John has a broad knowledge of environmental law and its impact on businesses and the overall community. Prior to re-joining O’Melveny in 2015, he was the general counsel at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, 5,900+ person agency responsible for supplying New York City’s drinking water, treating wastewater at 14 major facilities, regulating air quality, noise, and hazardous substances, and advancing key sustainability initiatives.
During his time at the Department of Environmental Protection, John led the Bureau of Legal Affairs and advised the Commissioner and management on a full range of legal issues affecting the agency, including environmental compliance and enforcement, contracts, litigation, real estate, and employment. He negotiated consent agreements with state and federal regulators, and played a key role in representing the City’s interests in relation to the Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek Superfund Sites.
John has been recognized as a leading US environmental lawyer by Chambers USA.