Former government regulators, Tom Downey and James K. Tarpey, have joined Ireland Stapleton’s newly formed Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs practice group.
“We are very excited that Tom Downey and Jim Tarpey have joined Ireland Stapleton. Adding these two highly respected, experienced and talented attorneys and former government regulators to our firm, given the state of the law in Colorado, is prudent and helps our growing Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs practice group serve existing clients and expand into new markets,” said Managing Director K.C. Groves.
Downey, who joined the firm as a Director, has significant experience in all aspects of regulatory law as both a governmental official and a private attorney. He represents clients in the administrative, transactional and disciplinary processes related to liquor licensing and legalized marijuana. Prior to joining Ireland Stapleton, Downey led the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses, created and ran the Business and Licensing Division of the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office and served as an assistant attorney general in the Business and Licensing Section under Attorney General Ken Salazar.
Tarpey, an experienced regulatory attorney and former Commissioner at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, joined the firm as Of Counsel. During his tenure as a Commissioner, the PUC addressed numerous issues regarding future energy sources and implemented the Clean Air-Clean Jobs legislation. Tarpey has extensive legal experience with utility matters involving alternative forms of regulation, rate related issues, territorial and certificate disputes and issues related to local telecommunication markets.