About Jon Karl
Jon Karl Wactor is a seasoned environmental attorney based in Oakland, California — With over four decades of experience, he specializes in environmental and real estate law. Jon earned his Juris Doctor from the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona in 1982 — Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Arts at the same institution in 1979. His legal career began shortly after graduation when he was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 1982, followed by his admission to the State Bar of California in 1989. In 2002, Jon co-founded Wactor & Wick LLP, a firm dedicated to addressing environmental issues for clients, including real estate developers, landowners, and manufacturers. The firm is located at 180 Grand Avenue, Suite 950, Oakland, CA 94612.
Under his leadership, the firm has become a vital resource for clients navigating complex environmental regulations. Before establishing his firm, Jon held significant positions in environmental law, which laid a strong foundation for his practice. From 1982 to 1985, he served as an Assistant Attorney General with the State of Arizona, where he focused on environmental enforcement. Following his tenure in Arizona, Jon worked as Enforcement Counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 1985 to 1989. This role provided him with inexperience in federal environmental regulations and compliance issues.
His expertise in this field is recognized; in 2003, he was recognized as one of the San Francisco Bay Area's "go-to" lawyers for contaminated property redevelopments. Additionally, he has been listed in the 2003 edition of Outstanding Lawyers of America and the 2000 edition of Who's Who in American Law. Jon's commitment to the legal community extends beyond his practice. He is an active member of the State Bar of California's Environmental Law Section, where he served on its Executive Committee from 2001 to 2004. His leadership was further recognized when he chaired the San Francisco Bar Association's Environmental Law Section in 1999 and 2000. His practice areas encompass various environmental aspects of real estate and business operations, including brownfield redevelopment, environmental insurance, regulatory defense, and natural resources.
Throughout his career, Jon has handled over 150 large commercial, industrial, and residential real estate developments across the United States. His experience allows him to handle the requirements of environmental law effectively. Jon is admitted to practice in both state and federal courts in California and Arizona, as well as the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. His comprehensive background and dedication to environmental law continue to make a significant impact in the field.
