GARY E. KOVALL – Of Counsel email: email me

Mr. Kovall joined the firm in 2003.

PRACTICE AREAS: environmental and government relations; public affairs; business strategy development and transactional with emphasis on California and federal Indian gaming matters and tribal business development

ADMISSIONS: Illinois State Bar (1973); California State Bar (1976)

EDUCATION: Loyola University Law School (J.D., Summa Cum Laude, 1973); Illinois Institute of Technology (B.S., 1968); General Motors' scholar

PRIOR LEGAL EXPERIENCE: Private Practice (1997–2003, 1986–1989); General Counsel, BKK Corporation (1993–1997); Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Mine Reclamation Corporation (1989–1993); Manager, Environmental Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, ARCO Products Company (1980–1986); Counsel, Environmental and Political Affairs, Atlantic Richfield Company (1975–1980); Process Design and Environmental Engineer, Atlantic Richfield Company (1968–1975); Research Associate, United States Atomic Energy Commission (1965–1968)

Mr. Kovall utilizes extensive environmental law experience in such areas as pollution control, hazardous waste and environmental quality. Melding that experience with a practical understanding of government affairs, Mr. Kovall served ARCO as a lobbyist before the California legislature and several state regulatory agencies. Esteemed for his legal acumen, Mr. Kovall was appointed by the governor, during his tenure with ARCO, to a state agency having oversight over hazardous waste legislation. The U.S. Congress also recognized his proficiency by appointing him to two advisory committees charged with recommending amendments to federal hazardous waste laws, including CERCLA (“superfund”).

Building on his experience in government relations, Mr. Kovall served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel to the Mine Reclamation Corporation. Here, he utilized experience in environmental law issues to direct and manage government relations activities for a joint venture of Browning Ferris Industries, Kaiser Steel and Itel corporations. The venture was designed to develop a solid waste disposal facility served by a container-on-rail operation.

Mr. Kovall is renowned for his strong business savvy. These skills were evident in his work with BKK Corporation, a solid-waste management company, where he acted as legal counsel to shareholders and the board of directors and was a regular participant in executive committee matters. He provided support for strategic plans and the development of complex business transactions including asset purchases and sales, and real estate transactions.

As a private practice attorney, Mr. Kovall also served as General Counsel to the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.