Biography
Keith has assisted developers and local governments with the planning, permitting and construction of a variety of projects, including solid waste recycling and disposal facilities, and compliance with the state Environmental Policy Act.
He has guided clients through virtually every state program designed to address contaminated property, including Brownfields agreements, the Dry-Cleaning Solvent program, petroleum underground storage tanks and reimbursements, and voluntary cleanups under the state’s Inactive Hazardous Sites law.
Keith also represents parties in disputes over a variety of land use matters, including Superfund liability and other claims over responsibility for contamination, disputes among partners in development projects, and enforcement of zoning and other local land use restrictions. His litigation experience includes citizens suits, class action lawsuits, arbitrations and enforcement actions initiated by state environmental authorities.
Keith has completed extensive training and presented on electronic discovery.
Areas of Focus
+Environmental
- Environmental Due Diligence
- Brownfields/other environmental remedial programs
- Wetlands/water quality impacts
- Stormwater infrastructure
- Construction contracts and disputes
- Superfund litigation
- Solid waste management
- Zoning & conditional use permits
- Environmental citizens suits
+Government
+Land Use, Zoning, & Environmental
+Business Litigation
Credentials
+Education
University of Virginia, JD, 1989
University of North Carolina, BA, 1985
+Notable Accomplishments
Recognized as a Leading Attorney by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (Environmental Law), 2013-2020
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (Environmental Law), 2008 – 2017, 2021 and (Litigation – Environmental), 2013-2017, 2021
Recognized as Best Lawyers’ 2015 Raleigh Litigation – Environmental Lawyer of the Year
Recognized in Business North Carolina Magazine’s “Legal Elite” (Environmental), 2003, 2007 – 2009, 2011-2015, and 2018
Ranked among Super Lawyers magazine’s North Carolina Top 100 North Carolina “Super Lawyers” in 2012; ranked among “Super Lawyers” in Business Litigation, 2006 – 2009, Environmental, 2009 -2015, and 2018
+Professional & Community Activities
North Carolina State Bar, Council for the Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Law Section
Wake County Economic Development Board
Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Board of Advisors
North Carolina Association of Municipal Attorneys, Member