Experience, integrity, impartiality
Looking to avoid the costs and time involved in litigating a dispute in the courts? Need an independent set of eyes to peer review your litigation strategy or monitor your compliance with a consent decree? Let me bring my judgment, integrity, and nearly 40 years of experience as an environmental litigator to assist you.
I am Rob Olian, and I started envADR after my retirement at the end of 2016 from Sidley Austin LLP, where I began practicing in 1977. At Sidley, I headed the Chicago environmental practice group and was co-leader of the firm’s national environmental practice from 1994 until I retired.
I have spoken about environmental mediation to numerous groups, including the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Chicago Bar Association, the Indianapolis Bar Association and the Association for Conflict Resolution.
A summary of my recent mediation experience is available upon request.
“Robert Olian at envADR has ‘an exemplary reputation in the market’. He provides invaluable assistance … in mediation and alternate dispute resolution.”
Recognition and service
- Lexology Client Choice Award for excellence in client service, 2026
- Who’s Who Legal: Environment, 2023; recognized among leading mediators in Who’s Who Legal: Mediation, 2018, 2019 and 2020
- Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year: Chicago Litigation – Environmental, 2017; Chicago – Environmental, 2016
- Top tier of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, and Best Lawyers in America, while in practice
- Executive Committee, American College of Environmental Lawyers, 2015–2018
- Board member, Chicago chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution
- Member of the N.D. Illinois Trial Bar until retirement
Professional background
I joined Sidley Austin in 1977 and began practicing environmental law full-time shortly thereafter. Through the years, my practice moved from RCRA compliance to CERCLA to civil and criminal enforcement and ultimately to environmental tort litigation.
Education
I graduated from Harvard College cum laude in Applied Mathematics (which is actually relevant for allocation matters) in 1973 and received both my law degree from Harvard Law School and a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School in 1977. I completed the 40-hour Certificate Program in Mediation Skills at Northwestern University in 2016.
References
References relevant to the matter for which you seek to retain me will be provided upon request.