WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 18, 2025) — In a move that strengthens Barnes & Thornburg's energy platform, leading energy regulatory and transactional partner Joe Donovan has joined the firm in the Washington, D.C., office.
Donovan has more than 25 years of experience advising clients in the energy and infrastructure space. He advises renewable, natural gas and other power generation developers, as well as electric transmission owners, interstate oil and natural gas pipeline owners and shippers, local gas utilities, landfill renewable gas and liquified natural gas (LNG) project developers, and project financing entities. His practice spans both regulatory and transactional matters, helping clients navigate complex energy markets and infrastructure investments.
"Joe brings an exceptional combination of energy industry insight and transactional sophistication that enhances the depth of our corporate and energy capabilities," said Jahan Sharifi, chair of Barnes & Thornburg's Corporate Department. "His broad experience advising developers, utilities, and innovators in the energy transition aligns perfectly with the firm's growth in complex infrastructure and sustainability-driven projects. We are very happy to welcome him to the team."
Donovan also helps emerging businesses develop go-to-market strategies and capitalization efforts for new technologies in a wide range of industry sectors, including clean hydrogen energy, solar, energy storage, banking, distributed ledger, water treatment, waste management, plastic recycling, internet, and data connectivity, and cellular app processing.
In 2021, Donovan helped found the Transformer Manufacturing Association of America (TMAA), a trade association supporting the domestic transformer manufacturing sector. He serves as the association's executive director, overseeing its federal advocacy and engagement with the White House and various agencies such as the U.S. Departments of Energy and Commerce.
"I am excited to join Barnes & Thornburg and contribute to a firm that not only has a dynamic corporate practice, but also a strong commitment to innovation and client partnership," said Joseph Donovan. "The firm's national platform and collaborative culture provide an incredible opportunity to expand the reach of my practice and support clients as they pursue complex energy and technology initiatives."
Donovan earned his juris doctor from Washburn University School of Law and his bachelor's degree from Washburn University. He joins a team of more than 70 people in the firm's Washington, D.C., office.
With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from 23 offices across the United States. For more information, please visit btlaw.com.