Virginia’s Go To Lawyers for Business Law 2022 — Vishwa Bhargava Link

Vishwa Bhargava Link
Partner, McGuireWoods LLP
Richmond

Your specialty:

I chair McGuireWoods’ Regulatory & Compliance Department. I have represented electric and gas utility clients in rate, energy conservation and integrated planning proceedings, and helped secure permits for generating plants and transmission lines. Most recently, I have focused on renewable energy projects.

Signature case, deal or transaction:

I am leading a team representing Dominion Energy in seeking state approval for an approximately $9.8 billion project to construct a 2.6-gigawatt coastal Virginia offshore wind commercial project. This will be the largest offshore wind-generating facility in the U.S.

Working with clients:

I believe the sum is greater than the parts. I like to ask questions and listen to my clients’ answers, and bring the whole team together to brainstorm the best ways to solve problems. I think of the regulatory construct as a puzzle that is in constant need of creative thinking to find the right pieces to fit together.

Outlook for 2022:

The entire energy industry and economy are transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable future. This will create demand for all resources — human, commodities, supply chain and environmental. To attain our state and federal clean economy objectives will require many disparate groups with different viewpoints and interests to work together to advance our shared goals.