Top Natural Resources Lawyer Joins Wiley Rein

Washington, DC — Veteran natural resources lawyer Steven Richardson has joined Wiley Rein as a partner in its Environment & Safety Practice in Washington, DC.  Mr. Richardson’s practice focuses on regulation, public policy and litigation in complex, high-profile matters involving water, wetlands, hydroelectric, land, energy and environmental law. 

“We are delighted to welcome Steven to our firm,” said Chairman Richard E. Wiley.  “His substantial government and private sector experience further broadens the capabilities of our talented Environment & Safety Group and complements the firm’s strengths in public policy and administrative law.”

Environment & Safety Practice Chair David B. Weinberg added, “Steven’s expertise and client base aligns perfectly with our extensive experience in pesticide-related Endangered Species Act and water quality issues.  His background in federal water policy, National Environmental Policy Act compliance and clean energy siting issues also fits well with our existing team.”

Mr. Richardson was a partner at the law firm of Van Ness Feldman in Washington, DC before joining Wiley Rein. 

Prior to private practice, Mr. Richardson served as an advisor to Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior Bruce Babbitt (1993-2000), and also served as Chief of Staff for the agency’s Bureau of Reclamation and Deputy Director of the Bureau of Land Management.  During his government service, he led the broad-based state, federal, Tribal and private effort that developed the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conversation Program to establish a 50-year habitat conservation and endangered species recovery plan.

Mr. Richardson’s significant Capitol Hill experience includes having served as counsel for Senator Birch E. Bayh, Jr. (D-IN.) and legislative counsel for Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-MA.), and as staff director and counsel for two House committees.

Mr. Richardson received his J.D. from Indiana University School of Law.  He holds an A.B. from Indiana University and a “Senior Managers in Government” Certificate from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.  He regularly writes and speaks on the legal, environmental and social barriers to obtaining authority for new generation and transmission facilities.  Mr. Richardson has been ranked by Legal 500 USA for Environment: Transaction & Regulatory.