Sept. 8, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC — Regina Speed-Bost, founder and managing partner of SB Law, PLLC, together with Jim Lehman, managing partner of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, announce an innovative collaboration between the two firms. Speed-Bost and SB Law will serve as of counsel to the Nelson Mullins Energy Team and Corporate Management Group effective Sept. 1. The two firms have worked collaboratively since the inception of SB Law and believe this more formal arrangement demonstrates the commitment Nelson Mullins has to supporting women-owned and Black-owned businesses while meeting the needs of its diverse client base.
“Regina has been a valued co-counsel to several Nelson Mullins’ clients with energy regulatory needs. Her lengthy career before federal and state regulators provides much needed legal, regulatory, and policy assistance just when our clients need it most,” said Larry Ostema who leads Nelson Mullins’ Energy Team.
“When presented with the opportunity to further our long-standing commitment to inclusive excellence and robust diversity in all aspects of firm life, this collaboration presented a win-win from every perspective,” Lehman added.
Established in July 2020, SB Law is a boutique law firm focusing on energy administrative and regulatory matters before federal and state bodies. Speed-Bost advises clients on a wide range of matters in the energy and natural resources fields. A keen negotiator, she successfully shepherds her clients through complex legal matters and policy issues with a goal towards resolution and has successfully litigated on behalf of clients. Her cases have included those of first impression in the industry, as well as landmark rate and tariff matters. She has a proven track record of garnering favourable results for clients and providing them with a road map for continued compliance.
“These types of partnerships are an illustration of our commitment to help elevate diverse attorney talent, as well as our commitment to our clients and our profession,” said Nelson Mullins’ Director of Diversity Kat Taylor.
Named by Chambers USA, the Top 100 National Black Lawyers, and Super Lawyers for her work in energy and natural resources, Speed-Bost draws upon years of experience and previous work for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to mediate between regulators, businesses, and the courts. She demonstrates an innate understanding of the significant role energy plays in the global economy, interpreting her clients’ business objectives and translating them into results that meet federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Not one to be limited, SB Law also provides the opportunity for Speed-Bost to practice beyond traditional regulatory work as she helps meet the needs of a diverse business community.
Asked why she chose this collaboration and so soon after launching her own practice, Speed-Bost replied, “Many firms state a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and to entrepreneurship, but the willingness of Nelson Mullins to enter into this type of arrangement is a differentiator. After working with Larry Ostema and meeting Michael Brown, the firm’s diversity partner, both of whom are former entrepreneurs, I knew I had found a home that was willing to step out of lock step with the rest of the Am Law 100 and lead.”
“Supplier diversity is as important to our clients as it is to Nelson Mullins,” Lehman said. “With this arrangement we are able to accomplish both, which is something I am proud to be a part of.”
SB Law will continue to act as the trusted advisor providing first-tier legal advice and counsel to its own clients, in addition to its work as of counsel to Nelson Mullins. Similarly, Nelson Mullins will continue its service to clients not using the services of SB Law.
Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins is an Am Law 100 firm of more than 800 attorneys and government relations professionals with offices in 11 states and Washington, D.C. For more information on the firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com.
To learn more about SB Law Firm, PLLC, visit www.SBLawLegal.com.
