Willkie Adds Leading Nuclear Energy Attorney and Former Deputy General Counsel Raphael Kuyler as Partner in Washington, DC

October 13, 2026

New York, NY (October 13, 2026) - Willkie today announced that leading nuclear energy attorney Raphael (Ray) Kuyler has joined the firm as a partner in its Washington, DC office. Ray was most recently Principal Deputy General Counsel at Westinghouse Electric Company, a large U.S.-based global nuclear power provider. His arrival strengthens Willkie's global energy capabilities at a time when nuclear power is experiencing a resurgence as a cornerstone of clean energy strategy worldwide.

Eric Pogue, Willkie's Global Chair of Power & Renewable Energy, commented: "Ray is a preeminent voice in the nuclear energy sector, with a track record of guiding complex nuclear sector matters across the United States and Europe. As global demand for reliable, low-carbon baseload power accelerates, Ray's deep industry relationships and strategic counsel will be invaluable. His addition significantly enhances our capabilities to support clients across our US and European energy infrastructure practices."

Ray brings over a decade of senior in-house experience at Westinghouse, where he served as the company's primary advisor on nuclear regulatory legal matters worldwide. He led international commercial contract negotiations for major reactor projects in the US, Europe, and beyond, and managed high-stakes commercial claims and disputes. His responsibilities also spanned regulatory compliance, nuclear liability, government contracts, trade compliance, environmental law, health and safety, ethics, safety culture and employment law.

David Mortlock, Managing Partner of Willkie's Washington, DC office, said: "Ray's addition continues the rapid growth of our superb energy team, complementing our expansion across litigation, regulatory, and corporate practices in Willkie's DC office."

Prior to Westinghouse, Ray spent more than a decade in private practice focusing on nuclear energy matters. He also served as a nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy. A frequent speaker at industry conferences, Ray serves on the Nuclear Energy Institute Legal Advisory Committee Steering Group and is active in the International Nuclear Law Association.

Ray Kuyler commented: "I am excited to return to private practice and join a firm with Willkie's premier energy capabilities and global reach. Willkie provides an ideal platform to help clients navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape of nuclear development, from operating reactors to advanced next-generation technologies. I look forward to working with the team to deliver innovative solutions for our clients."

Ray is the latest partner addition to Willkie's expanding cross-office team of energy, project finance, and infrastructure attorneys.

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Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP provides leading-edge legal solutions on complex, business critical issues spanning markets and industries. Our approximately 1,300 attorneys across 16 offices worldwide deliver innovative, pragmatic and sophisticated legal services across approximately 45 practice areas. Learn more at www.willkie.com.