Of Counsel

Richard J. Kissel, of counsel in the Real Estate and Environmental Practice Groups, served as chairman of the Environmental Practice Group from its inception until 1996.  He has been in the practice of environmental law since its beginning as a practice area.  

Richard was a co-drafter of the original Illinois Environmental Protection Act, and as a result of that was appointed by Governor Richard B. Ogilvie to the first Illinois Pollution Control Board in 1970. He entered private practice in environmental law in 1973.  Since that time, he has represented municipal and industrial clients in all aspects of environmental law, including air, water, solid waste and Superfund. He has had extensive litigation experience in the environmental field, although he is recognized as a counselor as well.  His varied background and experience as an in-house counsel, private practitioner and government practitioner has given him insight into the issues that face his municipal and industrial clients.

Richard has been a frequent lecturer and writer on environmental law issues.  He was an adjunct professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law and the University of Illinois School of Public Health. He was an author and contributor to the Illinois Continuing Legal Education series on environmental law for many years.  He has received the Illinois Award from the Illinois Association of Wastewater Agencies.

Richard is recognized as one of Chambers USA's 2006 "Leaders in their Field" for Environment.