Jonathan Brightbill - Winston & Strawn LLP

In Washington, D.C., where the intersection of business, government, and law is ever-present, navigating complex legal challenges requires an attorney with a unique blend of experience, insight, and a proven track record. This is especially true in areas such as environmental law, government enforcement, and high-stakes commercial litigation, which can significantly impact businesses and individuals alike. For those seeking formidable legal representation in the District of Columbia, Jonathan Brightbill, a distinguished partner at Winston & Strawn LLP, offers an exceptional depth of expertise and a strategic approach to even the most intricate legal matters.

Jonathan “Jon” Brightbill is a highly accomplished trial and appellate lawyer based in Winston & Strawn’s Washington, D.C. office. His practice is primarily focused on representing clients in government enforcement and investigations, regulatory challenges, and complex civil litigation. What truly sets Jon apart is his significant background as the nation's lead environmental civil and criminal enforcement official, having served as Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Environment & Natural Resources Division (ENRD) of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). This unparalleled experience provides him with rare insight into government decision-making processes, allowing him to anticipate regulatory moves and strategically position clients to achieve favorable outcomes. Whether you're a public company, a private entity, or an individual facing a critical legal challenge in D.C., Jon Brightbill and the team at Winston & Strawn LLP are equipped to provide robust and effective legal counsel.

Location and Accessibility

Jonathan Brightbill practices at the Washington, D.C. office of Winston & Strawn LLP, conveniently located at 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This address places the firm in the vibrant West End of D.C., a highly accessible and central business district, making it an ideal location for clients across the metropolitan area.

The firm’s downtown D.C. location ensures excellent accessibility via various transportation options. For those utilizing public transit, the office is within short walking distance of several Metro stations, including Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines), providing convenient connections from different parts of the city. Numerous Metrobus routes also service the area, offering additional choices for commuters. If you prefer to drive, the location provides straightforward access to major roadways, and there are multiple public parking garages available in the immediate vicinity of the building. This ease of access ensures that clients can reach Jon Brightbill and the Winston & Strawn team efficiently, allowing for productive consultations on critical legal issues.

Services Offered

Jonathan Brightbill’s practice at Winston & Strawn LLP is multifaceted, offering a comprehensive range of legal services primarily focused on environmental law, government enforcement, and complex litigation. His unique background allows him to provide highly specialized and strategic counsel. Key areas of his services include:

• Environmental Litigation & Enforcement: Defending clients against civil and criminal enforcement actions by government agencies (e.g., EPA, DOJ) and citizen groups under major environmental statutes such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, CERCLA (land remediation), RCRA (waste), TSCA (toxic chemicals), and FIFRA (pesticides).

• Government Investigations & Regulatory Defense: Representing public and private companies, corporate officers, and individuals in investigations initiated by various government bodies, including the DOJ, Congress, and other federal agencies. This includes responding to subpoenas, conducting internal investigations, and defending against white collar and regulatory enforcement actions.

• Complex Civil Litigation & Class Actions: Handling high-stakes civil disputes, including "greenwashing" class actions, consumer deception cases, public interest group suits, and environmental torts. He has a strong track record of successfully defending against class actions through motions to dismiss or summary judgment.

• Environmental Counseling: Advising clients on regulatory compliance, environmental disclosure, and risk management related to various environmental laws. This includes counseling corporate boards on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) disclosure, climate, and sustainability issues.

• Administrative Litigation & Rulemaking Challenges: Representing clients in administrative proceedings and litigating challenges to federal agency rulemaking, particularly concerning environmental regulations. His experience at the DOJ provides unique insight into the rulemaking process.

• False Claims Act (FCA) Matters: Providing defense and counsel for clients involved in False Claims Act litigation, which often arises in the context of government contracts or programs.

• Commercial Litigation: Handling a broad range of commercial disputes, including business disagreements, false and deceptive advertising claims, consumer protection and fraud, and securities and disclosure litigation.

• Appellate & Critical Motions: Leveraging extensive experience in arguing cases before federal appellate courts, including the D.C. Circuit and, in some instances, having cases reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

• Intellectual Property Litigation: Providing counsel and representation in disputes involving trademarks, patents, and trade secrets.

Features / Highlights

Jonathan Brightbill's practice at Winston & Strawn LLP is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make him an exceptional choice for legal representation in Washington, D.C.:

• Former Acting Assistant Attorney General at DOJ: Jon's most significant highlight is his tenure as the nation's lead environmental civil and criminal enforcement official at the U.S. Department of Justice. This role involved overseeing 425 lawyers and managing a budget of over $150 million, providing him with unparalleled insight into government enforcement priorities and strategies.

• Extensive Trial and Appellate Experience: He is an accomplished trial lawyer who has argued many significant environmental and natural resource cases in federal district and appellate courts nationwide, including before the D.C. Circuit and cases reaching the U.S. Supreme Court.

