HOUSTON (April 30, 2014) – The Global Energy and Infrastructure practice of the international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP hosted its Energy State of the Union dinner on April 22, 2014 in Houston. The program featured Richard A. Clarke, former National Coordinator for Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Counter-Terrorism for the United States and advisor to four U.S. presidents, who spoke on cyber security in the energy industry. The event drew more than 100 attendees, including chief executives and senior in-house counsel from leading energy companies.
Kenneth M. Minesinger, a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig’s Washington D.C office and co-chair of the firm’s Global Energy and Infrastructure practice, gave the opening remarks. Craig V. Richardson, a shareholder in the firm’s Denver office, member of Greenberg Traurig’s Global Energy and Infrastructure practice and the former General Counsel of El Paso Corporation’s Pipeline Group, introduced the guest speaker.
In his address, Clarke shared insights on the real risk of cyber attacks to the energy sector and identified methods for CEOs and boards to evaluate data security threats. He discussed developments in the new National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework and its potential impact on plaintiff lawsuits after cyber attacks.
Clarke worked for the State Department during the Reagan administration. President George H.W. Bush appointed him to chair the Counter-Terrorism Security Group and to a seat on the United States National Security Council. President Bill Clinton retained Clarke and promoted him to National Coordinator for Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Counter-Terrorism, where he served as the chief counter-terrorism advisor for the National Security Council. Under the George W. Bush administration, Clarke became the Special Advisor to the President on cyber security.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP – Global Energy and Infrastructure Practice
Greenberg Traurig's Global Energy and Infrastructure Practice is known for its broad-ranging representation of upstream and midstream energy companies as well as renewable energy companies and traditional power generation companies. Our firm's energy practice is further distinguished by lawyers with substantial FERC experience and extensive energy finance representations. Several of our energy attorneys are former General Counsel at energy industry companies, and provide a valuable business perspective for our energy clients across the globe. Greenberg Traurig's Global Energy and Infrastructure Practice has expanded significantly in Latin America and Europe with the establishment of our Mexico City and Warsaw offices.