Mr Michael Brooks > Bracewell LLP > Washington DC, United States > Lawyer Profile

Bracewell LLP offers comprehensive expertise in energy regulation, with a strong focus on matters before FERC and the CFTC, including significant enforcement experience. The firm advises clients on regulatory issues tied to renewable energy generation, electric transmission, offshore and onshore wind projects, as well as solar and storage developments, covering compliance, rate, and access matters as projects become operational. Known for its strength in energy transition projects, the team also excels in litigation and disputes involving complex regulatory issues and provides strong transactional support across the sector. The practice is led by Catherine McCarthy, chair of the energy department, who has over 30 years of experience in electric energy regulation, securing FERC and state authorizations, and handling market and compliance matters. Deanna King in Austin focuses on regulatory compliance and litigation, while Michael Brooks specializes in commodities and derivatives law, often representing clients in federal investigations. Theodore F. Duver in New York advises renewable energy companies on federal and state regulatory issues, and Tyler Johnson represents energy marketers and transmission owners in FERC compliance and appellate litigation. Boris Shkuta represents energy clients in a diverse array of high-stakes FERC and federal court proceedings including electric transmission owners and generation owners. All team members are based in Washington DC unless otherwise specified.

Bracewell LLP represents large energy companies as both plaintiffs and defendants in high-profile and complex litigation. The firm is adept at handling disputes ranging from contracts and pricing through to infrastructure developments, as well as work in front of state and federal regulatory bodies. Stephen Crain leads the team from Houston, as an experienced litigator, representing developers, producers and suppliers in the electric power industry in cases ranging from personal injury to property loss. Washington-based Michael Brooks focuses on commodities and derivatives within the electricity market. Houston’s Bradley Benoit is experienced in representing both sides in commercial disputes, whilst Deanna King inAustin concentrates on advising domestic and foreign clients on regulatory compliance and any associated litigation.

Bracewell LLP maintains a premier oil and gas regulatory practice representing high-level clients in the industry including in matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other agencies. The team works closely with its appellate, litigation, commercial, white-collar, corporate, tax, and environmental teams to provide a comprehensive service. The team is headed up by Kirk Morgan who has nearly 25 years of experience in the oil and gas sector representing some of the largest pipeline companies in the industry on their most important matters as well as being the go-to lawyer for all of Kinder Morgan’s regulatory and commercial matters before FERC. Mark Lewis focuses on oil and gas pipelines and related midstream regulatory matters while Michael Brooks excels in bridging the gap between ambiguous regulations and complex transactions to implement effective compliance programs and counseling clients regarding compliance risks and representing them in high-stakes investigations. Michelle Boudreaux, in Houston, is a seasoned professional and regularly advises owners and operators of petroleum liquids and natural gas pipelines on regulatory matters, while Eugene Elrod advises domestic and international energy companies on complex regulatory matters. George Fatula is also recommended. All mentioned attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.