Christopher Chandler, an energy attorney and former in-house counsel at a large utility company with particular depth in nuclear energy and infrastructure governance, has joined the national law firm of Baker Donelson as of counsel in its Knoxville office.
A member of the Firm's Corporate Group, Mr. Chandler brings nearly 18 years of legal experience and eight years of organizational leadership to his energy practice. His nuclear energy practice encompasses regulatory compliance, policy, licensing, and workplace investigations. He has provided strategic counsel on nuclear, power origination, and renewable energy programs, and has significant experience in administrative litigation related to the licensing and operation of nuclear plants. Mr. Chandler also has extensive experience addressing matters governed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including regulatory investigations and assessments, enforcement actions, nuclear safety culture and safety-conscious work environment, and retaliation and other misconduct allegations arising under the Energy Reorganization Act.
Prior to joining Baker Donelson, Mr. Chandler served for more than 15 years as in-house counsel at a large utility company where he advised internal stakeholders across compliance, regulatory, and policy issues, particularly on nuclear energy, transmission, and power supply. In this role, he successfully challenged regulatory enforcement actions, resulting in the withdrawal of 15 proposed violations and more than $1.2 million in civil penalties. Additionally, he worked on major licensing actions under 10 CFR Parts 50 and 52, including license renewal, license transfer, extended power uprates, and new reactor licensing matters.
"Christopher's depth of experience in nuclear energy and regulatory compliance adds a tremendous asset to our Group," said Sebastian Meis, chair of Baker Donelson's Corporate Group. "His background as both in-house counsel and a former regulator uniquely positions him to guide clients through highly complex and technical challenges in the energy sector."
Mr. Chandler started his legal career as an attorney at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Before attending law school, he served on active duty as a nuclear-trained officer in the U.S. Navy.
A graduate of the American University Washington College of Law, Mr. Chandler also holds a master's degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University and earned his undergraduate degree from Villanova University. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the Energy Bar Association.