Steptoe LLP has a longstanding reputation for energy sector regulatory advice at the pinnacle of the market and it continues to assist with some of the most complex and notable matters relating to oil pipelines. In recent years it has made advances into the natural gas space too. Representation before FERC and a host of other state and federal government regulators is the practice’s bread and butter, but the team also regularly counsels clients in specialized areas, including on presidential permits for cross-border pipelines and other pipeline-permitting matters. Daniel Mullen heads the energy group at the firm and supports clients on energy and commodities enforcement matters, as well as government investigations, litigation, and assisting with the development of energy regulatory compliance programs. He jointly oversees oil and gas regulatory work with Daniel Poynor, head of the pipelines practice and frequent representative for clients before FERC. Shaun Boedicker‘s practice is making a significant shift towards the oil and gas side of energy regulatory work, and he has strong experience in matters before FERC and other state and federal regulators. Elder statesman Steven Reed continues to be called upon for experienced counsel, while more junior talent in the team includes Michelle Castaline.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent knowledge and experience on FERC oil pipeline regulation.’
‘Daniel Poynor has outstanding knowledge on FERC oil pipeline regulation and is an excellent writer. Lorrie Marcil is also top notch. Shaun Boedicker is a very talented up and comer.’
Key clients
- Center For Houston’s Future
- Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership
- Colonial Pipeline Company
- Liquid Energy Pipeline Association (LEPA)
- ConocoPhillips Company
- ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
- Exxon Mobil Corporation
- Targa Resources Corporation
- Northern Natural Gas
Work highlights
Representing two Enbridge pipelines in connection with challenges filed at FERC related to their indexed rate increases.
Representing Colonial Pipeline Company in a proceeding brought before the FERC involving a series of complaints challenging all of Colonial’s rates, including its market-based rates and market-based ratemaking authority, as well as its indexed rates.
Assisted the Liquid Energy Pipeline Association (LEPA) with comments responding to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Notice of Inquiry regarding potential changes to oil pipeline capacity allocation rules for anomalous conditions.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Daniel Mullen; Daniel Poynor
Other key lawyers
Shaun Boedicker; Steven Reed; Lorrie Marcil; Joshua Runyan; Karen Bruni; Michelle Castaline


