Bill Jackson, a 1992 graduate of the University of Houston Law Center
Aug. 21, 2025 - Bill Jackson, a 1992 graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, played a central role in securing a settlement exceeding $2 billion for the state of New Jersey in a contamination case — the largest environmental recovery ever obtained by a single state and among the largest legal settlements in U.S. history.
“We are honored to represent the State of New Jersey in its pursuit of accountability from the companies responsible for widespread PFAS contamination,” said Jackson, Kelley Drye’s Environmental practice co-chair and lead counsel for the State of New Jersey, in a statement.
The case against DuPont and related companies involved PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. The settlement is the largest environmental recovery ever achieved by a single state, and among the largest legal recoveries in U.S. history.
The decision will require DuPont and its affiliates to remediate four heavily contaminated industrial sites. It also establishes a $1.2 billion remediation fund, safeguarded by a $475 million reserve fund, and includes $875 million in payments for PFAS abatement, natural resource damages and state costs.
Under Jackson’s leadership, Kelley Drye coordinated with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and partner firms, adding this victory to a series of major environmental recoveries for the state, including prior settlements with Solvay, Arkema, 3M, and others. In total, Jackson and his team have now helped New Jersey recover over $3 billion through PFAS and environmental litigation.
“I am incredibly proud of the Kelley Drye trial team representing the State of New Jersey in this matter of national significance,” Jackson said. “PFAS contamination of our drinking water is a national problem, and this case will set the gold standard for all environmental and natural resource damages cases going forward.
“It is incredibly rewarding to recover billions of dollars that will go to drinking water treatment and natural resource restoration.”
Previously, Jackson served on the University of Houston Law Alumni Association by chairing various committees, by serving on its board of directors for more than a decade, and as president of the Law Alumni Association from 2011-2013. He holds a seat on the University of Houston Law Foundation Board and chaired the foundation's building committee.
“UH Law is very proud of Bill’s accomplishments. He joins the pantheon of great UHLC litigators who have won sizable judgments for their clients. Bill has also given back to his alma mater with time and talents most notably leading the alumni campaign to raise the funding for the $93M John M. O'Quinn Law Building. "
