Orrick Adds Environmental Partner to Energy Transactions Team

3 minute read | January.29.2025

Environmental advisor Bart Kempf joins Orrick as a partner in Washington, D.C.
Bart advises clients on federal and state environmental permitting before governmental agencies, as well as on key considerations related to the development, financing and acquisition of energy and infrastructure projects.
A Chambers-ranked authority, Bart represents companies in the energy, clean tech, oil and gas, real estate development, chemical, distribution/logistics and manufacturing industries.
Bart joins from Bradley Arant Boult Cummings. He previously practiced at Latham & Watkins, environmental boutique Beveridge & Diamond and was a senior counsel with the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture. He joins an Orrick team that is recognized as Chambers Band 1 in Energy Transition, Renewables, Infrastructure and Oil & Gas Regulatory & Litigation.

“We’re excited to add Bart’s top-tier environmental capabilities to our transactional and regulatory teams,” said Kyle Drefke, the co-leader of Orrick’s Energy & Infrastructure business unit. “Bart is well-respected by federal and state agencies and has deep experience advising sophisticated clients on the environmental risks.”

“Orrick has long been recognized as a leader in the energy and infrastructure sector. I’m excited to collaborate with the team and the firm’s incredible portfolio of clients on the most innovative deals in the market,” Bart said.

Bart has an active pro bono practice and advises several conservation nonprofits.

Bart is the 23rd partner to join Orrick’s Energy & Infrastructure team in the past three years. The team acts for 60 of the top 100 E&I investors, half of the top 50 renewables sponsors worldwide and 4 of the top 10 oil & gas majors.

Related Lawyers

Bart Kempf Partner, Energy & Infrastructure, Oil & Gas

Washington, D.C.

See my bio

D:+1 202 339 8486
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Energy & Infrastructure
Oil & Gas
Renewable Energy
Decarbonization & Climate Tech
Solar Energy
Wind Energy
Responsible Business

vCard

See full bio

Bart Kempf Partner

Washington, D.C.

Bart’s experience includes advising project developers, financial institutions, private equity firms, state and local governments, and public and private companies on matters involving environmental and natural resources laws, including:

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund);
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA);
Endangered Species Act and other wildlife laws;
National Historic Preservation Act and tribal issues;
Clean Water Act;
Clean Air Act;
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA);
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; and
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Bart’s work includes transactions, project development and permitting, litigation, agency proceedings, and enforcement actions. He represents clients in matters involving federal and state agencies, including the U.S. EPA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local environmental and resource protection agencies.

Bart has also handled numerous matters involving federal, state, and local economic incentives, grants, and loan guarantees. In particular, he has advised energy and commercial development clients on applying for and obtaining incentives for the redevelopment of brownfield sites.

Bart maintains an active pro bono practice that has included matters involving conservation, human trafficking, and family law. Prior to joining Orrick, Bart practiced at an international firm and a national firm focused on environmental law. He also served as senior counsel on the staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, focusing on environmental, energy, and climate issues.

Related Areas

Energy & Infrastructure

Markets

Washington, D.C.