Pillsbury Adds Former NRC Commissioner to Energy Practice

WASHINGTON, DC—Pillsbury today announced the addition of Jeffrey Merrifield, a former Commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), as a partner in the firm’s Energy practice. He will join Pillsbury’s top-ranked Nuclear Energy team, formed more than 50 years ago as the first practice of its kind.

Appointed by President Bill Clinton and reappointed by President George W. Bush, Merrifield served as NRC Commissioner from 1998 to 2007. In that role, he spent time at all operating nuclear power plants in the United States and at more than half of the nuclear power plants located across the world. Merrifield also served as a spokesperson for the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) during the Fukushima nuclear accident.

“Jeff’s knowledge of energy policy and his ability to advise on regulatory issues and changes provide an unparalleled level of authority for our energy clients,” said Pillsbury Chair Jim Rishwain. “Energy is a key sector of strategic focus for Pillsbury and our clients, and Jeff's skills are highly valued in the United States and international energy community. His arrival, along with the arrival of Energy counsel Vince Zabielski in London and the promotion of Elina Teplinsky to partner in our DC office, will strengthen our already distinguished Nuclear Energy practice, both domestically and internationally.”

Prior to his NRC service, Merrifield served as Staff Director of the Senate Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Control and Risk Assessment for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for ten years. In that role, Merrifield championed more streamlined, quicker NRC clean-up efforts of contaminated nuclear sites, as well as a simplified regulatory process for licensing and siting new facilities. He also drafted successful legislation to regulate hazardous waste.

Most recently, Merrifield served as Senior Vice President of Global Business Development for Chicago Bridge & Iron’s Power Business Unit. Prior to that, he was a Senior Vice President at the Shaw Group, Inc. from 2007 until its acquisition by Chicago Bridge & Iron in 2012. In these roles, he was responsible for nuclear and fossil energy business development domestically and internationally.

“Jeff’s experience gives him a unique perspective on the complex planning, licensing, regulatory and business processes related to energy policy and, specifically, to nuclear facilities,” said David Lewis, leader of Pillsbury’s Energy practice. “As former head of the U.S. nuclear regulatory body, he has keen insights and has built significant relationships with energy industry leaders that will serve our clients very well.”

“I am thrilled to be joining Pillsbury,” Merrifield said. “The firm’s preeminent Nuclear Energy practice has led the industry for decades, and I look forward to helping domestic and international clients navigate the regulatory, policy and operational complexities of this industry.”

Merrifield received his JD from Georgetown University Law Center and his BA in political science and history from Tufts University. He is admitted to the New Hampshire and District of Columbia bars and has received several local and national recognitions, including a Special Achievement Award from the United States Transport Council and a Presidential Citation from the American Nuclear Society for his work on the Fukushima rapid response. He also has been a frequent guest on radio and television news.

About Pillsbury’s Nuclear Energy Practice

Pillsbury has been serving the energy industry for 140 years. Our domestic nuclear practice began in the 1950s as the first nuclear energy practice in the US. We have been parties in virtually every US purchase and sale of a nuclear power plant and have spearheaded the NRC licensing of 50 of these plants—more than any other firm. More than half of our work is international, representing governments and others on nuclear procurements and working with inbound clients on US regulatory requirements. Chambers USA describes Pillsbury’s team as “a diamond of a practice [that] impresses with a wide range of experience and up-to-date knowledge of the issues.”

About Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury is a full-service law firm with an industry focus on energy & natural resources, financial services including financial institutions, real estate & construction, and technology. Based in the world's major financial, technology and energy centers, Pillsbury counsels clients on global business, regulatory and litigation matters. We work in multidisciplinary teams that allow us to understand our clients’ objectives, anticipate trends and bring a 360-degree perspective to complex business and legal issues—helping clients to take greater advantage of new opportunities, meet and exceed their objectives and better mitigate risk. This collaborative work style helps produce the results our clients seek.