Jim harnesses extensive knowledge of the inner workings of Alaska state government and agencies to help energy industry clients navigate complex permitting, regulatory, and compliance challenges.
Jim brings valuable perspective to help guide clients through regulatory and environmental review hurdles that arise developing projects on state and federal lands. From his role in the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, with oversight over mining and oil and gas development, Jim has in-depth knowledge of how decisions are made and how to help position clients for success.
His experience at an upstream oil and gas producer allows him to understand how companies evaluate investment and development opportunities. He has a strong background in conducting due diligence for oil and gas acquisitions and receiving regulatory approvals from state and federal agencies. Jim also has extensive experience working with local governments, Alaska Native Corporations, and affected stakeholders. Jim also serves as the Chair of the Holland & Hart Foundation’s Anchorage Office Committee.
Jim knows the decision makers in Alaska government and understands how to effectively advocate for clients in the Alaska State Legislature and before regulatory agencies. Clients benefit from his relationships with and access to regulators, legislators, and decision makers across state agencies and his ability to proactively identify and solve problems through upfront discussion and negotiation. When challenges and litigation ensue, Jim is an effective advocate promoting clients’ interests to secure and defend approvals.
Before joining Holland & Hart, Jim worked at Hilcorp Alaska in operational and leadership roles. He served as the Oil and Gas Special Assistant to five different Commissioners of the Department of Natural Resources where he had a strategic role implementing and shaping resource development policies. Jim served as the Deputy Director, and also as the Commercial Manager, of the Alaska Division of Oil and Gas, where he led a skilled team to review and analyze oil and gas development projects in Alaska. He practiced at Perkins Coie as an associate in the Environment, Energy, and Resources group.