Bob Riley

In Washington, D.C., a pivotal hub for policy-making and regulatory oversight, the energy sector navigates an exceptionally intricate legal landscape. For companies involved in developing, acquiring, or operating power projects—whether utilizing conventional fuels or rapidly expanding renewable resources—having seasoned legal counsel with a deep understanding of energy law and regulatory affairs is not merely advantageous, but absolutely essential. The complexities of federal and state regulations, coupled with the high stakes of energy transactions, demand an attorney who combines legal expertise with practical industry insight.

Bob Riley, a prominent attorney at Williams Mullen's Washington, D.C. office, stands as a leading authority in energy law. As co-chair of the firm's Energy Practice, Mr. Riley dedicates his extensive experience to guiding clients through the intricacies of energy project development, transactional matters, and related federal and state regulatory issues. With over 29 years in the field, his background encompasses significant law firm, in-house corporate, and government experience, offering a uniquely well-rounded perspective. Prior to joining Williams Mullen, he served as Vice President and General Counsel for wholly-owned subsidiaries of Edison Mission Energy Company, a major independent power plant developer, which provided him with invaluable practical insights into the industry.

Bob Riley's practice is particularly focused on helping clients develop, construct, own, operate, and manage electric power projects that utilize a diverse range of fuel sources, from natural gas and coal to solar, wind, hydro, landfill gas, and solid waste. He also assists clients with crucial due diligence evaluations for the acquisition, sale, and financing of energy projects. For locals in D.C. involved in the energy sector, Bob Riley provides the comprehensive legal support and strategic foresight needed to succeed in this dynamic and heavily regulated industry.

Bob Riley practices from the Washington, D.C. office of Williams Mullen, which is strategically situated in a prime area of the city, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients. The office address is:

1666 K St NW #1200, Washington, DC 20006, USA

This address places the office prominently on K Street Northwest, a renowned corridor in D.C.'s central business district, often associated with leading law firms, lobbying groups, and business organizations. The location offers superb access via Washington D.C.'s extensive public transportation system. It is just a short walk from both the Farragut North Metro station (on the Red Line) and the Farragut West Metro station (serving the Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines). This makes it highly convenient for clients commuting from various neighborhoods within D.C., as well as from the surrounding suburbs in Maryland and Virginia, utilizing the efficient Metro system. For those who prefer to drive, numerous commercial parking garages are readily available in the immediate vicinity, though clients should anticipate typical downtown D.C. parking rates. The office's central position also means it is in close proximity to key federal agencies, legislative bodies, and energy-related institutions, which is a distinct advantage for the nature of Mr. Riley's energy law practice, facilitating ease of access for client meetings and regulatory engagements. The professional office environment provides a discreet and conducive setting for detailed discussions on complex energy matters.

Bob Riley's legal practice is comprehensively focused on energy law, offering a wide array of services to clients engaged in the development, operation, and financing of power projects. His services include, but are not limited to:

• Energy Project Development: Guiding clients through all phases of developing electric power projects, including site selection, permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals for both conventional and renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, natural gas, etc.).

• Energy Transactional Matters: Handling a wide variety of transactions critical to the energy sector, such as power purchase and sale agreements (PPAs), fuel procurement agreements, operation and maintenance (O&M) agreements, and business development agreements.

• Federal and State Regulatory Issues: Advising clients on compliance with regulations from agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and various state public utility commissions, including administrative cases and interpretations of federal and state statutes.

• Due Diligence for Energy Projects: Conducting thorough legal due diligence for the acquisition, sale, and financing of energy projects, identifying and mitigating potential risks.

• Electric Power Plant Development & Permitting: Assisting with the full lifecycle of power plant projects, from initial development and permitting to ownership, operation, acquisition, and divestiture.

• Commercial & Administrative Litigation: Representing clients in litigation involving PPA disputes, force majeure issues, facility outages, and "right of first refusal" (ROFR) disputes concerning ownership interests in electric generating facilities.

• Credit Facilities & Project Finance: Serving as special energy project counsel for independent power producer borrowers in the negotiation and administration of significant credit facilities.

Bob Riley's practice is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make him a highly valuable asset to clients in the energy sector within Washington, D.C.:

• Extensive Energy Sector Experience: With over 29 years dedicated to advising energy clients, Mr. Riley possesses a deep and nuanced understanding of the industry's unique challenges and opportunities. This long tenure provides invaluable foresight and strategic counsel.

