January 28, 2026 - Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Attorney Ryan Palmer to the Energy, Telecommunications and Natural Resources Practice Group

        Verrill Welcomes Attorney Ryan Palmer to the Energy, Telecommunications and Natural Resources Practice Group

        WASHINGTON, D.C. – Verrill is pleased to announce that Ryan Palmer has joined the firm as Counsel in its Energy, Telecommunications & Natural Resources Group, based in the Washington, D.C. office.

        Palmer advises telecommunications providers, trade associations, infrastructure developers, government entities, and electric and water utilities on regulatory compliance, policymaking, and litigation support, with a particular focus on broadband and energy infrastructure deployment. Palmer helps clients navigate complex, cross-jurisdictional regulatory regimes and designs strategies that align legal and policy objectives with business goals.

        Palmer brings extensive experience from senior roles in both government and the private sector. Before joining Verrill, he served as Commissioner of the West Virginia Public Service Commission, Chief of the FCC’s Telecommunications Access Policy Division, and U.S. Director of Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. He also served in the administration of West Virginia Governor Joseph Manchin III and as attorney advisor for Commissioner Charlotte R. Lane at the United States International Trade Commission (USITC). Through these roles, Palmer gained deep insight into a wide range of regulatory regimes and infrastructure programs, such as the Universal Service Fund, BEAD program, pole attachments, utility rate setting for electric and water providers, spectrum policy, and broadband affordability measures, allowing him to build trust across federal, state and local levels.

        Based in Washington, D.C., Palmer leverages his regulatory background and network to advance client priorities through effective advocacy and engagement.

        Palmer received his law degree from West Virginia University College of Law, his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and he is currently admitted to practice law in West Virginia.

        Firm Highlights

        Blog

        Will the Knicks Beat the Spurs? (Are Prediction Market Event Contracts Gambling?)

        For those of you who like to keep score, currently 18 states are engaged in litigation over prediction markets, such as Kalshi and Polymarket,...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        DOJ Announces Faster Review and Enhanced Enforcement for Benefits-Fraud FCA Matters

        On May 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Division issued a new memorandum, “Accelerating Review and Enhancing Enforcement in...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        DOJ Announces Minnesota Health Care Fraud Takedown; Signals Intensified Medicaid Enforcement Nationwide

        On May 21, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) announced a first-of-its kind Minnesota Health Care Fraud Takedown charging 15 defendants, including...
        Media Mentions

        Lauren Galvin Quoted in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly on Arbitration and Anti-SLAPP Protections

        Verrill Partner Lauren Galvin was recently featured in a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article highlighting a notable Superior Court decision...
        Blog

        Section 530A Accounts: What Employers Should Consider Before Offering Contributions to “Trump” Accounts

        Section 530A accounts, commonly referred to as Trump accounts, have attracted attention since the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in...
        Blog

        Navigating PBM Reform: Regulatory Changes, Market Shifts, and Practical Guidance for ERISA Fiduciaries

        Pharmacy Benefit Manager (“PBM”) arrangements have long relied on rebates with limited transparency into true drug costs. Recent regulatory and...
        Blog

        DOL’s Proposed Regulation on Selecting Alternative Investments: Broad Implications for 401(k) and 403(b) Plan Fiduciaries

        On March 30, 2026, the Department of Labor issued a proposed regulation purporting to implement an executive order to expand access to “alternative...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Private Clients & Fiduciary Services Attorney Gracie Castle

        BOSTON, Massachusetts – Verrill is pleased to welcome Gracie Castle to the firm’s Private Clients & Fiduciary Services Group as an Associate,...
        Published Works

        Francesco De Vito Authors Article in the Journal of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys

        Verrill Partner Frank De Vito authored an article featured in the Spring 2026 issue of The Abstract, the journal of the American College of Mortgage...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        Recent FinCEN Advisory Highlights Rising Health Care Fraud Risk for Financial Institutions

        As the federal government intensifies its “whole of government” approach to combat fraud, waste, and abuse, particularly in Federal Health Care...
        Press Releases

        Two Verrill Attorneys Featured in the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers List

        PORTLAND, Maine – Verrill attorneys Roger A. Clement, Jr. and Robert J. Keach have been featured in the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global...
        Published Works

        Verrill Attorney Mark Googins Co-Authors Maine Commercial Lending Handbook

        Verrill attorney Mark Googins has co-authored the Maine Commercial Lending Handbook (Second Edition), published March 2026.  A trusted, practical...