Clients turn to Bill Lane to find business solutions at the intersection of environmental policy, law, and science. He brings a unique perspective from his prior experience as the top environmental lawyer in North Carolina state government, a private practice attorney representing a broad range of companies, and an environmental engineer and consultant. Across his career, clients and others who have worked with Bill have appreciated his focus on collaborating as a team to find resolutions.
Bill has extensive experience with complex, cutting-edge environmental issues and how they impact the business strategy of manufacturers, real estate developers, energy companies, and other clients. He has deep knowledge of PFAS and other emerging compounds, air and other environmental permits, and real estate and other corporate transactions. He has represented clients in administrative, trial, and appellate litigation.
Prior to joining Parker Poe, Bill served as general counsel for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for eight years, including three years as deputy secretary for policy and legal affairs. He was the first point of contact in litigation and oversaw landmark settlements, contested cases, tort claims, and other lawsuits involving DEQ. He also supervised the rulemaking coordination process and provided advice on new policy initiatives, legislation, contracts, and conflicts of interest.
Before that, Bill spent 20 years in private practice counseling business and governmental clients on their environmental needs. He began his career as an environmental consultant and maintains his professional engineering license today. His background enables him to bridge technical and business perspectives when communicating with project teams.
Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.