As a prior technically-trained nuclear submarine officer, Roland represents and counsels nuclear utilities, industry suppliers, and other reactor and nuclear materials licensees before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department of Energy (DOE), and in US federal courts. He also advises on matters related to trade compliance before the US departments of State, Commerce, Treasury, and Defense. In addition, Roland regularly advises clients on matters before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and is a member of the Morgan Lewis CFIUS working group.
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 regulation of radioactive material, including radiopharmaceuticals.
Roland has represented clients before the International Court of Arbitration, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy and other regulatory agencies, and in US federal courtsand 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, among other technical disciplines.
Roland 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.
Infrastructure and Construction
Oil & Gas
Physical & Cybersecurity
Mergers & Acquisitions
Recognized, "Ones to Watch," The Best Lawyers in America (2021)
Member, Practice Group of the Year, Energy, Law360 (2019)
Member, Law Firm of the Year, Energy/Projects: Power (including Renewables), Chambers USA (2018)
Member, Energy Bar Association
Member, International Nuclear Law Association
Member, American Nuclear Society
Member, American Bar Association
Member, Nuclear Energy Institute Lawyer’s Committee
Member, DC Bar Pro Bono Committee
Qualified Naval Nuclear Engineer by Naval Reactors, Washington, DC (2005–2007)
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