William Halligan, Esq. Joins Environmental Planning + Compliance Team at Harris & Associates

Home > News > 2021 > William Halligan Esq Joins Environmental Planning and Compliance Team at Harris Associates

Harris & Associates is pleased to welcome William Halligan, Esq. to the role of Senior Director/Senior Environmental Counsel on the Environmental Planning + Compliance team. An environmental practitioner and attorney with more than 30 years of experience in private- and public-sector planning, Bill has prepared hundreds of environmental documents for a diverse range of projects throughout California. 

In his leadership position at Harris, Bill will counsel clients on compliance matters related to local, regional, state, and federal environmental regulations. He will also oversee documentation preparation and management for projects including environmental impact reports, environmental impact statements, and mitigation monitoring and reporting pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

“Bill brings elite-level understanding of environmental laws and requirements to our clients in Southern California,” said Diane Sandman, Senior Director of Environmental Planning + Compliance. “His extensive legal background and involvement with such a variety of development projects add a new dimension to our consulting services.”

Throughout his career, William has leveraged his specialty in land use and environmental law to help agencies continually withstand legal challenges related to CEQA. His involvement during high-level discussions and negotiations with the California State Attorney General’s office regarding analysis of greenhouse gas emissions led to the avoidance of a potentially damaging lawsuit.

Bill currently serves as State President of the 1,700 member Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP). As a member (and former chair) of AEP’s Legislative Review Committee, Bill works directly with AEP’s lobbyist and the State Legislature on proposed legislation related to CEQA. The committee provides analysis, prepares comment letters, and conducts direct lobbying on legislative bills relating to CEQA. He recently served on the working group for AB 2323 for Assembly Members Friedman and Chiu. Bill also teaches an annual “CEQA Hot Topics” class at the Capitol for legislators and staffers.

“Compliance with environmental regulations remains a top priority for our clients, and they’ll benefit tremendously from Bill’s expertise,” said Harris CEO Lisa Larrabee. “There’s no substitute for the experience he brings to each engagement.”

About Harris

Harris is a 100% employee-owned company focused on helping communities solve today's complex challenges in planning, financing, environmental compliance, civil engineering, and construction management. Our offices and project sites span the West Coast in California and Washington with a staff of over 280 employee-owners. We focus on serving clients in the municipal, water, transportation, and education markets. www.WeAreHarris.com