Mark C. Bender

Meet Mark

Mark Bender is a member of Godfrey & Kahn’s Energy, Tribal Law, Environmental, ESG, and Political Law practice groups in the Madison office. Mark assists clients with a wide range of energy and clean technology issues, including project development, project finance, regulatory and permitting issues, and interfacing with state and federal agencies. Mark also advises clients on a wide array of interactions with local, state and federal government.

Mark works with clients on the development and finance of renewable energy and clean technology projects throughout the country, including combining tax credit financing with grant and other funding sources and incentives. Mark assists clients with project siting and other approvals for energy and other clean technology projects, including Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW), energy transmission and distribution facility right-of-way matters, development and negotiation of power purchase agreements (PPAs), and purchases, sales, and leases of energy facilities. Mark’s practice also includes development of tribal energy projects and preparing federal and other grants and funding requests for energy-related and clean technology projects.

Mark also provides clients with legal and strategic advice on a wide array of regulatory matters and procedures before state agencies.

Prior to joining Godfrey & Kahn, Mark worked for more than a decade in Wisconsin state government and government relations, gaining first-hand knowledge of the legislative, rulemaking and administrative decision-making processes. Most recently, Mark served as the chief advisor to a Commissioner at the PSCW. In this role, Mark was involved at the highest level of state energy and utility regulation and developed strong relationships in the regulatory, energy, and environmental sectors. Mark provided strategic policy, political, and legal advice in utility construction and acquisition dockets, rate cases, and settlements that came before the PSCW, as well as gaining experience with complex and emerging questions on energy policy, administrative law, local permitting, renewable energy transactions, energy finance, and many other issues. Mark also worked closely on interregional transmission, regional energy markets, MISO, and the Organization of MISO States (OMS).

Mark’s experience in government also includes work in two administrations and senior advisor roles in both the State Assembly and State Senate. Mark has advised and developed relationships with policymakers, influential organizations, and high-ranking state officials on legislation, administrative rules, state budget issues, procedure, and strategy. Mark’s work for a trade association has also provided first-hand experience with the unique needs and dynamics of member-driven organizations.

In addition to his law degree, Mark holds a certificate from the UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs and has completed numerous energy-related trainings and coursework, including New Mexico State University Center for Public Utilities Rate School.