My approach as an attorney focuses on prompt proactive communications and setting clear, realistic expectations. I invest time in understanding clients’ goals to tailor a strategy that aligns with their objectives. As one client stated, Bill “is a true partner managing complex matters, anticipating problems and understanding our business.”

William “Bill” Ford collaborates with clients facing environmental and other legal challenges, developing strategies to help them achieve their goals. With nearly 40 years of experience in complex dispute resolution—including environmental and general business litigation—he successfully advocates for clients of all sizes nationwide. Bill’s deep understanding of CERCLA, a.k.a. Superfund, as well as other environmental issues, ensures that clients receive critical guidance in navigating environmental regulations and resolving disputes efficiently. His strategic approach to legal challenges helps clients achieve their goals responsibly while minimizing risks.

Bill handles environmental cost recovery, transactions, litigation and regulatory matters. He works with clients on hazardous and non-hazardous waste issues, Clean Water Act permitting, RCRA, Supplemental Environmental Projects and alleged Oil Pollution Act violations.

Beyond environmental matters, Bill represents clients in general litigation and mass torts, including:

  • Class action and multidistrict litigation (MDL) defense
  • Commercial litigation
  • Contaminants and toxic torts
  • Government agency negotiations
  • Product liability

Working with Bill means clients have a seasoned advocate skilled in coordinating complex remediation efforts, managing toxic torts and addressing emerging issues like PFAS. His industry knowledge provides clients with strategies tailored to their specific needs.


When asked…

Why did you become a lawyer?

I was pursuing an environmental studies degree with plans to become a park ranger, and the summer of 1980 was supposed to be the first big step in that direction. I was set to volunteer as a fire spotter in the Bitterroot Wildlife area in Idaho. However, on May 18, 1980, everything changed when Mt. St. Helens erupted. Instead of being a fire spotter, my summer volunteer job shifted to shoveling volcanic ash. I passed on that opportunity. When people ask why I went to law school, I often say it’s because of Mt. St. Helens.

What do you do outside of work?

Outside of work, I spend as much time as possible outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing or hiking, I enjoy connecting with nature. I also keep bees and practice a bit of gentleman farming. Beyond that, I enjoy traveling, volunteering with my state conservation department and tutoring English to immigrants.

Areas of Focus

Experience

  • Collaborating with environmental contractors at numerous sites to effectively manage client obligations, costs and scope.
  • Mediated and settled Superfund litigation related to scrap electronics recycling in state and federal courts.
  • Negotiating with regulatory agencies and other PRPs at a multi-billion-dollar sediment site.
  • Resolved alleged Clean Water Act 404 violations through agreements that include Supplemental Environmental Projects.
  • Resolved a six-figure Clean Air Act violation related to National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and particulate matter (PM) efficiency.

Credentials

Education

  • Villanova University School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1985)
    • Order of the Coif
    • Villanova Law Review, Member and Editor
  • University of Kansas (B.A., 1982)
    • Environmental Studies Honors Program, University of Kansas

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Missouri

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Recognitions

  • Missouri Lawyers Media, Top Legal Innovations Award, Emerging Practice Areas, PFAS
  • Selected among The Best Lawyers in America®, 2008-2025
    • “Lawyer of the Year,” 2014, 2019-2020
  • Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Missouri Environmental, 2006-2024
  • Selected for Super Lawyers, Corporate Counsel Edition, 2008
  • Selected as a Finalist for Lawdragon 500 Better Than The Best, 2008
  • Selected for Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers, 2006-2020
  • Martindale-Hubbell® “AV” Rating

 

Presentations

  • Panelist, "Compliance and Enforcement Update," Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference, September 25, 2024
  • Panelist, "Right-Sizing & Streamlining Allocation Procedures (There Must Be a Better Way, Right?)" Environmental Health Symposium Sediment and PRP Summit, September 22, 2022
  • Presenter, "Environmental Justice: The Federal and State Governments’ Renewed Focus and the Regulated Industries’ Perspective.,” Illinois State Bar Association, June 23, 2021
  • Panelist, “Federal vs. State Liability Protections and Due Care Obligations During Property Acquisitions: How 'Certain' is Certain?” American Bar Association, Master Class on Complex Environmental Liability Resolution: State of the Art Strategies from Superfunds to Brownfields in Atlanta, June 12, 2019
  • Speaker, Superfund Back in the Limelight, 2018 Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference, Kansas City, Missouri, April 2018
  • Speaker, EPA Enforcement and Regulatory Update, Conference on Worker Safety, Human Resources and the Environment, American Meat Institute Foundation, April 9, 2014

Publications

  • Author, Worse Can Be Better For Nonjudicial CERCLA AllocationLaw360, August 6, 2021
  • Author, Every Ship a PRP? The Working River Sediment Site, American Bar Association, Natural Resources & Environment, Volume 31, Number 4, Spring 2017
  • Author, Kansas Environmental Law Handbook, Solid Waste Chapter, Government Institutes, 1990
  • Author, Alcohol Suppliers Liability in Missouri, 45 J.Mo. Bar No. 3, 193 (1989)
  • Author, State and Federal Regulations of Hidden Camera and Microphone Reporting in the States of Kansas and Missouri, Media and the Law Seminar, 1989, University of Missouri—Kansas City, School of Law

Professional Activities

  • Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, 2015-2018; Board Member, 2019
  • Central Missouri State University, Adjunct Professor, 2003
  • University of Kansas, Adjunct Professor, 1990-1993

Community Involvement

  • State Department of Conservation, Volunteer
  • Hunter Education, Instructor
  • Literacy KC, English as a Second Language Teaching Assistant, 2016 – Present
  • The Nature Conservancy of Missouri, Trustee, 1998-2003; Chair, 1999-2002
  • Lawyers Encouraging Academic Performance, Mentor, 1997-2001
  • Cradles & Crayons® Daycare Center for Special Needs Children, General Counsel, 1993-1995
  • Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Centurions Leadership, 1988-1989