Bingham announced today that Clara Poffenberger, former counsel, Environmental and Safety Law for ExxonMobil Corporation, has joined Bingham’s nationally recognized Environmental, Land Use and Natural Resources Practice Group, which was named Environmental Practice of the Year by U.S. News and World Report for 2011-2012. Poffenberger will continue to focus on Clean Air Act and climate change issues as a partner in Bingham’s Washington, D.C., office.
Poffenberger has more than 20 years of U.S. and international environmental law experience. While at ExxonMobil, Poffenberger oversaw Clean Air Act issues for the company’s upstream (exploration and production), midstream (pipeline/delivery) and downstream (refining) businesses, and served as a lead lawyer for the company’s global climate change initiatives. Prior to joining ExxonMobil, Poffenberger served as counsel in the Environmental Group at Baker Botts, LLP’s Washington, D.C., office and as an attorney at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where she worked in its Air Office.
“Clara’s comprehensive knowledge of the Clean Air Act, as well as her vast experience in the evolution of climate change regulation, in the oil and gas sector in particular, adds tremendous strength to our group and value for our clients,” said D.C. partner Michael Wigmore, co-chair of Bingham’s Environmental, Land Use and Natural Resources Practice Group. “Clara has the rare combination of experience in government, private practice and industry that will enable her to provide a unique perspective on a variety of environmental issues for clients. She is an outstanding addition to our practice, and we are thrilled that she is joining Bingham.”
Los Angeles-based environmental partner Jim Dragna, who serves as coordinating counsel for Anadarko Petroleum in the Deepwater Horizon matter and represents major oil companies and manufacturers in hazardous waste and water matters, echoed Wigmore’s sentiments. “We have been looking for some time for the right person with both law firm and client experience to enhance our clean air and climate change practices nationwide. Clara is the perfect fit for our group, and we are excited to be working with her.”
Poffenberger’s skillset complements Bingham’s active environmental permitting, permit defense, interconnection and transmission practice for both renewable and conventional energy companies. Bingham’s environmental group serves clients throughout the United States in the energy, manufacturing and consumer product sectors.
Bingham’s nationwide environmental and natural resources practice, its national litigation reputation and the strength of its environmental team attracted Poffenberger to the firm.
“Bingham’s robust environmental platform aligns well with my practice,” Poffenberger said. “The environmental team’s reputation is unparalleled in the market, and I look forward to working with such a deep, talented and respected group of lawyers.”
Additionally, Poffenberger’s arrival continues Bingham’s investment in its Washington, D.C., office, added D.C. managing partner Barry Direnfeld. “We are pleased that we were able to bring in such a talented lawyer to join our environmental team here in Washington and across the nation. Clara’s distinctive experience will bolster our ability to serve our clients in this important area.”
