Brad Mondschein knew that he wanted to be a lawyer since his freshman year at Union College in New York. Today, at 39, he is partner in the energy and utilities section at Pullman & Comley in Hartford, tackling hot-button issues surrounding regulated industries, telecommunications, fuel cells and alternative energy products.
“Pullman is establishing itself in the utilities area with a strong energy background,” said Mondschein, who was previously with Updike, Kelly and Spellacy.
After graduating from Union with a degree in political science in 1990, and then the Western New England College School of Law in 1993, Mondschein, the only lawyer in his family, started in general litigation. Shortly after, he saw an advertisement in the Connecticut Law Tribune for a regulatory lawyer at SNET in the late ‘90s, which is how he got into energy, utility and telecomm issues (and stayed there).
It’s the cost, said Mondschein, that’s taking center stage among energy conundrums for businesses in the state. On the telecomm side, it’s the lack of competition.
Citing FCC reports, Mondschein said Connecticut is at bottom of the list as far as number of competitors. While the state is densely populated along the I-91 and I-95 corridors, the rules that govern telecomm business and costs in the state may make it unattractive.
The scene isn’t totally dismal, though. There have been marked improvements on the wireless side. The Siting Council, which approves the placement of cell towers, has benefited the wireless networks in the state.
Mondschein’s involvement in energy and law goes beyond his routine docket reviews and hearings. He is also currently a member of the American Bar Association, the Connecticut Bar Association’s public utility law, commercial law and bankruptcy sections, the United States Fuel Cell Council, the International Council of Shopping Centers’ Government Relations Committee, its energy and environmental subcommittees, the town of Manchester’s Ethics Commission and he serves as the general counsel to the board of trustees of the Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester.
Amanda Blaszyk is a staff writer for the Hartford Business Journal.
