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Carter F. Thurman has broad experience in the defense and prosecution of complex civil litigation, including products liability, commercial, and environmental cases. He has substantial trial and oral argument experience. As recent trial counsel, Mr. Thurman prosecuted commercial contract claims against a large company, which formerly co-owned and operated a chemical plant, under both breach of contract and contractual indemnification causes of action with hundreds of millions of dollars at stake. He also represents large pharmaceutical companies in products liability litigation, where he has appeared and argued numerous motions in state and federal court. Mr. Thurman relies on his prior work as a groundwater hydrologist to represent clients in toxic tort and groundwater contamination matters involving various chemicals, including PFAS.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Thurman was a trial attorney through the honors program at the United States Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division. In that role, he litigated complex cases involving NEPA, CAA, Federal Aid Highway Act, Mineral Leasing Act, FLPMA, and the Fifth Amendment takings clause. He gained significant trial experience having tried multiple cases, including a 55-day bench trial. As a trial team member, his experience included directing and crossing witnesses, and presenting opening and closing arguments. He also argued numerous motions in federal courts around the country. In addition to trial work, his work at the Justice Department included defending agency actions under the APA and defending against challenges to rulemakings.
Following law school, Mr. Thurman clerked at the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. While there, he assisted empaneled three-judge boards hearing suits under the Atomic Energy Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, regarding nuclear safety, security, and the environment.
Mr. Thurman received his J.D. from Emory University School of Law, with honors. He received his M.S. in Environmental Science and Engineering from Colorado School of Mines, and his B.S. in Natural Resources from The University of the South, where he was a member of the Order of the Gownsmen and a member of the Sewanee Baseball Team.