Roland Backhaus

Roland’s practice focuses on transactional and dispute resolution matters related to the development and maintenance of energy and infrastructure projects and facilities. He draws from his professional experience as a technically-trained nuclear submarine officer and attorney to add value to clients’ endeavors.

Roland has advised foreign governments on various aspects of developing large-scale energy projects and related infrastructure, including vendor procurement, agreements for the construction, operation, and fueling of nuclear power units, and the protection of sensitive technical and corporate information. He has advised multinational corporations regarding contract and regulatory issues arising from corporate reorganizations, mergers, and acquisitions, including but not limited to issues related to foreign ownership of sensitive information and material and the Committee Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). He has secured licenses and license amendments on behalf of clients, and has advised clients regarding license transfers and license termination. Roland has counseled clients regarding the application of state and federal regulations related to the transportation of nuclear material among the United States and abroad.  

Roland has represented clients before the International Court of Arbitration, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and various state regulatory bodies. He has worked extensively in Asia, and has lived and worked in the Middle East. Roland has experience working with engineers and technical experts to provide guidance in areas related to nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, thermal hydraulics, materials, computer modeling, fluid dynamics, cybersecurity, and statistics.

As a result of these and other experiences, Roland has developed the ability to communicate effectively within diverse business and legal cultures. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he co-wrote the University's comment in response to an EPA proposed rulemaking regarding greenhouse gases, was a member of the Administrative Law Review, and served as a legal intern to Judge Henry H. Kennedy on the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

Before attending law school, Roland served as an officer on the USS FLORIDA, a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine as the reactor control assistant and the assistant chief engineer. As the reactor control assistant, he conducted complex reactor plant testing and maintenance. As the assistant chief engineer, he oversaw a $400 million refueling of an S8G nuclear reactor and the training and management of more than 60 nuclear-trained personnel. After serving on the USS FLORIDA, Roland taught English at the United States Naval Academy, an experience that further developed his ability to communicate with, and write for, audiences with diverse experiences and competencies.

Roland received numerous awards for his military service, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. His military experience provides him with a unique ability to identify and manage risk in order to successfully and efficiently complete complex undertakings.

• While living in the Middle East, advised a governmental entity regarding the strategic development of its international nuclear industry.
• Advised a global life sciences, fine chemicals, and diagnostics company in conjunction with the sale of its subsidiary to a subsidiary of a China state-owned enterprise. The sale closed despite numerous and complicated regulatory and other hurdles.
• Defended an international nuclear heavy equipment vendor in a $6+ billion suit before the International Court of Arbitration related to alleged deficiencies in the design and proposed repair of four nuclear steam generators.

Infrastructure and Construction

• Advised a Middle-Eastern governmental entity regarding the development and negotiation of bilateral agreements for cooperation concerning peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the development of requests for proposal (RFP), and the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract.
• Represented an international nuclear heavy equipment vendor in an International Court of Arbitration proceeding arising from alleged deficiencies in the design and proposed repair of four nuclear steam generators.
• Advised the owner of a Turkish nuclear new build project regarding the reorganization of its project structure.

Oil & Gas

• Represented a leading supplier of control valves, regulators, transmitters, analyzers, and automation systems before the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in connection with a notice of violation stemming from the improper transfer of byproduct material. As a result of the representation, the US NRC opted not to impose any civil penalty.
• Represented a leading supplier of flow equipment products, systems, and services in connection with multi-district litigation arising from the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The client was dismissed on all claims and as to all plaintiffs.

Physical & Cybersecurity

• Developed the policies, procedures, and implementing instructions providing for the physical and cyber security of a Middle Eastern governmental entity’s sensitive information.
• Represented an international power generation company before the Department of Energy regarding export control issues related to the protection and compartmentalization of sensitive information within a joint venture.
• Advised an advanced nuclear reactor company, among other clients, regarding the physical and electronic protection of sensitive technical and corporate information.
• Held clearances, including Top Secret clearance, while on active duty as a US submarine officer.

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Advised a global life sciences, fine chemicals, and diagnostics company in conjunction with the sale of its subsidiary to a subsidiary of a China state-owned enterprise. The sale closed despite numerous and complicated regulatory and other hurdles.
• Represented a European private equity company regarding a potential purchase of a multinational contract sterilization company. Assessed licensing and permitting issues, regulatory compliance, insurance, enforcement matters, and federal and state change of ownership and control issues related to the proposed transaction.