Bracewell LLP sits at the forefront of high-stakes electric power litigation, representing many of the largest power producers, utilities and developers in the United States. The team is regularly engaged by generation and trading companies in complex market manipulation and pricing disputes, with experience extending to proceedings before FERC and state commissions. Its power litigation practice spans the full industry spectrum, including multidistrict and class actions involving power market pricing, transmission constraints and energy infrastructure reliability. The group also routinely handles disputes arising from project development, interconnection and long-term power purchase agreements, as well as related insurance and contractual claims. Houston-based practice head Stephen Crain, firmwide chair of the litigation group, brings deep experience across energy industry disputes. Also in Houston, Bradley Benoit’s balanced plaintiff and defense practice is a notable differentiator. DC-based Catherine McCarthy contributes decades of electric energy regulatory insight, while Michael Brooks, also in DC, is a go-to for electricity markets and enforcement matters. Seattle-based Tyler Johnson and DC-based Boris Shkuta add further strength in Federal Power Act compliance and FERC litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Michael Brooks is exceptional. He combines a deep understanding of the markets and market participants with intelligent, practical advice and effective advocacy that wins results.'
- 'Bracewell's deep understanding of the power markets makes it an effective advocate for its clients and a tough opponent.'
Key clients
- Central Maine Power Company and The United Illuminating Company
- Tenaska, Inc.
- Rockland Capital
- Chevron USA, Inc.
- Apache Corporation
- Unocal Corporation
- PetroChina International (America) Inc.
- Amadeus Wind, LLC
- Equinor Wind
- Powerex Corp.
- Shell Energy North America (US), L.P.
- New York State Electric & Gas Corporation and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation
- Standard Solar Inc.
- Salka, LLC
- Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC
- Higher Power Electrical, LLC, Cobra Acquisitions LLC, and Cobra Energy, LLC
- Arroyo Investors (Goldfinch Energy Holdings LLC)
- Alliance for Cooperative Energy Services Power Marketing LLC
- ENGIE North America Inc.
Work highlights
Acted as Powerex’s US legal advisor in negotiations and proceedings related to wholesale electricity market activity, including the establishment of legal and regulatory frameworks for cross-border participation in newly organized wholesale electricity markets in the western United States.
Represented Shell Energy North America in heavily contested FERC litigation over long-term contracts, including a complex cost-of-service rate case requiring extensive expert testimony, deep regulatory analysis, and full trial-level advocacy.
Conducted a confidential internal investigation into allegations of an international conspiracy to commit accounting fraud and bribery in connection with a costly infrastructure project that impacted ratepayers, on behalf of a multinational power company.
Practice head
Stephen Crain
Other key lawyers
Bradley Benoit; Catherin McCarthy; Michael Brooks; Tyler Johnson; Boris Shkuta; Deanna King; Rachel Goldman