McGuireWoods expanded its formidable energy regulatory and enforcement capabilities with the addition of John P. Perkins III, who joined the firm in Washington, D.C., after serving as a top litigator at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Perkins was a lead trial lawyer and acting branch chief in FERC’s Office of Administrative Litigation in Washington. He directed a team of lawyers and support staff in rate proceedings for electric transmission projects, natural gas pipelines and oil pipelines, led settlement negotiations and litigated administrative hearings. He was in private practice for eight years before moving to FERC in 2013.
At McGuireWoods, Perkins will focus on representing energy clients in FERC rate cases and supporting the firm’s transactional lawyers on federal regulatory matters related to mergers and acquisitions. He joins a practice that is highly ranked for its energy regulatory and enforcement work in Chambers and Partners’ 2018 Global Guide.
“John’s background managing complex FERC proceedings enhances our team’s significant capabilities to guide energy clients through daunting regulatory challenges,” said Vishwa Link, chair of McGuireWoods’ Regulatory & Compliance Department.
“John brings unmatched experience in FERC’s rigorous ratemaking process. His insider’s perspective gives our clients tremendous advantages,” added Todd Mullins, managing partner of McGuireWoods’ Washington office and a former FERC branch chief.
Ryan Purpura, chair of the firm’s energy industry team, said: “Our regulatory and compliance practice is vital to the success of our energy industry team, and John’s arrival makes us even stronger.”
“McGuireWoods is known as a top-tier firm for serving the business, litigation and regulatory needs of its energy clients, and I am excited to have the opportunity to be part of it,” Perkins said.
McGuireWoods’ regulatory and compliance practice represents energy clients in proceedings before FERC, the Environmental Protection Agency, state public utility commissions and various state agencies. The firm’s regulatory lawyers also support McGuireWoods’ transactional lawyers in major energy industry deals, such as Dominion Energy Inc.’s proposed $14.6 billion merger with SCANA Corp. announced in January.