New Partner Brings Vast Environmental Litigation & Regulatory Experience, Deep Energy Sector Focus

Van Wyngarden focuses his practice on environmental litigation, facilities' occupational safety and health matters, process safety management and related investigations by federal and state agencies, and claims under California’s Proposition 65 and unfair business practices statute. He has established a long record of success in high-stakes, high-profile and highly publicized environmental matters—particularly those relating to the energy industry—including the largest appeals to ever come before the California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board.

“Tom is an outstanding litigator and counselor with a particularly strong reputation within the energy sector,” said Mark Elliott, the head of the firm’s Environmental practice. “His arrival meaningfully expands our firmwide environmental capabilities while also growing our litigation and regulatory teams in Los Angeles. He’s also just a great guy who I look forward to working with again.”

Van Wyngarden has successfully defended many Fortune 100 companies against claims involving the release of hazardous chemicals and alleged violations of state and federal environmental laws. He also represents clients in regulatory investigations and litigates allegations of workplace safety violations. Additionally, Van Wyngarden has developed a unique practice handling emergency response and health and safety issues at refineries, fuels transportation and other petrochemical facilities, which are often subject to enhanced enforcement and scrutiny.

“I have always thought fondly of Pillsbury and am grateful for the opportunity to return,” Van Wyngarden said. “The firm’s strength in the energy industry and my familiarity with many of the folks here make it an ideal place for me to continue growing my practice.”

Van Wyngarden’s arrival comes on the heels of two other Environmental litigation additions to the Los Angeles office. Chris Amantea joined Pillsbury as a senior counsel in mid-June while Christopher Smith joined as counsel in July. Both came from Steptoe & Johnson LLP.  

Chris Amantea has had a lengthy career as an environmental counselor and litigator in both Southern California and on a national level for industry and government.

As Mark Elliott noted, “Chris brings significant experience as a Clean Water Act regulatory attorney in the Southland which complements our deep experience in that area in the San Francisco office. I have litigated against Chris in several matters and always found him to be a thoughtful, reasonable and tenacious opponent. Between Tom and the two Chris’, Pillsbury continues to expand its presence as a premiere environmental litigation and regulatory practice on the West Coast.”