Allan Gates

Allan Gates is a distinguished attorney focusing on environmental law and litigation. With decades of experience, he represents private parties, public interest groups, and trade associations in regulatory and compliance matters. He frequently appears before state and federal agencies, including the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency, and defends clients in hazardous waste and Superfund actions across multiple jurisdictions.

Gates earned his B.A. from Yale University in 1969 and his J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School in 1972. Early in his career, he clerked for Chief Judge Pat Mehaffy of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and Associate Justice Harry A. Blackmun of the U.S. Supreme Court. His legal foundation, strengthened by this clerkship experience, has guided his approach to handling highly technical and sensitive environmental disputes with precision.

Throughout his career, Gates has advised clients on issues involving air and water pollution, toxic torts, wetlands, pesticide registrations, hazardous waste permitting, and environmental impact litigation. He has also served as counsel in rulemaking and adjudicatory proceedings under major environmental statutes. His work has helped clients navigate the complexities of compliance while advancing responsible environmental practices.

Widely recognized for his contributions, Allan Gates has been honored by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America®, and Mid-South Super Lawyers for excellence in environmental law and litigation. He is the Past-President of the American College of Environmental Lawyers, serves on its Board of Regents, and frequently lectures at universities and legal seminars. His leadership in professional organizations underscores his commitment to advancing environmental law and mentoring future practitioners.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C.
• Member, Arkansas Bar Association
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, Arkansas Bar Foundation
• Member, American Law Institute
• Member, Arkansas Nature Conservancy Board of Trustees
• Past-President, American College of Environmental Lawyers
• President, American College of Environmental Lawyers Foundation
• Charter member, Arkansas Bar Commission on Diversity
• Original incorporator and Chairman of the Board, Old State House Museum Associates

Licensed State

• Arkansas
• District of Columbia

Education

• Vanderbilt Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Yale University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges