A founding member and Chairman of the firm, Willie Shepherd is recognized for his experience in the areas of environmental, natural resources, energy, regulatory & administrative, land use & zoning, water rights, and litigation matters.

Willie Shepherd routinely represents Fortune 100 companies as well as medium to smaller-sized businesses regarding a variety of complex regulatory and commercial litigation issues. He has obtained regulatory approvals from various state and federal agencies, including state departments of environmental quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Willie Shepherd has represented a variety of clients with regard to Superfund redevelopment and revitalization, zoning, annexation, variances, licensing, eminent domain, and environmental justice. WillieShepherd’s area of expertise extends to CERCLA, RCRA, CAA, CWA, NEPA, and the ESA.

With regard to his energy practice, Willie Shepherd has direct involvement with numerous aspects of the industry, including oil & gas, electric and renewable energy. He has particular proficiency with the regulatory issues surrounding this ever changing industry, from both a client perspective and through regular interaction with municipalities and governmental entities at the local, state and federal levels. He currently represents clients on energy issues in administrative, regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters in both the private sector and in government.

In particular, Willie Shepherd has negotiated with state and federal regulators on behalf of electric entities seeking to site a coal-fired gas plant, a wind demonstration project, and a solar energy demonstration project with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). He has represented municipalities renegotiating complex and environmentally proactive franchise agreements with investor-owned utilities. Using his strong ties with government decision makers,Willie Shepherd regularly counsels his clients with regard to pending legislation and policy issues.