Samuel Walsh
Samuel Walsh, a leader in clean energy law, is returning to the Department of Energy (DOE) as general counsel. He spent six years at DOE during the Obama administration, where he was responsible for legal matters relating to the department’s electric, fossil energy, and civilian nuclear programs. Walsh made his way through the ranks as a senior legal advisor to the general counsel from 2010 to 2012, associate general counsel from 2012 to 2014, and was deputy general counselor for energy policy from 2014 to 2016. On Aug. 10, the Senate confirmed Walsh to be general counsel.
Before government, Walsh was a partner in Harris, Wiltshire and Grannis LLP‘s energy practice from 2017 to 2021, counseling clients such as intellectual property-focused firm Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP; whistleblower-focused firm Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto; and Miller & Chevalier, which is known for tax and litigation services.
Walsh began his legal career as a law clerk to Judge David Tatel, having received his B.A. magna cum laude from Yale College, an M.P.A from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. He has since worked with clients such as Tesla, Apple, Microsoft, Lyft and Google. Energy industry clients included American Wind Energy Association, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Vivint Solar, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Edenton Solar LLC and Cheniere Energy.
In his new position, Walsh will help progress President Biden’s climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas pollution and developing clean energy technology.
