Brian Kappel is a versatile litigator who learned from some of the best.
Brian P. Kappel is a versatile litigator who cut his teeth alongside Lightfoot’s top trial attorneys, and he applies that experience to complex, high-stakes disputes. Clients value his individualized attention, creative problem-solving, and efficient, business-minded strategies. His practice centers on environmental litigation and commercial disputes, with additional depth in class actions, antitrust, employment matters, and collegiate sports/NCAA issues.
Brian represents companies in significant environmental matters across the Southeast, including groundwater and PFAS/PFOA contamination disputes and related regulatory and public-facing challenges. His recent work includes author contributions and editorial review for Chambers’ Environmental Law 2025 Alabama guidance, reflecting his on-the-ground perspective for corporate clients navigating evolving environmental frameworks. He has also been recognized in Environmental Litigation by Mid-South Super Lawyers (2023).
Drawing on his background as an Academic All-American baseball player at Princeton and a Minor League relief pitcher, Brian counsels institutions, coaches, administrators, and student-athletes through NCAA compliance investigations and infractions cases, including matters before the NCAA Committees on Infractions and related bodies. He routinely advises on bylaw interpretation, self-reporting, and penalty scope and implementation, and he has helped restore eligibility for several high-profile student-athletes. Brian also provides advice regarding coaching and administrator contracts, NIL strategy, and compliance with federal education rules and regulations, including Title IX, FERPA, and the ADA.
