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Benjamin A. Mayer

Ben Mayer's practice focuses on environmental, energy, and utility law and regulation, and American Indian law.

Ben helps public and private clients navigate federal and state environmental cleanup and land use laws and regulations, including Superfund laws and environmental policy acts. He also advises clients on federal and state energy laws and regulations, including utility regulatory and public policy issues. Ben advises and represents clients on these issues in:

  • environmental cleanup matters and complex Superfund site allocations
  • the siting, permitting, and development of energy and infrastructure projects
  • power sales and purchases
  • the acquisition and sale of real property and facilities
  • mergers and asset acquisitions
  • condemnation and relocation actions
  • administrative proceedings before public utilities commissions, including the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, and other federal and states agencies
  • litigation

Ben's American Indian law practice involves representing clients in negotiations and transactions with tribes on issues related to sovereign immunity, tribal jurisdiction, treaty rights, tribal leasing, historic and cultural resources, gaming, and taxing. He has advised clients on these matters in relation to the development of wind and solar projects, gaming facilities, agriculture projects, forestry operations, shipping terminals, financial services agreements, contracts for goods and services, license agreements, interlocal taxing agreements, property acquisition financing, property sales, wind and solar leases, mining and mineral leases, oil and gas leases, environmental reviews and consultations, and shellfish implementation plans.

Prior to joining K&L Gates, Ben served in the United States Army, including a deployment to Iraq. He also established the Veterans Student Union at the University of California, Irvine and was a co-founding member of the Student Veterans of America.

  • Recognized as “Ones to Watch in America” for Native American Law by The Best Lawyers in America® in 2022 and 2023
  • Selected to Washington Rising Stars list, 2018–2023
  • Leadership Tomorrow, Class of 2022
  •  Board Member, CleanTech Alliance, 2021-Present
  • Board Member, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, 2020-Present
  • Board Member, Seattle Sports Commission, 2017–2020
  • Content Editor, King County Bar Association Washington Lawyer Practice Manual, Indian Law Chapter, 2014-Present
  • Interview, “The Duwamish seek federal recognition,” Seattle Now, KUOW ÓŹ npr, 18 May 2022
  • Presenter, “Renewable Energy on Tribal Lands,” Northwest Environmental Business Council and CleanTech Alliance Energy Leadership Summit, 9 November 2021
  • Speaker, “Renewable Energy Projects on Tribal Lands: Regulatory Authority, Development, Financing Structures,” Strafford, June 2021
  • Interview, “Native communities turning towards renewable development with revenue and values front of mind,” by Colt Shaw, New Project Media, 30 October 2020
  • Speaker, “Tax Developments Provide Opportunities for Economic Growth in Indian Country,” Federal Bar Association and myLawCLE, June 2019
  • Panel Moderator, “Expanding Opportunities: Innovative Approaches to Procuring Renewable Energy,” Northwest Environmental Business Council Washington’s Energy Future Conference, November 2017
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