Sheppard is pleased to announce that Paul Freeman has joined the firm as a partner in the Governmental practice group and as a member of the Energy and Infrastructure and Aerospace, Defense & Government Services industry teams in New York. He was previously a partner at Crowell & Moring LLP.
Freeman brings nearly three decades of experience advising companies in the manufacturing, aerospace and defense and energy sectors. His focus on environmental defense, False Claims Act (FCA) driven investigations and holistic risk management positions him as a trusted advisor to regulated entities confronting investigations by, or inquiries from, a range of regulators, particularly the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Defense Inspector General.
He has successfully represented clients in cases driven by exposure under the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, CERCLA, Safe Drinking Water Act, federal Renewable Fuel Standard program, MARPOL Protocol, and, increasingly, counsels clients through the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape and asymmetrical enforcement risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). He also represents government contractors on issues involving federal acquisition requirements, false claims exposure and internal investigations.
“Clients facing government scrutiny need counsel who understands both the enforcement process and the business realities at stake, and Paul brings a unique skillset to our nationally acclaimed Energy and Infrastructure and Aerospace, Defense & Government Services groups,” said Luca Salvi, chair of Sheppard. “His highly specialized experience in environmental issues enhances our ability to support existing and new clients operating in highly scrutinized environments.”
“Our clients are facing unprecedented challenges as they navigate the challenges posed by regulations like CERCLA, MARPOL and PFAS. Paul’s experience handling these type of matters will help our clients understand these challenges and meet their business goals,” said A. Joseph Jay, co-leader of the Governmental Practice. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the firm.”
“Sheppard has built impressive capabilities in energy and aerospace and defense, with highly specialized teams whose talent and industry knowledge are a tremendous value to clients navigating investigations, compliance challenges and regulatory risk,” said Freeman. “I look forward to collaborating across the firm and leveraging Sheppard’s full-service capabilities to help clients address complex issues from every angle.”
He earned his B.A., cum laude, from St. Lawrence University and his J.D. and M.S.E.L., cum laude, from Vermont Law School.
About Sheppard’s Governmental Practice
Sheppard’s Governmental practice takes a “whole-of-government” approach: from high-stakes investigations to strategic counseling, helping clients achieve their objectives in a complex regulatory landscape. We represent clients before federal and state courts, law enforcement authorities, and administrative boards and agencies ranging from the DOJ, SEC, EPA, FTC and FDA to the GAO, CBP, OFAC and the Court of International Trade. By uniting lawyers and business professionals in antitrust, government contracts, international trade, national security, white collar defense and healthcare and life sciences regulatory compliance, we provide our clients with legal strategy and counsel that cuts across agencies and jurisdictions.