Insights and Analysis
AI-washing – when AI hype becomes a litigation risk
Stewart Forbes
Counsel Global Regulatory
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Overview
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Experience
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Credentials
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Insights and events
Stewart Forbes has spent his career helping developers and businesses navigate complex strategic challenges in the energy and advanced technology sectors, first as a Senior Attorney at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and now as Counsel in the energy regulatory practice group. Drawing on his deep understanding federal agencies, he delivers sophisticated yet practical solutions for a wide array of clients across the energy production, energy efficiency, and advanced technology spectrum. His clients include developers of advanced nuclear reactors, major U.S. manufacturers, and appliance manufacturers subject to DOE efficiency regulations.
During his tenure at DOE, he developed a reputation as a key advisor on high profile initiatives involving significant technical, regulatory, and policy complexity. He advised on partnerships with DOE national laboratories, supported DOE and international partners on nuclear collaboration, and developed funding programs, ranging from solar development on mine lands to direct air capture hubs to space nuclear deployment. He also pioneered efforts to make DOE lands available to private sector developers, including data center developers and nuclear utilities, and he helped lead the DOE team that rewrote the agency’s other transaction agreement regulations. In private practice, he leverages his government experience to help clients move faster, manage risk, and capitalize on emerging federal and commercial opportunities.
He is a frequent speaker on DOE authorities and laboratories, nuclear development, the impact of AI-driven growth on energy infrastructure, insurance and indemnification for nuclear space launches, and the siting of private sector assets on federal land. He graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo School of Law, specializing in corporate transactions. He is known for translating complex policy frameworks into actionable legal strategies that help clients bring cutting-edge technologies to market.
Representative experience
Negotiated one of the first reactor prototyping Other Transaction Agreement awards between DOE and a nuclear reactor development client.
Advised a number of nuclear developers on the implementation of nuclear and artificial intelligence related executive orders.
Spearheaded, and received a secretarial award for, updates to DOE’s Other Transactions Guide and regulations, allowing the Department to greater flexibility in issuing commercial agreements*
Supported DOE lab policies, agreements, and reviews, including voucher programs, streamlined FOCI reviews, and national security policy implementation across the DOE lab system.*
Developed funding opportunities incl. Hydrogen Demand-Side, Clean Energy on Minelands, Direct Air Capture, Advanced Reactor Demo, and Nuclear Industry revolving funding programs.*
Innovated DOE contract terms to enable private sector land use, ease interagency collaboration, and provide nuclear fuel access for advanced reactor developers.*
*Matter handled prior to joining Hogan Lovells.
Credentials
Education
- University at Buffalo School of Law, Magna Cum Laude, 2013
- Brigham Young University, 2001
Bar admissions and qualifications
- New York
- District of Columbia