Alumni Spotlight
Jeff Vercauteren
Describe your current role/practice outside of Husch Blackwell.
I am currently assistant general counsel at RWE Renewables in Chicago, where I advise our development, construction and operations teams on real estate and land use issues. I primarily work on wind projects in the Northeast, particularly in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. My background in land use permitting is especially helpful in these states where permitting tends to be more complex and challenging than in other parts of the country.
Share any interesting and emerging trends that you’re seeing in your industry.
One emerging trend in the renewable energy industry is the increased use of multiple technologies at the same project site (e.g., pairing energy storage with a solar or wind project to optimize offtake opportunities). Increasingly, hydrogen technology is being considered in conjunction with existing or new projects as the demand for low-carbon fuel increases.
What hobbies/activities do you enjoy outside the office?
Prior to the pandemic, I spent much of my time outside the office training for and competing in triathlons, including three Ironman 70.3 triathlons in Madison, Wisconsin, and Lake Placid, New York. With many events being canceled the past two years, I took up rowing during the pandemic. I recently surpassed 1.5 million meters on my Hydrow rower, which has by far been my best pandemic purchase.
Share a favorite memory of your time at Husch Blackwell.
I really enjoyed my time working with my Husch Blackwell colleagues, especially those in the Madison office. I love getting a reminder on social media of some of the fun activities we did, like our bread baking competition (my savory bacon kale bread came in third!), wearing costumes for Halloween and decorating the office for the holidays.