Bob Coble to Co-Chair Alternative Energy Group

Bob Coble

Ric Tapp

Nexsen Pruet is pleased to announce that former Columbia Mayor, Bob Coble, will lead the firm’s Alternative Energy Team along with Charleston attorney, Ric Tapp.

Tapp was a member of Nexsen Pruet’s team that helped Clemson University's Restoration Institute win a $45 million dollar grant and secure $53 million in matching funds for its off-shore wind turbine testing facility at the former Charleston Naval Base in North Charleston.

“For years, our attorneys have worked with clients on matters involving numerous energy projects such as bio fuel manufacturing as well as wind and solar farms,” said Board Chairman John Sowards.  “Now, more and more companies are looking to start or grow alternative energy business.  Ric’s experience on Clemson’s wind-turbine testing facility and Bob’s contacts in Columbia and Washington, DC are extremely valuable to the clients we serve as they navigate regulatory and political hurdles that often arise with energy projects.”

For matters in North Carolina, the Alternative Energy team turns to former Governor Jim Holshouser and Ernie Pearson, former Assistant Secretary of Economic Development for the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

Coble served as Mayor of Columbia for 20 years before retiring in 2010.  During his two decades of public service, he has been honored with many high-profile awards including The Order of the Palmetto, the “Tootie” Williams Distinguished Service Award and the USC Law School’s Compleat Lawyer Platinum Award.

Tapp built his law practice as a litigator representing businesses in complex disputes before state and federal courts.  Today, his primary focus is in the area of economic development.  He works to create jobs by assisting businesses that are moving to or expanding in South Carolina.

Nexsen Pruet, LLC is one of the largest law firms in the Carolinas, with more than 180 attorneys and offices in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach, S.C. as well as Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, N.C.  Founded in 1945, Nexsen Pruet provides a broad range of legal services to the business community and represents companies and other entities in local, state, national, and international venues.  For further information, see www.nexsenpruet.com.