Craig V. Richardson focuses his practice on commercial and regulatory litigation, including oil and gas, environmental, and antitrust law, as well as all aspects of multi-jurisdictional permitting of global energy infrastructure.
Prior to re-joining Greenberg Traurig, Craig served as executive vice president, chief legal officer, and corporate secretary of Union Pacific, the legendary railroad with an enterprise value of over $170 billion. In this role, he oversaw all aspects of Union Pacific’s legal affairs and led the Railroad’s claims management team. As leader of the Law Department, his work included matters related to federal and multi-state litigation, economic, environmental and safety regulation at all levels of government, labor relations, international trade, and passenger rail. In his capacity as Corporate Secretary, Craig provided round-the-clock support for Union Pacific’s Board of Directors.
Previously, for nearly a decade, Craig served as the general counsel of El Paso Corporation’s Pipeline Group, the largest network of interstate natural gas pipelines in North America, delivering over 30% of the natural gas consumed in the United States. As the chief legal officer of the Pipeline Group, Craig was responsible for all legal matters nationwide in a multibillion-dollar energy transportation enterprise. Craig was particularly responsible for providing multi-spectral, legal advice to management, spotting regulatory and permitting issues for project managers, engaging in stakeholder outreach at all levels, and waging successful litigation with opposition in executing El Paso’s $8 billion portfolio of crucial additions to national energy infrastructure from California to New York.
Prior to practicing law, Craig held posts in the Reagan White House, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, the State Department and the Pentagon.
A retired commander in the United States Navy Reserves, during his over-two-decade military career, Craig provided intelligence analysis and support in military operations throughout the globe. On six occasions, he received active duty orders to the White House’s National Security Council in connection with Presidential initiatives from Haiti to Bosnia and from Afghanistan to Iraq. In September 2001, Craig was recalled to active duty in Operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. While on active duty for the following year, he provided space-based intelligence analysis in direct support of combat operations in Southwest Asia. For his service, he was awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal among other awards and decorations.
Experience
In-House Experience
• Union Pacific Railroad, 2016-2025
o Chief Legal Officer, 2020-2025
o Corporate Secretary, 2020-2025
o Executive Vice President, 2020-2025
o Associate General Counsel, 2016-2020
• El Paso Corporation Pipeline Group
o Vice President & General Counsel, 2003-2012
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
• Team Member, U.S. News - Best Lawyers®, Best Law Firms Edition, "Law Firm of the Year," Environmental Law, 2016
• Listed, Euromoney’s Expert Guide to the World’s Leading Experts in Energy Law, 2015
• Listed, Denver Business Journal, "Who's Who in Energy," 2015
• Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Litigation - Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense - Toxic Tort, 2014-2015
• Listed, Denver Business Journal, "40 Under 40," 1998
Professional & Community Involvement
• Director, Young Americans Bank, Denver, Colorado
• Member, The Federalist Society
