Balch & Bingham Welcomes Senior Regulatory Advisor Jeff Sharkey to Washington Office to Strengthen the Firm’s Nuclear Energy Practice

Balch & Bingham is pleased to announce that Jeff Sharkey joined our Washington D.C. office as a Senior Regulatory Advisor to further strengthen the firm’s globally ranked Nuclear Energy Practice. Jeff brings more than 28 years of experience working at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), including 16 years as Executive Policy Advisor to the Commissioners.

Jeff draws on his extensive experience in nuclear regulatory policy and matters to support utility companies across the nation on regulatory strategy implementation. With his depth of knowledge, Jeff is well positioned to offer guidance to clients navigating complex regulatory environments, providing strategic insights tailored to their specific needs and challenges.

Most recently, Jeff joined Balch from Southern Nuclear, where he was the Nuclear Regulatory Affairs Director. Jeff has also worked with TVA as Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs. 

“Jeff is a valuable addition to our Nuclear Energy Practice,” said Stan Blanton, Managing Partner and Chair of the firm’s Nuclear Energy Practice. “We have worked together on some very challenging projects over the years and I know he Is going to be a great resource for our clients. His understanding of nuclear policy and the NRC’s regulatory and decision-making processes, along with his experience in the private sector is unmatched and I am looking forward to working with him as colleague after years of working with him as a client. We are fortunate to add  him to our team.”

“I’m excited to join Balch & Bingham,” added Jeff. “I have deep respect for the firm’s Energy Practice and have personally witnessed the team’s incredible legal talent and ability to navigate difficult issues successfully. I look forward to bringing my experience supporting nuclear policy matters to further strengthen the team, as we collaborate to deliver exceptional service to the firm’s clients.”

Jeff is a veteran of the United States Navy Submarine Force.

Balch is widely-recognized as one of the leading firms in the U.S. in the nuclear arena, and is recognized by Chambers Global among the leading firms for Energy: Nuclear (Regulatory & Litigation). With a dedicated team of attorneys who are at the forefront of nuclear energy law, the firm provides counsel to nuclear plant owners, developers, operators, and nuclear industry vendors on operating plant and post-shutdown regulatory and licensing compliance, supply chain and contract negotiation and administration, new plant financing, nuclear mergers and acquisitions, dispute avoidance and resolution, decommissioning and waste management and disposal strategy, and other regulatory agency compliance matters. Further, Balch attorneys have extensive experience providing counsel and representation to licensees and individuals in connection with NRC enforcement proceedings, investigations by NRC, the Department of Labor and state agencies, particularly proceedings initiated pursuant to the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act and the Energy Reorganization Act.