WASHINGTON, D.C. — After an illustrious career spanning government service, BigLaw, and academia, renowned white collar attorney Steve Solow is launching his own firm, Solow PLLC. The move follows his departure from Baker Botts LLP, where he was a key figure in the firm’s environmental and white collar defense practice.

Solow, a former chief of the U.S. Department of Justice Environmental Crimes Section, brings decades of experience representing major energy and chemical companies, as well as clients in various other sectors. His expertise includes internal investigations, corporate compliance, and environmental civil and criminal litigation.

"I do think that I have something unique to offer to clients from my time and experience," Solow said in an exclusive interview with Law360 Pulse. "I think this positions me best to do that."

Solow emphasized his interest in proactive problem-solving, aiming to help clients address issues at their early stages to prevent future occurrences. He also noted that leaving a large firm enables him to pursue monitorship work, a growing field within compliance and regulatory frameworks.

In addition to founding Solow PLLC, Solow has joined Affiliated Monitors Inc. as a managing director. This Boston-based firm specializes in providing independent monitoring services to ensure corporate compliance and foster a healthy corporate culture.

Vincent DiCianni, founder of Affiliated Monitors, praised Solow’s background, stating, "He understands what the government needs from a monitor, but also has a clear understanding of what a company needs when they are subjected to a monitor."

Solow’s tenure at Baker Botts began in 2019 after he and a team of environmental, health, and safety attorneys transitioned from Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. He previously spent significant time at Hunton & Williams LLP.

A Baker Botts spokesperson expressed well-wishes for Solow’s new venture. Solow noted his transition to senior counsel at Baker Botts earlier this year was due to reaching the firm's mandatory retirement age of 65, but he was not ready to wind down his career. "I love being a lawyer," Solow said, highlighting his ongoing passion for the field.

Beyond his professional work, Solow has a longstanding commitment to pro bono service, acting as the outside pro bono counsel for Mines Advisory Group (MAG) U.S., a nonprofit dedicated to clearing land mines and unexploded ordnance in conflict zones.

Nadira Clarke, a former colleague at both Baker Botts and the DOJ, described Solow as a mentor who advocates for individuals at every level. Clarke, now with Hogan Lovells, praised his deep understanding of environmental and criminal laws, describing him as "a true academic."

Solow has also had a significant impact in academia, teaching environmental law as an adjunct professor for over two decades, primarily at Pace University and the University of Maryland School of Law.

Reflecting on his upbringing and career, Solow credited his mother’s pursuit of higher education as a profound influence. Watching her become an English professor at Adelphi University inspired his own passion for teaching and continuous learning.

Solow holds a law degree from New York University School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Brown University. He began his legal career as a prosecutor with the New York State Organized Crime Task Force before joining the DOJ in Washington, D.C.

For young lawyers, Solow advocates for gaining experience in government to better understand its workings, emphasizing that even a brief stint can provide valuable insights that many private sector lawyers lack.

With Solow PLLC, Steve Solow is poised to continue his distinguished career, offering clients his unique expertise and perspective in white collar defense and environmental law.