Chris Baird

Chris Baird is a partner at Headwaters Law Group in Seattle who represents clients in complex environmental litigation and regulatory matters. His work includes multi-party contaminated-site cases, federal enforcement, cleanup risk, and disputes arising from releases of hazardous substances. He also serves as a trained mediator in environmental and commercial conflicts. His clients range from individuals to major companies confronting high-stakes regulatory and financial issues.

Chris earned a J.D. from Duke University School of Law, an M.S. in Environmental Science from Western Washington University, and an A.B. in Environmental Studies from the University of Chicago. His combination of legal and environmental education supports work involving scientific evidence, technical experts, and environmental law. Before establishing Corvid Law, now Headwaters Law Group, he was a partner at Perkins Coie in Seattle.

Chris defended Weyerhaeuser Company in a 21-day federal bench trial involving the Kalamazoo River and has negotiated with the U.S. Department of Justice in environmental enforcement matters. He has represented a refinery during a federal compliance investigation and advised clients on managing claims involving hazardous substance releases. His work also includes contaminated property valuation matters in which he has acted as an expert witness.

Chris Baird received an Innocence Project Northwest pro bono award in 2016 for work that obtained a new trial for a client who had been imprisoned for more than eight years. He is a fellow of the American College of Environmental Lawyers and has received Best Lawyers environmental litigation recognition. His service on nonprofit boards complements a practice grounded in technical preparation and dispute resolution.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Headwaters Law Group
• Member, Washington State Bar Association
• Fellow, American College of Environmental Lawyers
• Fellow, American Bar Foundation
• Member, RAVE Foundation
• Member, Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA)
• Member, Rainier Valley Food Bank

Licensed State

• Washington

Education

• Duke University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Western Washington University
  Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Science
• University of Chicago
  A.B. in Environmental Studies

Awards & Badges