Meet the innovators: How leading energy lawyer Amy Roma is ushering clients into the future of energy

I tell my team: “Start with the end goal and work backwards.”

Too often, people map steps forward from where they are now – but that limits creativity. By anchoring to the outcome and working back, we uncover paths that were invisible before.

There’s never just one way to reach a goal. When you empower people to question assumptions and bring bold ideas forward, they start seeing opportunities that others miss.

That mindset is how we deliver true innovation.

The energy sector is evolving faster than at any time in history – fusion, micro-reactors, AI-driven data centers, and clean industrial hubs are moving from theory into reality. What inspires me is the chance to translate breakthrough science into real-world projects that create jobs, improve security, and change lives.

By working backwards from a client’s ultimate vision, we often uncover unconventional solutions – including in space, maritime, and defense – that might otherwise go unseen. That’s what makes this work exciting.

Every challenge is a chance to make the impossible possible.

What stood out most was witnessing history being written. For decades, fusion was thought of as the energy of the future. With Helion and Microsoft, it became the energy of today.

The importance of this step wasn’t just the power purchase agreement – it was all the work before the agreement and that remains ongoing. This doesn’t just include technical advancements, but also making sure the law and regulations keep up with the pace of progress and that governments facilitate – rather than hinder – progress.

Structuring the world’s first commercial fusion power purchase agreement was complex, but it showed what’s possible when visionary companies step forward. The lesson is clear: bold ideas paired with the right frameworks can accelerate world-changing innovation.

The next frontier is speed. We’re moving from bespoke mega-projects to rapid, factory-built solutions that can be deployed anywhere in the world and across a range of uses.

Nuclear and fusion won’t just power grids – they’ll propel spacecraft to the Moon and Mars, fuel commercial ships, and protect our military installations from vulnerabilities from the grid. This shift toward mission-driven, scalable solutions will redefine what’s possible for energy, security, and exploration alike.

I nurture creativity by staying curious and constantly moving. I need to be intellectually stimulated and physically active – otherwise I get restless. I’m always reading, writing, and learning, and I work out every day.

I also spend a significant amount of time on pro bono humanitarian work. During the pandemic, I helped coordinate a PPE airlift using the New England Patriots’ plane. Later, I supported Afghan refugee evacuations.

What I’ve learned is that creativity is most powerful when it serves others. Those experiences give me perspective and renewal, which I bring back into my practice. It reminds me that whether in law or life, the most meaningful solutions come from looking beyond yourself.

Our clients are ambitious, forward-looking, and unafraid to take risks. They don’t just adapt to change – they drive it. Whether it’s building the first fusion plant, scaling factory-built reactors, or strengthening global supply chains, they act with courage and purpose.

What sets them apart is their willingness to tackle the impossible. That mindset, paired with their global reach and deep investment, uniquely positions them to lead transformative change in energy, industry, and beyond.