a broad spectrum of business and governmental clients. Mr. Lane has represented clients before EPA and DEQ on regulatory matters concerning air quality, water resources, waste management, brownfields redevelopment, and renewable energy. In addition, he has successfully guided many clients through real estate and business transactions that were clouded by complex questions related to environmental liability.

For more information on Kilpatrick Townsend, please visit www.kilpatricktownsend.com.

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