Vetter

Environmental contamination litigation on behalf of public entities is complex and resource-intensive. Representing public entities in this space requires deep expertise, persistence, and a clear focus on the public interest. I am proud to work alongside states and municipalities as they pursue accountability for environmental harm and safeguard their communities.

Overview

Viola Vetter focuses on sovereign and public entity representation in the environmental space. She currently represents a number of state Attorneys General and municipalities in environmental litigation, prosecuting claims against major chemical manufacturers whose practices and products have resulted in the contamination of natural resources, stormwater systems, and other infrastructure throughout the nation. Viola understands that frequently, state Attorneys General and municipal law departments are the last bastion of environmental protection when there is lack of other regulatory oversight, and is honored to bring legal expertise and resources to their fight against corporate misconduct.

Prior to joining Grant & Eisenhofer, Viola was an associate at an international law firm, resident in Philadelphia, representing corporate clients in complex commercial, consumer and qui tam matters in state and federal courts. She is fluent in English and German.

Experience

  • Serves as one of the lead attorneys in a number of State litigations against Monsanto Co. in environmental protection actions concerning PCB contamination of state waters and other natural resources that have resulted in significant recoveries, including for the State of Illinois ($120-$280 million), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ($100 million), and the State of Ohio ($80 million)
  • Actively litigates state and municipal actions against manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS that have contaminated drinking water supplies and other natural resources, including on behalf of the States of Vermont and Maine, and municipalities in California, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin
  • Actively litigates claims over contamination of public buildings with toxic PCBs resulting in significant indoor air pollution, including for the State of Vermont and the Burlington School District

Outside the Office

Exploring the outdoors is our indulgence, and we luckily succeeded in convincing our three young children that things like hiking or skiing, away from screens, is fun.  Big Bend, Glacier, and Death Valley National Parks have been among recent favorites.

Credentials

Education

  • Temple University Beasley School of Law (JD, 2007)
    • Temple Political & Civil Rights Law Review, Member 
  • Elizabethtown College (BS, magna cum laude, 2004)

Admissions

  • Delaware
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • US Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit
  • US Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit
  • US District Court for the District of Delaware
  • US District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Recognitions

  • Super Lawyers Rising Stars in Business Litigation, 2015-2016

Affiliations

Professional

  • Law 360 Editorial Board – Environmental

Community

  • Member of Board of Directors, The Caring Center