FERC Senior Environmental Counsel Conrad Bolston Returns to Vinson & Elkins

Vinson & Elkins today announced that Conrad Bolston is returning to the firm as a Washington, D.C.-based counsel in the firm’s Environmental practice. He most recently served as a senior environmental counsel at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), advising former FERC Chairman Willie Phillips.

Bolston will advise clients on environmental and energy regulatory issues, including compliance with state and federal law, internal investigations, governmental investigations and enforcement actions, civil litigation, and environmental due diligence in connection with M&A transactions.

“Conrad’s experience serving in a senior role at FERC will enhance the environmental and energy regulatory work we do for clients,” said Vinson & Elkins Partner Ron Tenpas, chair of the firm’s Environmental practice. “We know from experience that Conrad is a skilled, versatile lawyer and cherished colleague who adds value to every team he joins. We are happy to have him back in the fold.”

At FERC, Bolston played a key role in reviewing environmental analyses, legal evaluations, draft orders, and draft regulations for the authorization and oversight of major infrastructure projects, including pipelines, hydropower facilities, and electric transmission lines.

Bolston previously was a counsel in Vinson & Elkins’ Environmental practice, representing domestic and international clients in civil and criminal governmental investigations and enforcement actions, and advising clients on compliance with key environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act, NEPA, CERCLA, the Clean Water Act, RCRA, and analogous state laws.

“I am deeply grateful for the experience and insights I gained in federal government,” Bolston said. “I look forward to rejoining my colleagues at Vinson & Elkins and doing my part to help our Environmental practice remain the gold standard in the industry.”

Bolston earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Maryland and a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center.  He previously served as a law clerk to the Honorable James R. Spencer (Ret.), United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia. Before becoming a lawyer, Conrad played in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.

Vinson & Elkins environmental lawyers have a track record of strategically partnering with clients in complex, contested litigation, regulatory, and commercial matters to achieve the clients’ business, litigation, or regulatory compliance objectives. Chambers USA 2024 ranked the firm’s Environmental practice among the best in the nation, and all of the team’s partners featured in Lawdragon’s 2024 Green 500: Leaders in Environmental Law directory.