Since 2003, William Kissinger has focused his practice on energy matters in California and nationally along with related environmental issues. He developed this practice after spending two years working as senior deputy legal affairs secretary to Gov. Gray Davis and serving as the primary legal contact for the Office of the Governor with Cal EPA, Cal Health and Human Services Agency, and the Resources Agency. Bill also served as a member of the Governor’s Energy Task Force, responsible for shaping California’s strategy in responding to the electricity crisis. He was California’s lead negotiator in the effort to renegotiate the multibillion-dollar energy contracts the state entered into in early 2001. His efforts resulted in greatly improved contract terms with future savings to the state in excess of $5 billion over the life of the contracts. Bill was also a member of the California Electricity Oversight Board, after being appointed by Gov. Davis in 2002.
Prior to that, Bill spent four years working in senior positions in the federal government. From 1997–2000, he served as special assistant to the legal adviser for the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. From 2000–2001, Bill served as senior adviser for international economic policy at the White House National Economic Council.
Bill began his legal career with McCutchen, Doyle, Brown & Enersen in 1989 after clerking for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for a year. He became a partner in the Environment and Litigation Groups in 1995, with a practice focused on hazardous waste litigation and tort law matters. After returning to the firm from public service, Bill’s practice includes energy and environmental matters. He represents conventional and renewable energy companies, municipalities and publicly owned utilities. Bill’s energy practice includes representing parties in litigation arising out of the purchase and sale of electricity as well as providing advice on regulatory matters involving the California Independent System Operator, the California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He is also a consultant in Bingham Consulting.