Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP (WBK) is pleased to announce the opening of a WBK office in Austin, TX and the addition of partners Will DuBois and Marty Hopkins in the new office. The new Austin presence will expand WBK’s extensive experience in energy policy, regulation, and transactions to Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market.

Will DuBois joins WBK from Xcel Energy, where he most recently served as Vice President of Corporate Regulatory and Legislative Strategy. He brings a wealth of experience gained working with a variety of energy clients—including several of the nation’s largest utilities—in private practice, as in-house counsel, and as an executive. Will provides expert guidance on energy policy issues, financial matters, strategic transactions, PPAs, project development, and enforcement.

Marty joins WBK from another Austin law firm where she advised energy clients on a variety of complex regulatory, litigation, and transactional matters. Her practice spans both regulated and de-regulated jurisdictions, and she brings a deep knowledge of and experience in the ERCOT market, as well as with regulation of utilities in Texas’s MISO and SPP regions. Marty recently completed a term as the Chair of the City of Austin’s Electric Utility Commission, overseeing Austin’s municipally owned utility.

“We are thrilled to be joining WBK, with its exceptional strength serving clients in highly regulated industries,” says Will DuBois. “We will be perfectly situated to help clients navigate the opportunities and challenges associated with changing regulation and the energy transition. The combined WBK team brings together expert practitioners with a uniquely diverse collection of industry backgrounds and geographic scope.” Marty Hopkins echoes that sentiment and adds, “Many of my clients are on the cutting edge of energy innovation and strategy, and I’m confident that WBK is the right home for me to provide the kind of agile, creative service that work increasingly requires.” 

Marty and Will are instrumental in expanding WBK’s footprint in Texas and will provide dynamic legal counsel to clients in the region and throughout the country. WBK is excited to welcome them to the WBK family and looks forward to the growth and success of the new office.

“Our decision to open an office in Austin is driven by our desire to serve our clients and expand our reach with the cutting-edge regulated companies in a dynamic capital city,” says Managing Partner Bryan Tramont. “We are excited about the opportunities this expansion offers, including the deep energy expertise, leadership and broad experience Will and Marty bring to the firm.”

“A Texas office is a natural next step for WBK’s growth,” adds Denver Managing Partner Ray Gifford. “We are excited to help our clients navigate the complex and unique energy regulatory issues in Texas and within ERCOT. Austin is at the epicenter of energy and technology policy, and Will and Marty are great leaders for our expansion there.”

Additional information about Marty Hopkins can be found here.

Additional information about Will DuBois can be found here.