Paul G. Afonso

Experience

1. Partner & Chairman Wbd Strategies

   Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

   Jan 2023 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   Nationally recognized regulatory and energy lawyer with 30 years of experience serving as a trusted advisor and counselor to boards of directors, C-Suite, and management teams across several regualted industries, managing the complex intersection of regulatory, legislative and political issues.Over my career, I have led several talented legal teams in government, the private sector, and as in-house counsel serving as chief legal and compliance officer. Have obtained effective results for clients while working with governmental entities and various stakeholders at all levels to help create effective laws, regulations, and standards with integrity and creativity while attaining measurable business and revenue metrics. Career has spanned the full arc of the ongoing energy transition - from traditional utility regulation to renewable and innovative energy technologies to the large oils and gas sectors.Previously served as Senior Vice President & Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary at the American Petroleum Institute (API). In this role served as an advisor to the Board of Directors, CEO, and senior management, responsible for overall legal compliance functions of the organization. Led API\'s Law Committee. composed of 20 general counsels representing the world\'s largest oil and gas companies. Prior to this role, served as a partner at Brown Rudnick, where I served as co-leaders of the firm\'s Enegy and Government Law & Strategies groups. In these roles, led a successful integrated practice, which included the representation of major energy, renewable, and technology entities as a well as infrastructure and private equity funds.Before private practice, served as both a state and municipal regulator. Chairman and General Counsel of the Massachusetts Public Utilities Commission with oversight of the electric, gas, water, and telecommunications industries and as Chairman of the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board and the Boston Water & Sewer Comm.

Education

• Georgetown Law

  Doctor of Law - JD

  1986 — 1989

• Boston College Carroll School of Management

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Finance, General

  1982 — 1986