Mark R. Johnson has joined McGuireWoods’ nationally recognized energy regulatory practice as a partner in the firm’s Chicago office, bringing a wealth of experience advising some of the country’s largest energy companies on critical regulatory and energy issues.
Johnson advises clients on a variety of leading-edge issues facing the electric power industry, including renewable energy and energy efficiency portfolio standards, the integration of solar and distributed generation, innovative rate design, Smart Grid and advanced metering infrastructure, deregulation and restructuring, traditional and performance-based rate cases, and power procurement. He also devotes a substantial portion of his practice to counseling clients on the development and implementation of legislation affecting these issues.
“Mark strengthens our energy regulatory capabilities in the Midwest and we’re delighted to welcome him to the firm,” said Joanne Katsantonis, chair of McGuireWoods’ energy industry team. “Mark’s experience advising clients in regulatory and legislative matters will have great benefits for our clients.”
Johnson’s experience includes representing a major electric utility in the first formula ratemaking cases under the 2011 Illinois Energy Infrastructure and Modernization Act, as well as providing counsel throughout the design and implementation of the historic legislation, which authorized a record investment in upgrading and digitizing the state’s utility grid while enhancing reliability, customer choice and the stability of the regulatory process. In addition, Johnson has represented the state’s largest electric utility in the approval of triennial efficiency plans, which involve the administration of a nearly $500 million portfolio of energy efficiency programs.
“Mark has worked with major utility clients to navigate sweeping changes to Illinois’ regulatory and ratemaking structures, and his knowledge and skill will be tremendous assets for our team and our clients,” said Joseph K. Reid III, chair of the firm’s Regulatory and Compliance Department.
McGuireWoods’ energy regulatory lawyers play vital roles in the strategic development of rate-case applications and litigation. The firm earned a nationwide ranking for its energy regulatory and litigation work in Chambers USA’s 2015 guide.
“Mark is an important addition for us and we’re excited to have him on board,” said Amy Manning, managing partner of the firm’s Chicago office. “His vast experience will enhance the services we provide to our energy and utility clients in the Midwest and throughout the country.”
Johnson comes to McGuireWoods from the Chicago firm Eimer Stahl. He has been recognized as a leading energy and natural resources lawyer by Chambers USA for the past six years. Johnson received his bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College in 1999 and his law degree from the University of Iowa in 2002.
“McGuireWoods’ regulatory practice has a well-deserved reputation for excellence, and I’m proud to join this outstanding team,” Johnson said. “Energy clients are facing extraordinary challenges as the market and the regulatory landscape shift, and I look forward to working them to meet their needs.”
McGuireWoods’ multidisciplinary energy team boasts more than 100 lawyers who work across multiple sectors, from electric and gas, to natural gas and renewable fuels, to coal and Marcellus shale, and emerging technologies. The team represents 20 energy companies listed in the Fortune 500. The projects handled by the firm’s energy team represent approximately 30,500 megawatts of electric capacity with a combined value of more than $100 billion. They include solar, coal-fired, gas-fired, nuclear, and hydroelectric power generation and cogeneration facilities, as well as nonconventional projects using alternative technologies and fuels.
Source: www.mcguirewoods.com
