The Legal 500 > United States > United States > Energy litigation: conventional power

McGuireWoods LLP represents a high volume of utilities clients in the US. A range of team members have prior in-house experience at utilities companies, which has resulted in the firm attracting a strong pipeline of rate cases, tariff disputes and litigation involving regional transmission organizations (RTOs). The firm is also frequently engaged in Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC) enforcement cases. Todd Mullins is co-chair of the power sector in the energy industry team; he is a leading expert in FERC enforcement cases. Noel Symons is former co-chair of the utilities team and is recognised for his expertise in the RTO market and cost allocation cases. Julia English is a key name at the senior counsel level. All individuals mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Bracewell LLP's connections to the energy sector provide it with the basis for a flourishing conventional power litigation practice. The group represents some of the largest power producers as defendants and plaintiffs in the country and worldwide, regularly handles cases before the federal courts and FERC, and is highly experienced in cross-border disputes. Chair of the firm-wide litigation group Stephen Crain has a major focus on energy disputes, representing developers and producers, commodity traders and suppliers to the energy industry. Bradley Benoit is another energy disputes expert with notable experience in defending shareholder class actions and derivatives cases. Washington DC-based Catherine McCarthy chairs the energy regulatory group and often represents energy clients in contentious matters before FERC and other regulatory bodies. Austin partner Deanna King co-heads the energy litigation practice with Andrew Zeve. Named individuals are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.

Baker Botts L.L.P.'s energy credentials have provided it with the platform to create a highly regarded conventional power disputes practice. With a background in representing major utilities, the group has an extensive client base of generators, processors, transporters, distributors and marketers of all forms of electrical and gas power. Bill Kroger leads the practice, which includes John Anaipakos, who is a top trial lawyer and most notably counts CenterPoint Energy as a key client. Kevin Jacobs is also at the forefront of energy disputes including jury trials; George Fibbe joined the firm from the Department of Energy, and Washington DC-based Jeff Wood arrived from the Department of Justice. Continuing the expansion of the group, the firm also hired a substantial nine-partner environmental and workplace safety team from Katten in 2019, which provides a significant boost to its credentials in the Bay Area, Washington DC and Houston. The practice is now able to leverage considerable bench strength in core regulatory matters, litigation and environmental concerns. All named individuals are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.

Jenner & Block LLP has an established conventional power litigation practice, operating primarily from its Washington DC and Chicago offices. Chicago's Randy Mehrberg has had a pivotal role in building the firm's energy practice, of which litigation is a primary component. Team members include former in-house lawyers at major energy corporates, government agencies and regulators. The group represents some of the biggest electricity and gas utilities in the industry, and covers cases relating to zero emissions credit programs and defends challenges to big-ticket mergers; it has also earned particular recognition for disputes relating to federal and state jurisdiction. Suedeen Kelly is another experienced figure in major cases including those before FERC, while Matthew Price is noted for big-ticket disputes and frequently acts for major utilities companies. David DeBruin is also highly rated. All named partners are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise. Max Minzner departed to an in-house position at Arcadia Power.

K&L Gates has a broad practice drawing on senior expertise from multiple offices across the US. The team has an established track record in litigation linked to new rule making and regulatory programs, including seeking authorisations from FERC. Team members are also recognised for their experience in wider FERC and PJM Interconnection matters. Based in Washington DC, Donald Kaplan has in-depth experience before FERC, while DC-based practice group coordinator William Keyser is another key name; Seattle-based individuals Elizabeth Thomas and Kari Vander Stoep are also singled out.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has demonstrated a commitment to the conventional power sector, with strong expertise in transactions, regulatory work, environmental issues and litigation. The core team of litigators has a notable track record in big-ticket disputes, including proceedings before FERC and class actions. The group has also impressed in a series of major environmental cases on behalf of energy clients. Washington DC's Brad Fagg co-heads the energy litigation practice and focuses on the energy and federal procurement industries. Los Angeles-based James Dragna leads the environmental team and is a key figure in energy-sector disputes, while John McGahren in Princeton is deputy chair of the firm's global environmental practice.