Husch Blackwell announced the addition of partners Brian Potts and David Zoppo to the firm’s Energy & Natural Resources industry group in the Madison, Wisconsin office. They join from Perkins Coie where both were partners.
“We have been looking to bring on additional high-profile administrative law attorneys. Brian and David are well-known, exceptional energy regulatory and environmental attorneys who help expand our group’s national platform,” said Anna Kimbrell, partner and leader of Husch Blackwell’s Energy & Natural Resources industry group. “They will significantly grow our capabilities in this area, and we’re delighted they’ve joined Husch Blackwell.”
Potts, who co-chaired Perkins Coie’s nationwide energy industry group, has represented a range of Fortune 100 and 500 companies in contested case hearings at the state and federal levels and has overseen a team that has appeared in more than 50 administrative proceedings, including several high-voltage electric transmission siting proceedings, and dozens of federal and state court cases. He has also been involved in billions of dollars’ worth of business transactions and has helped his clients obtain regulatory approvals to build utility infrastructure in various states, including conventional power plants, transmission lines, wind farms, and solar facilities.
In addition to his practice, Potts is also well-known for founding The Legal Mentor Network (LMN), a nationwide nonprofit organization that matches mentors and mentees in the legal space. Since its inception during the pandemic, LMN has matched more than 2,000 law students and newly admitted attorneys with mentors in their preferred localities and fields of legal practice. In addition to LMN, Potts has also co-founded several other companies, including LegalBoard and Goods Unite Us.
Zoppo focuses his practice in the area of administrative law and defends clients in administrative proceedings and contested case hearings at the state and federal levels. He also counsels clients on compliance issues under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act and other energy and environmental statutes.
“We have a lot of respect and admiration for Husch Blackwell’s energy team,” Potts said. “The firm is regarded as one of the best in the industry, and our team was drawn here for a number of reasons, including the fact that Husch Blackwell has a larger Midwest presence and has worked on energy projects in nearly every state. That was especially appealing for our clients that continue to grow.”