Gregory H. Woods - General Counsel for the Department of Energy
Gregory H. Woods was sworn in as the General Counsel of the Department of Energy on April 16, 2012, following the unanimous confirmation of his appointment by the United States Senate. Mr. Woods serves as the chief legal officer of the Department of Energy and as the legal adviser to the Secretary of Energy.
Mr. Woods’ legal career has been a mixture of private practice and dedicated public service. Mr. Woods began his career as a Trial Attorney in the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice, where, from 1995 to 1998, he prosecuted civil fraud cases on behalf of the United States.
Mr. Woods joined Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in New York City as an associate in 1998 and was promoted to become a full equity partner of the firm in 2004. Mr. Woods was a member of the firm’s corporate practice, focused primarily on corporate finance, and advised a variety of corporations, banks and investors in domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. Mr. Woods was a member of the firm’s hiring committee, diversity committee and pro bono committee. Mr. Woods’ practice and client service led him to be recognized by Chambers USA as a leading lawyer in New York in Banking and Finance, among other honors.
Mr. Woods returned to government service in 2009, when he was appointed by Secretary Ray LaHood to serve as the Deputy General Counsel of the Department of Transportation, where he helped lead the legal operations of a cabinet department with over 55,000 employees and 500 attorneys.
Throughout his career, Mr. Woods has been active in a number of civic and professional groups. Before his confirmation as General Counsel, Mr. Woods served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Williams College and was a member of the board of the Union Settlement Association, which provides social services in East Harlem.
Mr. Woods received his J.D. from Yale Law School in 1995. At Yale, Mr. Woods was Essays Editor on the Yale Law Journal and was awarded prizes for best brief and best oralist in the school’s moot court competition. Mr. Woods received his B.A. magna cum laude from Williams College in 1991.