CWS Governmental Relations, Ltd.





Energy and Regulated Industries Practice Chair

Local Government Practice Co-Chair

John W. Bentine, Partner
614.334.6121
jbentine@cwslaw.com

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Practice Concentration
Represents clients in all aspects of electric, natural gas, communications, and water/wastewater industries,                                  local government law, and related litigation.

Representative Experience
Has over 30 years experience before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Ohio Power Siting Board and various federal and other states’ regulatory commissions, as well as Ohio and federal courts, including numerous successful cases before the Ohio Supreme Court
Served as lead counsel in hundreds of regulatory commission and court proceedings involving billions of dollars
Pioneered unique joint ventures of local governments to jointly finance, construct, own and operate electric, water and wastewater facilities
Advises numerous public and private clients in energy, communications, and water/wastewater related matters, including facilities financing, construction and operation, as well as long term purchase and sale contracts
Issuer's Counsel for client bond issues and other financings totaling billions of dollars

Other Professional Experience
Served on the technical staff of the PUCO (1973-1975)
Assistant Attorney General and counsel to the PUCO (1975-1978)
Assistant City Attorney and Senior Assistant City Attorney for the City of Columbus, Ohio (1978-1981)
Served as Chairman of Executive Committee/Managing Partner of Firm (1997- 2008)

Achievements and Awards

AV® Peer Review Rated*   Martindale-Hubbell Rating Explanation

Named one of Columbus law firm's top managing partners by Columbus CEO Magazine in its 2005 Best CEO's issue
Listed in Best Lawyers in America, Communications Law, Energy Law, Municipal Law, Oil & Gas Law and Water Law
Listed in Ohio Super Lawyers, Utilities

Education

Marshall University (B.B.A., 1970)
The Ohio State University (J.D., cum laude, 1975)

Bar Admissions
Ohio
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio

Professional Memberships and Community Service

Columbus Bar Association, Chair, Public Utilities Committee              (1993-1994)
Ohio Bar Association, Chair, Public Utilities Committee (1994-1996)
American Bar Association
Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board (2004 - 2006)
Active leader in several charitable/educational fundraising endeavors including Hope Street Kids (pediatric cancer research) and Rebuilding for the Future ($2 million campaign to rehabilitate community high school stadium and field)
Recipient, 2003 Upper Arlington Community Enrichment Award

Speeches and Publications
A frequent lecturer and panel member in continuing legal education and other seminars
Numerous appearances as a witness before various committees of the Ohio Legislature regarding electric, natural gas, communications and water/wastewater matters




*CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies