McGuireWoods

Tell us about your biggest trial win from January 2018 through June 2019 and how you achieved the result for your client.

Asarco v. Atlantic Richfield resulted in the largest [Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act] contribution judgment of 2018—$28.8 million—including $1 million for Atlantic Richfield's dishonesty and misconduct during an [Environmental Protection Agency] investigation and in this litigation. Following a trial, the District Court for the District of Montana held that Asarco produced "substantial and convincing evidence" of Atlantic Richfield's arsenic contamination of East Helena's groundwater and that BP's Atlantic Richfield division "made multiple false and misleading statements to the EPA" to avoid enforcement actions. Asarco funded the entire cleanup. The judgment amount will encourage more cooperation and integrity in environmental investigations and related federal court litigation.

Share two trial tips that have been key to your success.

1) Be indignant when you spot something wrong. Your clients expect it. If your opponent misled the government, [it's] likely misled you.

2) Persevere. I filed this case in 2012. It took six years to get it to trial. Difficult litigation is like a journey home. It is never too long