• National Leader in Environmental & Climate Law: Jon is recognized as a national leader on legal issues related to energy, climate change, environmental disclosure, and "green" advertising. He has litigated cutting-edge administrative and environmental issues, including major climate change regulations.

• Comprehensive Environmental Law Knowledge: His experience covers all major environmental and natural resources statutes, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, CERCLA, RCRA, TSCA, and FIFRA, providing clients with robust defense and compliance guidance.

• Broad Commercial Litigation Expertise: Beyond environmental matters, Jon possesses extensive commercial litigation experience, including defending dozens of large, high-stakes class actions and MDL cases, such as those related to PFAS chemical substances.

• Strategic Counseling for Corporate Boards: He counsels clients and corporate boards on complex issues like ESG disclosures, climate-related financial risk, and sustainability initiatives, helping them navigate public and shareholder interests.

• Government Insider Perspective: His background at the most senior levels of the DOJ provides him with a unique ability to anticipate government decision-making and advise clients on the arguments and perspectives that influence regulators and enforcers.

• Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center: Jon shares his vast knowledge as an Adjunct Professor, demonstrating his commitment to legal education and staying at the forefront of legal developments.

• Winston & Strawn's Robust D.C. Office: He is part of a D.C. office with over 75 lawyers, many with prior government experience, and a nationally ranked eDiscovery group, offering a collaborative and well-resourced environment for clients.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a highly respected partner at an international law firm, Jonathan Brightbill and Winston & Strawn LLP do not offer promotional discounts or "special offers" in the consumer retail sense. Their value proposition is rooted in delivering unparalleled legal expertise, strategic insight, and effective advocacy for complex, high-stakes matters. The firm's approach focuses on providing long-term value through superior legal outcomes, rather than short-term price reductions.

However, the value to clients is demonstrated through other significant aspects of their service:

• Strategic Counsel and Risk Mitigation: Jon's deep understanding of government enforcement and regulatory landscapes allows him to provide proactive advice that can help clients mitigate risks, avoid costly disputes, and navigate compliance challenges effectively. This preventative approach often saves clients far more than any promotional discount could offer.

• Efficient and Resourceful Litigation: Leveraging the firm's extensive resources, including a top-tier eDiscovery group and a deep bench of legal talent, Jon and his team can handle complex cases efficiently. This strategic deployment of resources can lead to more streamlined processes and potentially optimized legal costs for clients in the long run.

• Thought Leadership and Client Education: Jon and other attorneys at Winston & Strawn regularly publish articles, participate in industry discussions, and provide insights on critical legal and regulatory developments, particularly in environmental, climate, and white collar defense areas. These resources help clients stay informed and make more astute business decisions.

• Customized Legal Solutions: Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Jon crafts tailored legal strategies designed to meet the specific needs and objectives of each client, ensuring that the legal services are precisely aligned with their unique challenges and goals.

The firm's commitment to excellence and client success in complex legal areas is their core offering, providing a return on investment through superior legal representation and strategic advantage.

Contact Information

For those in Washington, D.C., seeking expert legal counsel on environmental law, government enforcement, or complex commercial litigation matters, you can contact Jonathan Brightbill and Winston & Strawn LLP using the following details:

• Address: 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

• Phone: (202) 282-5855

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-282-5855

Reaching out through these channels will connect you with a professional who can assess your legal needs and provide guidance on how Jonathan Brightbill's extensive experience can benefit your situation.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents and businesses in Washington, D.C., Jonathan Brightbill at Winston & Strawn LLP offers an exceptionally suitable and advantageous legal resource, particularly for those navigating the complex and often high-stakes arenas of environmental law, government investigations, and sophisticated commercial litigation. In a city where federal regulations and governmental interactions are central to many operations, Jon’s unparalleled experience as a former Acting Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice provides an insider’s perspective that is invaluable. This background means he understands not only the law but also the motivations and processes of the very agencies with which clients may be in dispute or seeking to comply.

The firm’s prime location in the heart of D.C.’s West End ensures convenient accessibility for local clients, making it easy to engage with top-tier legal expertise. Beyond Jon’s individual capabilities, the Washington, D.C. office of Winston & Strawn LLP provides a robust support system, including a large team of experienced attorneys, many with prior government service, and advanced eDiscovery resources. This collective strength ensures that clients receive comprehensive, strategic, and efficient legal services tailored to the unique regulatory and political landscape of the District. Whether facing a federal enforcement action, grappling with complex environmental regulations, or embroiled in a significant commercial dispute, D.C. locals can trust Jonathan Brightbill and Winston & Strawn LLP to provide sophisticated, results-oriented legal representation that understands the nuances of the local and national legal environment.