Mark L. Perlis and Glenn S. Benson, two lawyers with extensive experience assisting energy clients with regulatory and other matters, have joined the Washington, D.C., office of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP as partners.
Perlis comes to the firm from Dickstein Shapiro LLP, and Benson joins from Perkins Coie, both in Washington, D.C.
“The regulatory landscape has never been more complex and challenging for this industry, which is so essential to our nation’s future,” said Craig Gannett, co-chair of the Energy and Environmental Practice at DWT. “The wealth of contacts and deep knowledge these two lawyers bring will be of immense benefit to our expanding roster of energy clients.”
A lawyer for 35 years, Perlis focuses his practice on all aspects of the electric utility industry, with extensive involvement in industry restructuring. As principal regulatory counsel for a number of leading electric utilities, he frequently represents clients before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in both adjudicatory and rulemaking proceedings. He also counsels clients from all segments of the energy industry on Department of Energy issues.
“I have admired Davis Wright’s team for many years,” said Perlis. “I am looking forward to bringing my skills and experience to bear for clients in the firm’s results-oriented environment.”
For nearly 20 years, Benson has been helping all segments of the energy industry achieve solutions to regulatory challenges and issues, throughout the U.S., as well as in Canada and Eastern Europe. His work has included advising electric power generators and transmission companies, power marketers and distributors, natural gas producers, pipelines and distribution companies, and producers and pipeline carriers of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and natural gas liquids.
“I’m delighted to bring my practice to Davis Wright,” said Benson. “The firm’s client-centered platform will further boost my ability to help companies large and small make the most of the industry’s many opportunities.”
Scott MacCormack, co-chair of DWT’s Energy and Environmental practice, said: “The addition of Mark and Glenn—together with Becky Bruner, a nationally known attorney handling electric utility regulation, who joined us last year—has further strengthened our excellent D.C.-based team serving the energy industry, and provided our energy clients around the country with exciting new capabilities.”
Perlis received his B.A. from Yale College and his J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. Since 2005, Perlis has been ranked in the Chambers USA guide to “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.” He is also recognized by Best Lawyers and Washington D.C. Super Lawyers.
Benson received his A.B. from Syracuse University and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. In addition to D.C., he is admitted to the bar in New York.
