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.