• Diverse Background: His experience spans law firm practice, in-house corporate counsel roles (including as Vice President and General Counsel for Edison Mission Energy Company subsidiaries), and government involvement. This multi-faceted background offers clients a comprehensive perspective on legal, business, and regulatory considerations.

• Renewable Energy Expertise: A significant highlight is his focus on renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and hydro. This positions him as a crucial resource for D.C.'s growing green energy initiatives and for clients committed to sustainable power generation.

• Active Industry Leadership: Mr. Riley is a member of the Energy Bar Association and a former chair of its Generation and Power Marketing Committee. He also serves as Vice Chair of the American Bar Association's Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation Resource Committee and chairs the Virginia Chamber of Commerce's Energy Industry Council. These roles highlight his standing as a thought leader and his active engagement in shaping energy policy and legal discourse.

• Broad Transactional & Regulatory Proficiency: He handles a wide variety of complex energy transactions, from power purchase agreements to fuel management and O&M agreements, and possesses extensive experience in administrative cases before FERC and various state commissions.

• Licensed in Key Jurisdictions: Bob Riley is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Ohio, and admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and the Fifth Circuit. This broad licensure supports clients with multi-state energy projects.

In the highly specialized field of energy law and regulatory affairs, particularly within a distinguished firm like Williams Mullen, "promotions" in a conventional sense are not typically offered. However, engaging with a professional of Bob Riley's caliber inherently provides significant value that can be considered valuable "offers" to prospective clients in Washington, D.C.:

• Strategic Consultations: While specific fee structures for initial consultations should be clarified directly with Williams Mullen, firms of this standing often provide an opportunity for prospective clients to discuss their energy-related legal challenges. This initial engagement allows clients in D.C. to receive a preliminary assessment of their situation from a top expert and understand potential strategic pathways, without committing to full legal representation immediately. This is an invaluable first step in complex energy matters.

• Efficiency Through Experience: Mr. Riley's nearly three decades of dedicated experience in energy law and his deep understanding of regulatory nuances mean that he can navigate complex legal issues more efficiently. This proficiency translates into streamlined processes, potentially reducing the time and associated costs of legal proceedings or project development. His ability to anticipate and mitigate issues often results in significant savings for clients in the long run.

• Industry Network and Insight: His active leadership roles in prominent energy associations provide clients with access to a broad industry network and a forward-looking perspective on energy policy and market trends. This offers a "special advantage" in terms of strategic planning and understanding the broader implications of regulatory changes for their projects.

• Risk Mitigation: Bob Riley's expertise in due diligence, regulatory compliance, and litigation defense helps clients identify and mitigate legal and operational risks in their energy projects. Proactive legal counsel in these areas can prevent costly disputes and regulatory penalties, providing an intangible but highly valuable "offer" of security and stability.

For the most accurate information regarding engagement terms and fee arrangements for your specific energy law needs, it is recommended to contact Bob Riley directly through Williams Mullen.

To connect with Bob Riley at Williams Mullen's Washington, D.C. office, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 1666 K St NW #1200, Washington, DC 20006, USA

Phone: (202) 293-8121

Mobile Phone: +1 202-293-8121

Reaching out directly is the best way to discuss your energy-related legal needs and explore how his expertise can assist you.

For businesses, developers, and organizations within the District of Columbia that operate in or interact with the complex energy sector, Bob Riley at Williams Mullen is an exceptionally suitable and highly valuable legal resource. His practice's central location on K Street NW offers convenient access from anywhere in D.C. and the surrounding metropolitan area, making it practical for local engagement.

The core suitability for locals stems from Mr. Riley's unparalleled depth of experience and specialized focus in energy law. In a city where federal energy policy and regulations are shaped, his nearly three decades of advising on energy project development, transactions, and regulatory compliance are directly pertinent to the needs of D.C.-based entities. Whether a local startup is exploring renewable energy ventures, an established corporation is navigating complex power purchase agreements, or an organization is dealing with FERC regulations, Bob Riley provides the precise expertise needed to successfully navigate these high-stakes matters.

His unique background, combining private practice, in-house counsel, and active leadership in energy industry associations, gives him a comprehensive understanding of client challenges from all angles. This means D.C. locals receive not just legal advice, but strategic business counsel informed by real-world energy sector dynamics. His specialization in both conventional and renewable energy also makes him an ideal partner for the District's commitment to sustainable development and green initiatives. For any entity in Washington, D.C., seeking to thrive in the energy landscape, Bob Riley offers the strategic insight, regulatory acumen, and transactional expertise essential for success.