In a notable addition to its ranks, Holland & Knight has secured the expertise of Willie Phillips and Ronan Gulstone, both of whom have held prominent positions at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). As of Tuesday, they join the firm’s public policy & regulation group in Washington, D.C., stepping in as partners. This strategic hiring move by Holland & Knight underscores the firm’s ambition to enhance its capabilities in tackling evolving challenges within the energy sector. Bloomberg Law provides more details on this development.
Willie Phillips, who previously served as the chairman of FERC, will offer his expertise in strategic counsel and legal advice. His role at Holland & Knight is expected to provide critical insights, particularly in navigating the complexities presented by surging energy demand from sectors like AI data centers, ensuring resource adequacy, and addressing the increasing need for new infrastructure. His experience is set to empower the firm in crafting innovative solutions tailored for the energy sector’s current and future needs. The firm described these contributions across energy industry challenges in their announcement, which can be read here.
Joining him is Ronan Gulstone, formerly the chief of staff and senior legal advisor at FERC. In his former role, Gulstone advised the commissioner on critical aspects such as reliability, transmission, and infrastructure permitting. His expertise is anticipated to complement Phillips’ efforts, providing a robust legal and strategic backbone to the firm’s pursuits in regulatory issues.
These appointments reflect a broader strategy by Holland & Knight to consolidate its advisory capabilities in energy and public policy, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the shifting landscape of energy regulation and infrastructure needs. For ongoing updates and more legal news, visit Bloomberg Law.