William M. Sloan

Partner
Sloan William

Bill Sloan represents U.S. and international clients in regulatory and litigation matters involving land development, water resources, air quality, climate change, energy, and endangered species. Bill advises clients on permitting, compliance strategies, risk management, and project defense. He has significant experience handling matters before regulatory agencies, and in state, federal, and international courts, including successfully litigating cases for public and private sector clients that were resolved in the California and U.S. Supreme Courts. Often working alongside federal Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyers, state deputy attorneys general, and agency staff counsel, Bill is familiar with the coordination required for high-profile matters.

Throughout his career, Bill has confronted a vast array of environmental statutes at the federal and state levels, including the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Endangered Species Act, California’s Global Warming Solutions Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Bill also counsels clients on the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape governing climate change considerations, including carbon trading and strategies for monetizing the environmental benefits of new technologies and processes.

During project development, Bill offers practical advice on critical issues regarding such matters as water rights, water quality compliance, endangered species concerns, and project defense.

Prior to joining Venable, Bill worked at an international law firm, where he chaired the carbon team of the firm's environmental practice. Before entering private practice, he served in externships with the DOJ, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the California Attorney General's Office.

Insights

Credentials
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Education

  • J.D. University of California, Hastings College of the Law 1999
  • B.A. Princeton University 1994

Bar Admissions

  • California

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • Member, Energy Bar Association
  • Member, Environmental Law Institute
  • Member, Environment, Energy and Resources Section, American Bar Association

Recognition
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  • The Best Lawyers in America, 2013 – 2025
  • Super Lawyers, 2012 – 2016, 2020 – 2023
  • Legal 500
    • Industry Focus – Environment: Regulatory, 2022
    • Land Use and Zoning, 2015
  • Chambers USA, Notable Practitioner, Climate Change Law, 2011 – 2015
  • LMG Cleantech & Renewable Energy, Cleantech 100, 2013