Van Ness Feldman LLP is a well-regarded name among oil and gas industry clients, assisting them with the full scope of regulatory issues that affect the development and operation of energy infrastructure. The boutique firm is frequently active on rate, tariff, certificate, and enforcement proceedings before FERC, as well as appellate proceedings challenging FERC orders. Michael Pincus draws on professional experience at FERC to advise on matters from the other side, as well as regulatory issues relating to the siting and operation of interstate natural gas pipelines and LNG terminals. He co-leads the practice group with Mona Tandon , who specializes in advising clients on avoiding administrative actions by federal regulatory agencies. Susan Olenchuk is another key figure, with expertise in matters before the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and state pipeline agencies, also the focus area for Joseph Hainline. The aforementioned lawyers are all based in Washington DC, while in Houston, Travis Malesky is the name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Highly experienced regulatory attorneys with deep knowledge of FERC, PHMSA, and other agencies directly affecting industry clients.'
- 'Deep knowledge of laws and regulations, how and why they came into existence, how they have been or not been interpreted, best way to address compliance.'
Key clients
- The Williams Companies, Inc.
- Texas LNG Brownsville LLC
- Vector Pipeline L.P.
- BHE GT&S – Carolina Gas Transmission, LLC (CGT)
- Sempra Infrastructure
- Kinder Morgan Inc. (Certificate Matters)
- Kinder Morgan Inc./Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, LLC – Rate and Tariff Matters
- Venture Global LNG
- Constellation Energy Generation
- Dominion Energy, Inc.
Work highlights
Representedthe Williams Companies, Inc. in defending its Louisiana Energy Gateway system against a petition for declaratory order filed by Energy Transfer, Inc., which asserted that FERC should regulate Williams’ Louisiana Energy Gateway (LEG) system, a matter with potential industry-wide implications for natural gas gathering facilities.
Advising Dominion Energy, Inc. on the classification and regulatory status of pipelines tied to its nationwide renewable natural gas projects, including Align RNG.
Representing Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company (TGP), a core subsidiary of Kinder Morgan, Inc., on certificate matters.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Michael Pincus; Mona Tandon
Other key lawyers
Susan Olenchuk; Joseph Hainline; Travis Malesky