William K. Lane III

William advocates on behalf of corporate and individual clients in a broad spectrum of appellate, constitutional, regulatory, and complex commercial litigation. He has represented parties in high-profile cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and has argued significant matters in federal appellate and trial courts throughout the country on behalf of both the United States and private parties. William’s practice has focused on matters of administrative and constitutional law, False Claims Act (FCA) claims, and contract disputes. William also maintains a robust pro bono practice, in which he has handled cases involving asylum applications, religious liberty claims, and government takings.

As a former U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) official, William is well-positioned to help clients anticipate and respond to Executive branch decision-making. During his time in government, he represented numerous federal agencies in courts throughout the country and advised federal officials on consequential questions of law and policy. William’s experience as a special counsel in the U.S. Senate also provides clients with invaluable insight into the legislative process.  

Representative Matters

• Successfully represented energy company before U.S. Supreme Court in case concerning authorization to construct a major natural gas pipeline (Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC v. Cowpasture River Preservation Association).
• Successfully defended cable company before U.S. Supreme Court in lawsuit challenging company's right to control what programming to carry (Charter Communications Inc. v. National Association of African American-Owned Media).
• Mounted challenge in U.S. Supreme Court against New York City law preventing licensed gun owners from transporting firearms outside city limits (New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. City of New York), in addition to litigating numerous other Second Amendment challenges.
• Defended international consulting firm in FCA dispute over software licensing rights.
• Represented major pharmaceutical company in jury trial concerning patentability of cholesterol-fighting antibodies.
• Represented association of wireless carriers in U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit challenging permissibility of Kentucky law mandating assessment of fees to fund enhanced emergency 911 services.
• Argued in multiple federal district courts on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education in defense of rule that allocated emergency federal coronavirus funds between public and private schools.

• Represented the United States in federal court at hearing on motion to substitute the United States for the President pursuant to the Westfall Act. 

• Argued in federal district court in defense of Department of Health and Human Services rule prohibiting discrimination in the allocation of medical services.
• Argued on behalf of Guatemalan asylum applicant in U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (ultimately securing relief under the Convention Against Torture), in addition to litigating numerous other pro bono matters concerning religious liberty, government takings, veterans’ benefits, and the restoration of rights to a released felon.
• Argued on behalf of the DOJ in U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second and Seventh Circuits in asylum actions, in addition to representing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in immigration disputes in other federal appellate courts.
• Represented airline manufacturer in U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in dispute over contract for navigation software, in addition to litigating numerous other contract disputes in federal and state court, as well as in arbitration.
• Advised and litigated on behalf of numerous manufacturers challenging regulations issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
• Represented New Jersey mutual savings bank in litigation challenging permissibility of accounts opened by out-of-state investors.
• Represented health plan management services organization in contract dispute with pharmacy benefits manager in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin.

Professional Experience

• Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice (2020-2021)
• Litigation Associate, Private Law Practice (2016-2017; 2017-2018; 2018-2020)
• Special Counsel for the Nomination of Justice Neil M. Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary (2017)
• Summer Law Clerk, Institute for Justice (2013)
• Armor Officer, United States Army (2008-2012)
• Gadbaw Fellow, General Electric International Law and Policy Group (2008)

Affiliations

• Allied Attorney, Alliance Defending Freedom
• Captain, Individual Ready Reserve
• The Federalist Society
• Fellow, Leonine Forum
• Thomas More Society of America
• Knights of Columbus