EMAIL:
PHONE:
Office Address:
1914 4th Avenue North
Suite 400
Birmingham, AL 35203
University of Alabama School of Law
(J.D., summa cum laude, 2004)
Yale University
(M.F., School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, 1998)
Rhodes College
(B.A., summa cum laude, 1995)
U.S. District Court: Alabama (Northern, Middle, Southern)
State Bar: Alabama
Fellow, American College of Environmental Lawyers
Chambers USA: Leading Practitioner in the area of Environmental Law (2018–Present)
Best Lawyers® 2024 – Lawyer of the Year – Environmental Law – Birmingham
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Environmental Law (2013–Present), Environmental Litigation (2020–Present), Energy Law and Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants (2022–Present)
Mid-South Super Lawyers for Environmental Litigation (2016–Present)
B-Metro, Selected as a Top Attorney (2020)
Alabama Super Lawyers – Environmental (2013–2015)
Alabama Super Lawyers – Environmental "Rising Star" (2010–2012)
Alabama State Bar Albert L. Vreeland Pro Bono Award (2009)
Alabama State Bar Leadership Forum (Class 7)
Birmingham Business Journal's "Top 40 Under 40" (2013)
Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent Rating
Alabama State Bar Environmental Law Section, Executive Committee
Alabama State Bar Leadership Forum, Nominating Committee
U.S. Green Building Council, LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
ABA Section on Environment, Energy and Resources (SEER)
Green Resource Center for Alabama, Former Board Member
Birmingham Bar Volunteer Lawyer Program, Former Board Member
Birmingham Multiple Sclerosis Society, Leadership Class of 2007
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Vestry (2021–2023)
Chris Williams has dedicated over 22 years to solving environmental problems for heavily regulated industries. His client base includes pipeline and natural resource companies, real estate developers, manufacturers, landfill owners, and local governments.
Chris brings a unique perspective drawn from his experience as both an environmental lawyer and former environmental consultant. He focuses on litigation, regulatory compliance, risk management, and transactional advice, helping clients achieve their business goals while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
With extensive trial experience, Chris has successfully defended clients in matters involving PFAS contamination, air pollution from manufacturing facilities, Clean Water Act citizen suits, federal and state enforcement actions, and civil rights claims related to forestry taxation. Beyond litigation, he advises clients on environmental risks in business deals, obtains and ensures compliance with required permits, and develops protocols to maintain regulatory compliance.
Notable matters include representing a fireworks distribution company in securing air permits, advising engine importers and utility truck upfitters on vehicle emissions compliance, and navigating HUD environmental regulations for low-income housing development.
Recognized as a leading attorney in environmental law by Chambers and Partners and a Fellow of the American College of Environmental Lawyers, Chris has served as Chair of the Environmental Law Section of the Alabama State Bar. He has also served on the boards of the Green Resource Center for Alabama, Birmingham Volunteer Lawyer Program, and Cahaba River Society.