Pillsbury Expands Energy Capabilities with Addition of Partner Stephen Humes in New York

“As technological advances and government actions drive massive shifts in the energy sector, our clients’ need for seasoned counsel who know project development and U.S. power markets has only grown more acute,” said Firm Chair David Dekker. “Steve’s extensive knowledge of project development and regulatory strategy—in the context of both traditional and renewable power generation—reinforces and builds on our established reputation as a leader in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition.”

Humes represents independent power producers, utilities, exempt wholesale generators, energy developers, private equity firms, green banks, and public power authorities on a wide spectrum of transactional, regulatory, and environmental matters pertaining to the development of conventional and renewable energy infrastructure. His work spans the full energy project lifecycle—from early-stage planning through complex negotiations of critical project documents including power purchase agreements (PPAs), engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts, development services agreements (DSAs), and operations and maintenance (O&M) agreements. He is also well-versed in environmental justice and climate change issues, regularly representing clients before key regulatory bodies such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), U.S. Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and numerous state and regional agencies.

 “Steve is a great strategic fit for us—he understands the nuts and bolts of power generation and the regulatory nuances around selling electricity into U.S. power grids,” said Mark Lessard, Pillsbury’s Global Head of Finance & Restructuring. “His impressive transactional portfolio, combined with invaluable knowledge of federal and state regulatory matters, including environmental and permitting expertise, serve to deepen our outstanding Energy industry team.” 

David McCullough, co-leader of Pillsbury’s Energy Transition Practice added, “we are excited for Steve to join Pillsbury to support our clients in their development of traditional and renewable energy projects as the energy landscape evolves over the next decade.”

Humes is the latest in a string of hires that directly support Energy sector clients. The firm also recently welcomed Japanese-qualified energy and real estate finance partner Katsumi Shirai in Tokyo; counsel Meghan Claire “M.C.” Hammond, who previously served in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Civilian Nuclear Programs, in Washington, DC; Corporate energy transactions specialists Daniel Belhumeur, Blake Berkey and Frank Xue in Houston; and construction and energy litigation partner Derrick Carson in Houston.

His arrival also comes at a time when data centers are emerging as one of the most significant sources of electricity demand globally. These facilities seek scalable, uninterrupted and cost-effective power, making negotiation of PPAs and interconnection agreements essential for project developers. Pillsbury—which was named 2024’s Most Innovative Law Firm in the Energy Transition by Financial Times—has quickly established itself as a leading legal adviser on data center projects, recently publishing one of the first comprehensive legal guides on the subject.

“Pillsbury is tied in to every segment of the Energy sector,” said Humes. “With those deep connections and a robust practice mix that can address the industry’s every transactional, regulatory and litigation need, the firm is uniquely positioned to help power project developers in the U.S. and globally.”