National law firm Husch Blackwell is pleased to announce that Richard Bonnifield has joined the firm’s Energy & Natural Resources business unit as a partner where he provides energy regulatory services. A resident of Hilton Head, South Carolina, Bonnifield is based in the firm’s virtual Link office, and affiliated with the firm’s Washington D.C. office.
Bonnifield represents utilities, renewable energy developers and independent power producers before FERC in obtaining the approvals and regulatory mechanisms necessary for their businesses. He routinely assists clients in obtaining market-based rate authority, exempt wholesale generator status, and qualifying facility status, and he also handles applications for transactions that fall under Section 203 of the Federal Power Act.
“We’re delighted Rich has chosen Husch Blackwell to continue his legal career,” said partner Anna Kimbrell, who leads the firm’s Energy & Natural Resources business unit. “Rich’s experience at FERC and in nearly all 10 electric power markets will be a great benefit to our clients that develop and operate facilities throughout the country.”
Bonnifield began his energy career with a clerkship for FERC administrative law judges, later moving into a trial staff role at the commission. He is known for both his extensive, solid experience and his remarkably deep knowledge of the subject matter and the energy industry. After nearly 20 years at utility companies, Rich also has an inside understanding of what clients need from outside counsel.
“I have high regard for a number of the firm’s attorneys and have great admiration for them, including Linda Walsh, Jim Hoecker, and Fred Jauss, to name a few,” Bonnifield said. “Husch Blackwell has a coast-to-coast presence with both the federal regulatory expertise as well as experience in many of the markets that clients are interested in.”