Paul F. Wight
Overview
Paul Wight is an energy regulatory partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Paul focuses on issues arising out of the restructured electricity markets and new energy technologies. He litigates high-profile disputes at FERC related to market design and operation. He defends companies in FERC enforcement actions, including those involving allegations of market manipulation. He assists project developers in interconnection and market participation.
Paul also concentrates on energy transactional matters, including issues related to utility mergers, asset acquisitions and dispositions, power purchase agreements, contracts, and other FERC-jurisdictional transactions.
In his over 25 years in energy regulatory law, Paul has been listed in both Chambers Global and Chambers USA, where he was described as an “extraordinarily smart” attorney “who can command a room” who also “understands the economics and strategic aspects of RTO rules and writes very persuasively.” Paul also has been named a “Leading Lawyer” in energy regulatory law by Legal 500 and a “Groundbreaking Lawyer” by Public Utilities Fortnightly.
Paul recently returned to private practice after spending four years at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a lead advisor to Commissioner James Danly.
Experience
Representative Matters
Paul has a broad-based energy regulatory practice. Prior to joining Kirkland, Paul was involved — among many other matters — in the following representations:
- Generator coalition groups in numerous FERC electricity market design proceedings.
- Targets in multiple confidential FERC Office of Enforcement investigations closed without further action.
- The leading Canadian power exporter in all U.S. energy regulatory proceedings.
- Utilities, power companies, private equity, developers, and other entities in energy transactions.
Clerk & Government Experience
Senior Legal AdvisorCommissioner James DanlyFederal Energy Regulatory Commission2020–2024
Prior Experience
Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Partner, Bracewell LLP
Pro Bono
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Memberships & Affiliations
Credentials
Admissions & Qualifications
- District of Columbia
- New York
Education
- Columbia Law SchoolJ.D.