(October 19, 2023 - Washington, DC) Jenner & Block’s Energy Practice growth continues with the addition of William Barksdale, a skilled litigator on matters involving the Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC). Will, who joins as Special Counsel, is the fourth senior addition to the practice in the past year. He joins recent additions Partners John Estes and Niqui Kohli and Special Counsel Anand Viswanathan. This year’s additions have expanded the practice’s transactional capabilities and deepened its FERC bench.
“The energy industry continues to evolve rapidly and we’re growing our practice to provide our deep client base with the strategic counsel that they seek,” said Co-Managing Partner and Energy Practice Co-Chair Randy Mehrberg. “Will’s strong experience with FERC-related litigation, investigations, and enforcement action will add great value for our clients.”
Will has a successful track record of representing a broad range of clients as they confront FERC investigations and enforcement actions involving alleged violations of FERC’s anti-manipulation rule, duty of candor rule, and regional transmission organization and independent system operator tariffs. Will also has extensive experience representing clients in administrative litigation before FERC and providing advice on FERC orders, regulations, and energy market rules.
In addition to his FERC work, Will has experience representing clients in DOJ and SEC inquiries, various types of investigations, and in all stages of business litigation.
“Will is a tremendous addition to the practice,” said Partner John Estes. “I’ve worked with him in the past and know firsthand that his knowledge of the energy industry and depth of experience in investigations and litigation make him a valuable ‘all-arounder’ for clients.”
Will joins a team of more than 50 lawyers in the energy practice handling clients’ most important strategic initiatives. “People make the difference, and my new colleagues at Jenner are some of the best,” said Will. “I’m excited to join Jenner’s team. They are at the forefront of a dynamic area of law and work tirelessly to achieve our clients’ objectives and make a difference on a national scale.”
In alignment with Jenner’s values, Will has an active pro bono practice representing clients in affirmative and defensive asylum cases in the United States and in other related immigration matters.
Will received his JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and his BA from the University of Virginia. He will be based in the Washington, DC office.
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