Alex Polonsky is a partner in the nuclear energy practice and leads the firm’s classified information services group. In his 25 years at Morgan Lewis, Alex has handled US and international nuclear energy and environmental matters on nuclear industry licensing, advanced reactor deployment, administrative litigation, and investigations, and federal court radiation toxic tort and Superfund litigation. He is a nationally known resource and speaker at conferences on nuclear export matters, including 10 CFR Part 810, and international nuclear liability. He also is the co-author of Fundamentals of Nuclear Regulation in the United States.
Alex’s prior career as an environmental consultant allows him to advocate effectively in technically complex proceedings, to provide due diligence support for nuclear energy and environmental transactions, and to work seamlessly with experts.
As part of his nuclear energy practice, Alex counsels clients on Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing issues, including cases related to license renewal and transfers, radioactive materials handling, nuclear waste disposal, nuclear exports, and litigation before the NRC’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Boards. He has a robust practice with nuclear technology and advanced reactor companies, advising on all aspects of licensing, investment, and commercialization.
As part of his environmental practice, Alex counsels clients on a range of matters involving Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementation. He also provides environmental due diligence support on energy transactions and in-depth technical reviews of soil and groundwater data for clients involved in environmental litigation.
Alex was appointed to the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC) by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in May 2021. CINTAC advises the secretary on trade issues facing the US civilian nuclear industry, with a particular focus on developing and administering programs and policies to expand US civil nuclear exports and strengthen the competitiveness of the industry.
Member, US Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC)
Ranked, Energy: Nuclear (Regulatory & Litigation), USA, Chambers Global (2012–2024)
Ranked, Energy: Nuclear (Regulatory & Litigation), Nationwide, Chambers USA (2010–2024)
Recognized, Leaders in Environmental Law, Lawdragon Green 500 (2023, 2024)
Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Energy Law, Washington, DC (2023–2025)
Recommended, Industry focus: Energy Regulation: Conventional Power, The Legal 500 US (2020–2022)
Recommended, Industry focus: Energy Regulation: Electric Power, The Legal 500 US (2023)
Member, Law Firm of the Year, Energy/Projects: Power (including Renewables), Chambers USA (2018)
Member, Practice Group of the Year, Energy, Law360 (2016, 2019)
Member, Energy Law Firm of the Year, US News & World Report/Best Lawyers (2015)