Alex Polonsky is a partner in the energy practice and leads the firm’s classified information services group. In his over 20 years practicing law at Morgan Lewis, Alex has handled nuclear energy and environmental matters ranging from nuclear industry licensing, administrative litigation, and investigations, to federal court radiation toxic tort and Superfund litigation. He is a nationally-known resource and frequent speaker at conferences on nuclear export–related matters, including 10 CFR Part 810. He also is the co-author of Fundamentals of Nuclear Regulation in the United States. As the firm’s facility security officer, Alex also leads matters involving classified information.
Alex’s prior career as an environmental consultant allows him to advocate effectively in technically-complex proceedings, to provide due diligence support for nuclear energy and environmental transactions, and to work seamlessly with experts.
As part of his nuclear energy practice, Alex counsels clients on NRC licensing issues, including cases related to license renewal and transfers, radioactive materials handling, nuclear waste disposal, nuclear exports, and litigation before the NRC’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Boards. He has a robust practice with nuclear technology startup companies, advising on all aspects of licensing, investment, and commercialization.
As part of his environmental practice, Alex counsels clients on a range of matters involving the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementation. He also provides environmental due diligence support on energy transactions, and in-depth technical reviews of soil and groundwater data for clients involved in environmental litigation.
Prior to joining Morgan Lewis, Alex worked for ICF Kaiser Engineers, supporting Phase I Environmental Assessments and Phase II Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies for government, industrial, and commercial properties.
Education
Vermont Law School, 1998, J.D., Magna Cum Laude
Wesleyan University, 1992, B.A., Honors in Environmental Science
Admissions
District of Columbia
New York
Awards and Affiliations
Recommended, Industry focus: Energy regulation: conventional power, The Legal 500 US (2020)
Member, Law Firm of the Year, Energy/Projects: Power (including Renewables), Chambers USA (2018)
Member, Practice Group of the Year, Energy, Law360 (2016, 2019)
Member, Energy Law Firm of the Year, US News & World Report/Best Lawyers (2015)
Ranked, Energy: Nuclear (Regulatory & Litigation), USA, Chambers Global (2012–2021)
Ranked, Energy: Nuclear (Regulatory & Litigation), Nationwide, Chambers USA (2010–2020)
