Thomas Sansonetti

Sansonetti was a partner of Holland & Hart LLP from 1996 through 2001. On December 31, 2001, Sansonetti accepted a Presidential appointment as the Assistant Attorney General of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. As one of the top leaders in the Justice Department, he was deeply involved in responding to post-9/11 events, including working with the new Department of Homeland Security. He managed a budget of $115 million and supervised 650 employees including a legal staff of 425 attorneys. From 1990 to 1993, Sansonetti was Solicitor of the Department of the Interior, the number three ranking position in DOI. During his tenure, he signed the $1.1B Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement, having served as one of the six federal negotiators. In 1993, he joined Holland & Hart's Cheyenne office, where he developed a national practice in natural resources and environmental law. Sansonetti received a B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1971 and 1973 respectively. In 1976, he received his J.D. from Washington & Lee University. He then opened a solo practice in Gillette, Wyoming and built a very successful general practice. While practicing there, he became involved in politics and also developed a strong interest in natural resources law. Sansonetti will be available for interviews at Holland & Hart after May 1, 2005. interview with Assistant Attorney General Tom Sansonetti as he discusses top environmental law enforcement issues.