DC Water Chief Legal Officer Joins Taft with Launch of Government Resource and Response Group

Taft, one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country, announced today that Marc Battle, former Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President of Government Affairs at DC Water, is joining the firm as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office and the firm's new Government Resource and Response Group.

As Chief Legal Officer at DC Water, Battle oversaw all legal, regulatory, and policy matters for one of the nation's leading regional utilities. He served as executive sponsor of water resilience, security, and reuse initiatives, and represented DC Water in international engagements and partnerships. Battle advised the board and executive management on governance and strategy, directed litigation and investigations, and advanced the organization's legislative and regulatory priorities through lobbying efforts at the local, regional, and federal levels.

"Marc's experience leading legal and government affairs functions for a major regional utility makes him an exceptional addition to our new and growing group," said Robert J. Hicks, Taft's Firmwide Chairman and Managing Partner. "He will be an immediate asset to clients facing the challenges of today's evolving energy and water sectors."

This marks the formal launch of Taft's Government Resource and Response Group (GRRG) which was announced with the recent arrival of Beverly Perry, who served as the Senior Advisor to Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for the past 10 years. Working across the municipal, state, and federal levels, the GRRG combines Taft's legal, government affairs, and strategic communications experience for clients, including major cities and major utilities, which are grappling with economic challenges, aging infrastructure, and rising costs. In close collaboration with Perry, the group is led by Marcia Fudge, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Chair of Public Policy at Taft, and Lacy M. Johnson, Partner-in-Charge of Taft's Washington, D.C. office.

"Marc brings a unique combination of legal acumen, regulatory knowledge, and government relations experience that perfectly complements our growing practice," said Fudge.

"His leadership at DC Water and his earlier work in the energy sector position him to deliver tremendous value to our clients in utilities, infrastructure, and public policy matters," explained Johnson.

An accomplished attorney and executive leader, Battle previously held senior roles with Potomac Electric Power Company, where he led regulatory advocacy efforts and helped secure regulatory approval for a major merger while achieving significant cost recovery through regulatory litigation. His background also includes positions with a global law firm, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Council of the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Congress.

After exploring opportunities across the legal market, Battle was attracted to Taft's dynamic growth trajectory and collaborative culture.

"Taft has a national platform with deep capabilities that can help solve the complex challenges clients face in utilities, infrastructure, and government response," said Battle. "The firm's commitment to growth and innovation, combined with its strong bench of talent, creates an ideal environment to serve clients facing critical regulatory, policy, and operational issues. I'm excited to join this team and contribute to the firm's continued success."

Taft is among the fastest-growing law firms in the country today with a reputation for building a truly unique national platform that is home to more than 1,100 lawyers and growing. On Dec. 31, 2025, Taft will complete its merger with Morris, Manning & Martin, a highly regarded firm with offices in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., which will bring approximately 100 more lawyers to the Taft platform. Following this merger, Taft will have more than 1,200 lawyers in 25 offices across the country with projected combined revenues in excess of $1 billion.

Throughout Battle's career, he has been a dedicated community leader, previously serving as a trustee of the Federal City Council and on the boards of the Greater Washington Urban League, Leadership Greater Washington, and as chair of the board of Step Afrika!. He currently serves as a trustee of Georgetown Day School and on the boards of the DC Chamber of Commerce and the DC Public Library Foundation. Battle earned his J.D. from Howard University School of Law and a bachelor's degree in print journalism from the University of the District of Columbia. He is admitted to practice in New York and the District of Columbia.

About Taft

Founded in 1885 with a 140-year legacy rooted in the historic Taft family, today Taft is one of the nation's fastest-growing law firms. As a modern law firm with a non-headquarter operating model and more than 1,100 attorneys, Taft is fully committed to delivering the highest level of service to today's organizations and individuals. The legal performance of Taft attorneys is recognized nationally, with inclusion in the Am Law 100, Chambers USA, Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers, and more. Learn more at Taftlaw.com.