DAVE BELL LAW

David L. Bell, Esq. 

Dave Bell founded the firm in 2004 with the goal of providing an alternative approach to environmental law issues, seeking to develop with his clients a culture of compliance and preparation, rather than the litigation-focused approach used by other "name brand" firms in the environmental area.  With this goal in mind, the firm's clients have experienced positive outcomes in a number of matters, including resolutions of enforcement actions, permit appeals and risk-transfer transactions. 

Prior to founding the firm, Dave served as Senior Counsel at BP America, Inc. for over 20 years. Dave first began his career an Associate Attorney at Baker & Hostetler in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Dave enjoys sailing, hanging out with his grandkids, and playing guitar.  He sings with the Western Reserve Chorale, and is a resident of Cleveland Heights, where he lives with his wife, Chris. 

Representative Matters

• Obtained settlement of company-wide Clean Air Act enforcement claims, establishing a consent decree format since followed by over 90% of the refining industry.

• Successfully obtained preliminary settlements in hundreds of CERCLA cleanup cases, repeatedly avoiding costly litigation.

• Counseled client in successful application for major NSR Clean Air Act permit.

• Conducted environmental due diligence for foreign client in successful acquisition of interest in US oil refinery.

Articles and Presentations:

• "Create Value out of Bad News: Managing Environmental Risk in Transactions (with Sample Forms)," The Practical Real Estate Lawyer, Vol. 16, No. 2, March, 2000.