Venable LLP is pleased to announce that James D. Reilly has joined the firm as a senior policy advisor in the Legislative and Government Affairs Practice in the Washington, DC office. Mr. Reilly is an experienced leader and skilled strategist with a proven ability to achieve his clients’ policy goals at both the national and international levels.

Mr. Reilly leverages his relationships with federal lawmakers and regulators, and draws on his experience advocating on behalf of major organizations to manage threats, opportunities, and trends impacting today’s policy landscape. He has a track record of creating practical, bipartisan solutions to climate, infrastructure, energy, and environmental issues.

He has held in high regard for his ability to work with both sides of the aisle to pass key legislation in Congress, a skill he honed as chief of staff for Senator Tom Carper (D-DE). In that capacity, he facilitated bipartisan and other partnerships to achieve the senator’s objectives related to committee assignments on finance, environment and public works, and homeland security and government affairs. As chief of staff, he worked to ensure Delaware’s small federal delegation, including then Senator Biden, worked side by side to deliver results. Mr. Reilly co-chaired the weekly Senate chiefs of staff meeting and established bipartisan relationships throughout Washington. A Delaware native, he previously served as a legislative assistant to Senator Carper, responsible for all environmental, energy, agriculture legislation, and related appropriations matters, including climate change, renewable energy, water quality, and air pollution. He also was the staff lead overseeing passage of clean air, PURPA reform, nuclear safety, and Army Corps legislation.

Prior to joining Venable, Jim served as the vice president of a trade association that represents owners, developers, equipment and service providers, financiers, utilities, and customers involved in the wind industry. During his tenure, he maximized a $21 million budget and the influence of 1,000 member companies to convey the wind energy industry’s priorities to U.S. federal and state governments, enabling the industry’s 48% growth over a four-year period.

Joshua H. Raymond, co-chair of Venable’s Legislative and Government Affairs Practice, said, “Jim joins Venable as climate, energy, and environmental matters take on an increasingly prominent role on Capitol Hill. The new administration is sure to influence the trajectory of these sectors, and Jim brings the skills and relationships clients need to ensure their voices are heard. He will make a great addition to our already deep bench of advisors.”

William R. Nordwind, co-chair of Venable’s Legislative and Government Affairs Practice, said, “Jim is widely regarded as a force within the energy industry. He has advocated on behalf of numerous leading organizations within this sector and has garnered a stellar reputation for working with both sides of the aisle to guide major legislation through Congress. We are excited to have him join our team.”

Commenting on his move to Venable, Mr. Reilly said, “I join the firm after spending over two decades working within U.S. governmental and business organizations on issues including the future of energy, transportation, and infrastructure. I am thrilled to continue seeking practical solutions to these and other policy challenges, now with the benefit of Venable’s exceptional platform and full complement of legal services.”

Mr. Reilly received his in M.A. in Environmental Management from Duke University 1998, and his B.S. in Plant Science and Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Delaware in 1989.

Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and other individuals. With more than 850 professionals across the country, including in California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients' objectives in the U.S. and around the globe. Venable advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines. For more information, please visit Venable.com.