A Surprising Trump Bump for One Big Law Practice: Clean Energy (March 2025)

Trump’s energy policy, often described as “drill, baby, drill,” has prioritized traditional energy sources, with significant focus on reducing support for renewable energy sectors like wind power and electric vehicles. Trump’s opposition to clean energy subsidies, including his efforts to potentially roll back tax credits established by the IRA, continues to influence the legal landscape. His administration’s actions, such as freezing funds under the IRA, and congressional Republicans’ attempts to extend his 2017 tax cuts, have spurred law firms to rush in preparing clients to take advantage of current tax credits.

In a recent article by Bloomberg Law, Zach Crowley, a partner at Clean Energy Counsel, shares insights reflecting the industry's uncertainty but booming activity: “There was a lot of concern, certainly, in the legal industry at the end of last year, about what 2025 would look like,” Crowley said. Despite this, he noted that his firm had its busiest first quarter ever, underscoring the high demand for legal services as clients hurry to start projects before potential changes in tax policies. Crowley pointed out that while the industry faces political uncertainty, “the need for these practices seems to be booming,” illustrating the ongoing demand for legal expertise in clean energy amidst a shifting policy environment.