Francis Xavier Lyons provides strategic counseling in sophisticated environmental law matters, with an emphasis on regulatory compliance under state and federal statutes. He draws on his past experience as a Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and an environmental enforcement attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to assist clients in these matters.
Frank has experience advising diverse businesses on matters involving the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
He provides counsel on government enforcement actions, citizen’s suits, permit negotiations and appeals, project development, brownfield redevelopment, corporate investigations, environmental compliance audits and due diligence. His firsthand experience and familiarity with environmental regulation and enforcement position him as a valuable adviser and advocate for his clients.
Before entering private practice, Frank developed a thorough understanding of environmental law through a variety of significant government positions, such as Regional Administrator of USEPA Region 5, the Great Lakes Region.
Clients benefit from the broader perspective, and experience in implementing public policy, he gained in this position. Earlier, Frank honed his litigation skills as a trial attorney in the Environmental Enforcement Section of the DOJ, and prior to that, in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. His experience as an enforcement attorney provides him with a unique understanding of environmental regulatory processes.
Prior to joining Schiff Hardin, Frank was a partner in the Chicago office of an international business and litigation firm. Earlier, as Regional Administrator of USEPA Region 5, he led a staff of more than 1,300 employees in implementing policy and enforcement initiatives for the Great Lakes Region. He oversaw and promoted grants for sustainable initiatives such as the Energy Star Program.
Before his appointment at the USEPA, Frank served as a trial attorney in the Environmental Enforcement Section of the DOJ in Washington, D.C., and the Environmental and General Law Divisions of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office in Chicago.
Frank also served for 13 years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserve Field Artillery. He served as a battery commander, achieved the rank of captain, and received numerous awards, including the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal, both with Oak Leaf Cluster.
EDUCATION:
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law, J.D., 1988
- University of Minnesota, B.A., History, 1984
BAR ADMISSIONS:
- Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
- American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy and Resources
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
Cost
Rate : $$$