Answering the Call

Day Pitney partner Sebastian Lombardi was known as "the peacemaker" when he was growing up.

Among family and friends alike, Lombardi was the one to jump in and resolve any conflicts. "I was always drawn to situations where there was a crisis or a problem or a disconnect between people and/or positions, and I would try my best to figure out a way to bring folks together."

He continued his efforts as a facilitator and collaborator working for a U.S. senator on Capitol Hill while earning a graduate degree at night in government. In that role, Lombardi worked to help resolve sensitive problem areas for military personnel, veterans, and their families, learning through that experience the unique and influential role of lawyers in problem-solving. "In this humbling experience of working on issues and addressing challenges in support of extraordinary men and women in uniform, I realized that many of the most successful problem-solvers and negotiators in the room were the lawyers." That realization led to Lombardi's enrollment at the University of Connecticut School of Law.

Lombardi realized quickly that his choice of career built on his instinct to bring people together while introducing him to the evolving and intricate intersection of law, economics, and public policy, all in the field of energy. He signed on for an externship with Day Pitney's energy practice and joined the firm after graduation.

Since joining Day Pitney, Lombardi has represented an array of energy clients in all aspects of transactional and regulatory matters associated with federally regulated power and gas markets. For these clients, he has developed and helped implement innovative solutions to complex challenges confronting the energy and utility industries.

One of those clients is the New England Power Pool (NEPOOL), a regional membership organization engaged in the wholesale markets for electrical power. Lombardi represents NEPOOL before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). His skills at building consensus and collaboration are routinely tested as he works with NEPOOL's more than 500 members to develop and negotiate solutions to highly complicated and contentious issues that have far-reaching implications for the future provision of electricity in New England.

Joel Gordon, former chairman of NEPOOL and director of market policy for PSEG Power Connecticut, said Lombardi has great capabilities in making sure everyone's perspectives are fully heard and accounted for. "Sebastian has the ability to understand and appreciate a variety of perspectives and develop creative solutions that address multiple issues and interests simultaneously; this is a strong and rare leadership quality."

Lombardi credits his upbringing and experience in service to others with making him the lawyer he is today. With that in mind, he takes an active role in mentoring and diversity efforts at the firm, within the broader energy industry and in his own community. "I am truly fortunate to be surrounded by many wonderful people in my life: my family, a diverse and loyal network of friends, and many talented colleagues, clients and mentors, all of whom have supported me and have made me a better lawyer and person. The least I can do is work to provide, where I can, good counsel and friendship in return."