Prior to retiring in 2022, leading environmental lawyer Rob Kirsch’s practice centered on complex environmental litigation, regulatory matters, and high‑profile permitting disputes. He represented clients in numerous CERCLA and state Superfund proceedings, including cost‑recovery actions, allocation disputes, enforcement matters, and permit appeals at both the state and federal levels. His work spanned precedent‑setting cost‑recovery litigation involving successor and indemnity claims, multiyear permitting proceedings for major solid‑waste facilities, and highly contested matters involving the relicensing and transfer of nuclear energy facilities.

Managing sensitive and publicly visible matters was a central focus of Mr. Kirsch’s practice. He represented proponents of major facilities before regulatory agencies, developed permitting and litigation strategies under state and federal clean‑air laws, and defended independent power producers in administrative and civil proceedings. He also advised industrial and research‑and‑development clients on federal and state self‑disclosure policies, participated in disclosures involving more than 100 sites nationwide, and served as common counsel in multiple Superfund matters, leading coordinated defenses involving more than 1,000 parties. His pro bono work included leading a WilmerHale team that represented six Guantanamo detainees from 2004 to 2015, securing major victories including Boumediene v. Bush before the US Supreme Court and the first successful Guantanamo‑related habeas trial in federal court. He was a fellow of the American College of Environmental Lawyers and held leadership roles in multiple environmental and civic organizations.