Paul Casowitz Bio

Paul graduated from New York Law School, magna cum laude in 1989, where he was a John Ben Snow Scholar. Before joining Sive, Paget & Riesel, he served as Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Department of Sanitation responsible for engineering and planning for the City’s waste disposal system and as as Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department. Paul is admitted to the practice of law in New York and New Jersey. During his eighteen years of work with New York City, he was extensively involved in issues of environmental policy, risk communication to the public and regulatory agencies, as well as all aspects of municipal procurement and contracting. He has advised clients in regard to responding to public tenders as well as contract issues involving public entities with respect to construction projects and solid waste management and recycling services. Paul represents firms and government entities engaged in waste management, energy generation and other public utilities in connection with environmental, regulatory and procurement issues. He has extensive experience with the New York City Departments of Sanitation, Environmental Protection, Fire, and the Business Integrity Commission (formerly Trade Waste Commission). In addition to representing clients in state and federal court, and before administrative agencies and tribunals, a large part of his practice is devoted to working with clients in connection with industrial development and real estate transactions to develop effective strategies to manage environmental risks and regulatory requirements including permits and SEQRA. Paul has counseled major real estate developers in connection with the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program and in regard to tactics including deal structure to maximize and preserve available tax credits. He has also counseled professionals involved in the handling, management or investigation of hazardous materials with regard to their own potential legal liability.