Mark Bender is an administrative and regulatory attorney in the firm’s Madison office and a member of the firm’s Political Law and Energy Law practice groups. The focus of Mark’s practice is advising clients on their interactions with local, state and federal government. Mark also assists clients with a wide range of environmental and energy issues, including renewable energy development projects, environmental and land-use permitting for energy projects, and interfacing with state and federal agencies.

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

In addition to the PSCW, Mark’s experience with Wisconsin state government includes positions within two administrations and senior advisor roles in both the State Assembly and State Senate. While working in the Legislature, Mark advised and negotiated with policymakers, stakeholder organizations, and high-ranking executive branch officials on legislation, administrative rules, state budget issues, procedure, and strategy. Mark has also worked for a trade association and in government relations, building relationships on both sides of the aisle and providing first-hand experience with the unique legal needs and dynamics of member-driven organizations. Mark also holds a certificate in Public Affairs from the UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs and completed “Rate School” through New Mexico State University Center for Public Utilities.