Peter V. Lacouture was named a Super Lawyer in the area of energy and natural-resources law by Super Lawyers magazine, a Thomson Reuters business. Super Lawyers uses regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research and peer reviews to select each year’s designees. Lacouture is a partner in the Providence office of Robinson & Cole LLP. He has been practicing law in Providence since 1972. He holds a B.A. from Yale University and his bachelor of laws from the University of Virginia School of Law.
PBN: What are some of your involvements in the area of energy and natural resources?
LACOUTURE: I have represented National Grid in connection with energy-related projects for many years.
I have also been involved as a board member and officer of three environmental organizations which focus their efforts on protecting natural resources. In 1983, I worked with a group of citizens to incorporate the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association and obtain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status for it. I served on the association board and as its second president. I have also served on the board of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and currently serve as a trustee of the Rhode Island chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
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PBN: You also provide lectures on computer and technology topics. How did you become involved in this area?
LACOUTURE: When I went to college in 1965, I decided I wanted to learn to program computers and did so in a noncredit course. I enjoyed the challenge of programming and was able to find jobs at school and during summers working with computers. I spent my senior year in college debating whether to go to law school or to continue to work with computers.
After I started practicing law, I represented a number of clients on technology issues, concentrating on software licensing and system acquisition. In addition, for many years I have chaired the Rhode Island Bar Association’s technology committee.
PBN: Are there any specific issues or developments in Rhode Island you are currently following?
LACOUTURE: As a trustee of the Rhode Island chapter of The Nature Conservancy, I follow environmental-conservation issues closely. Recently, I have worked with the R.I. Office of Energy Resources and a group of stakeholders to develop a standard contract for small distributed-generation projects. These projects include solar photovoltaic and small wind turbines. •
