Lead trial counsel in a CERCLA liability trial brought by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice asserting a “divisibility defense” in connection with dioxin contamination at the Centredale Superfund Site in North Providence, Rhode Island. The trial required over 20 trial days spanning two months and live and deposition testimony of over 20 fact witnesses. The trial involved over a dozen expert witnesses covering complex issues of chemistry, molecule formation and synthesis, chemical fingerprinting, process chemistry, aerial photographic analysis, chemical fate and transport, and environmental engineering. Although the client ultimately did not prevail in establishing this rarely applied defense to CERCLA joint and several liability, the trial resulted in a 186-page opinion, express recognition by the court of “second to none” skilled management and presentation of complex issues, and the defense provided partial basis for subsequent finding of client’s good faith “sufficient care” defense to fines and penalties sought by the U.S. EPA for client’s refusal to comply with a UAO issued to it during pendency of the litigation. (Emhart Industries, Inc. v. United States Department of the Air Force v. Black & Decker, Inc. (C.A. No. 11-023 S))