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Richard E. Glaze, Jr.

Environmental Defense and and White Collar CrimeS Practition

Richard E. Glaze, Jr.'s profile photo
LocationAtlantaGeorgia, United States
Current rolePartnerBarnes & Thornburg LLP · since Aug 2019
Government service18yrsEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)

About

Rich Glaze is committed to bringing a powerful blend of federal enforcement experience and strategic legal acumen to environmental and criminal defense cases. As a former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) counsel and special assistant U.S. attorney, Rich is about delivering innovative solutions to corporations, municipalities, utilities, and individuals facing complex legal challenges.

Rich’s unique background frequently translates into tangible advantages for his clients. His knowledge of federal agencies allows him to anticipate potential pitfalls and craft proactive strategies. Whether defending against citizen suits, navigating Superfund liability, or managing hazardous waste issues, Rich's approach to advocacy can minimize risk and maximize favorable outcomes.

Rich's practice spans environmental litigation, compliance, and transactional review. He is skillful in high-stakes situations, having handled numerous civil and criminal enforcement actions under major environmental statutes. This comprehensive background is often invaluable when advising clients on real estate transactions, manufacturing concerns, and legacy property matters with potential environmental complications.

Beyond environmental law, Rich applies his prosecutorial background to white collar criminal defense and internal investigations. He has successfully defended clients against fraud allegations and False Claims Act investigations. Rich's versatility extends to counseling businesses on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters and, in particular, climate change and sustainability initiatives.

Roles

Aug 2019–Present
Current role

Partner

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

Environmental LawCivil LitigationFederal GovernmentSecurities LawHealth LawEnvironment, Conservation and NRMEnvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

Law practice focused on civil and criminal enforcement matters brought by federal agencies and the Department of Justice (DOJ), including defense of environmental claims and white collar crimes prosecutions, plus regulatory matters involving the water and wetlands issues, hazardous wastes, remediation of pollutants and other environmental law matters. Criminal defense includes health care fraud, mail and wire fraud; state pharmacy and medical board compliance; comprehensive internal investigations for government investigations and False Claims Act defense.

Oct 2010–Sep 2019
Former role

Partner

Balch & Bingham LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

Environmental LawCivil LitigationHealthcare & MedicalCriminal DefenseHealth LawCriminal LawEnvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)Appellate Litigation

Environmental Law: Storm water, waste water, wetlands and coastal issues; hazardous waste; Superfund remedial and emergency response actions; and Clean Air Act. Experience includes defense of civil and criminal enforcement matters, defense of citizen suits and multi-party environmental appeals, EPA debarment. Former senior attorney at EPA Region 4 in civil and criminal enforcement.

Defense. Defense of civil and criminal regulatory matters including pharmacy, health care , medical devices and prescription medicines.

Aug 1992–Jul 2010
Former role

Senior Attorney

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 4

(appointed)Georgia

Environmental LawSecurity and Law EnforcementFederal GovernmentLegal Officers and PractitionersEnvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

Represented the United States in complex civil and criminal environmental enforcement matters involving broad spectrum of environmental laws, including Federal District Court trial and administrative hearing experience.

Recognition

Honors

Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating

April 2025

The Best Lawyers in America

April 2025

The Best Lawyers in America, 2016-2025

Publications & speeches

Financing Water Infrastructure: How WIFIA Will Supplement SRF Funding

American Infrastructure

August 2017

Sewer System Overflows Targeted by EPA

American Infrastructure

February 2016

Impact of Recent MS4 Requirements

Law 360

September 2015

Managing the Risk from CAA Risk Management Plans

Law 360

May 2015

Impacts of Proposed EPA Waters of the United States Rule on Enforcement and Business. Environmental News

North Carolina Bar Association Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Law Section Newsletter

March 2015

Lab II: Environmental Justice

Goergia Forestry Association Conference

July 2017

When the Whistle Blows

International Association of Defense Counsel International Corporate Counsel College — Amsterdam, The Netherlands

November 2010

Environmental Legal Pitfalls for the Water Treatment Professional

Georgia Association of Water Professionals — 2017 Industrial Conference

March 2017

Focusing Enforcement Resources - EPA National Enforcement Initiatives

Georgia State Bar, Environmental Law Section Summer Seminar

July 2016

Criminal Law and Enforcement. Environmental Law and Regulations Class

Missouri University of Science and Technology — Virtual lecture

May 2018

Criminal Law and Enforcement. Environmental Law and Regulations Class, Missouri University of Science and Technology. Virtual lecture. March 17, 2015; April 18, 2016; May 1, 2017; May 1, 2018