Gunnar Birgisson
J.D., Duke University School of Law
Gunnar Birgisson is a native of Iceland and a lawyer with 30 years of experience practicing in the United States. He received his J.D. degree from Duke University School of Law and is licensed in the District of Columbia and Texas. He has B.A. and M.A. degrees in English from the University of California at Berkeley.
Gunnar practiced with several law firms in Washington, D.C. before going in-house in the D.C. office of one of the largest electric utility companies in the United States. In his career, he has helped develop solar and wind energy generation, as well as transmission projects, natural gas pipelines, and LNG terminals.
His experience includes advising parties in the negotiation of international treaties, participating in appellate litigation, negotiating and drafting various contracts, as well as policy advocacy and regulatory compliance. His pro bono work includes successfully representing a World War II veteran in the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Affairs.
Gunnar is the author of the graphic novel Huldufólk and is a frequent commentator on U.S. legal and political issues for Iceland's largest newspaper. Unlike his grandfather and father, Gunnar has not captained or served on Icelandic trawlers, but he does enjoy swimming in the chilly Icelandic sea.
A special guest presenter is also planned for a portion of the program.