Claire M. Williams
Energy law, like the science it relies upon, helps turn ideas into reality.
Contact: P /612.604.6556E /[email protected]
Administrative Contact: Mary Holly P /612.604.6467E /[email protected]
Education
University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., summa cum laude, 2018
- Order of the Coif
- Senior Articles Editor, Minnesota Law Review
Grinnell College, B.A., Chemistry and French, 2013
Bar Admissions
Minnesota, 2018
My Approach
My practice sits at the intersection of science, policy, and law – an ideal fit for my background in chemistry and my early work analyzing water resources at the Illinois State Water Survey. There, I saw firsthand how technical environmental data informs real-world policy decisions, from managing agricultural runoff to advancing carbon sequestration initiatives. That experience ultimately led me to pursue energy and environmental law, where I now advise renewable energy developers, natural gas suppliers, and clients across the industrial spectrum on navigating complex and evolving regulatory frameworks.
I relish digging into the details and guiding my clients through these complex regulatory schemes. I enjoy serving as a translator between technical concepts, legal requirements, and real-world implementation, particularly in emerging areas like PFAS and innovative environmental projects.
Outside the office, I enjoy swimming and gardening and have recently started the planning process for a rain garden with native plants.
Practice Areas
Practicing Energy Legislative & Regulatory
My Experience
I advise clients on energy and environmental regulatory matters, advocating for their interests in rulemakings and proceedings before regulatory commissions and negotiating with state regulators on compliance issues. My experience includes drafting and negotiating natural gas purchase and sale agreements under NAESB standard forms and counseling on compliance with energy development and extended producer responsibility laws across multiple jurisdictions. I also guide clients on environmental compliance and enforcement matters, including emerging environmental justice considerations.
Practicing Environmental
My Experience
I advise clients on the environmental aspects of energy project development, from early-stage diligence through permitting and approval. My practice focuses on identifying and managing environmental risks, including conducting due diligence reviews of environmental and permitting materials and advising on project siting, impacts, and compliance considerations. I work closely with project teams to navigate environmental review processes and support successful outcomes in state and local permitting proceedings, including before Public Utilities Commissions.
I also counsel clients on emerging environmental issues, including the rapidly evolving landscape of PFAS regulation at both the state and federal levels. My work includes advising on investigation and sampling considerations, regulatory compliance, and potential liabilities, as well as restrictions affecting PFAS in consumer products. I bring a practical, solutions-oriented approach to helping clients manage environmental risk while advancing project and business objectives.