Department profile

Energy: PHMSA Specialists

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

About

Provided by Bracewell LLP

Bracewell is consistently at the forefront of developments across the energy value chain. We are unmatched in our ability to provide a comprehensive offering for market players given the significant number of Bracewell lawyers who are focused in each aspects of this sector.

In the oil and gas sector, we represent upstream exploration and development companies; oilfield service businesses; pipeline, storage and terminals companies; refining and chemicals companies; commercial banks, trading houses, investors and private equity investors involved in oil and gas; and investment banks, other intermediaries and strategic advisors to oil and gas companies and investors.

Our power team represents utilities, independent power producers, retail electric businesses, commodity trading houses and investors in a wide range of transactions and regulatory and compliance matters relating to conventional and renewable power sources and transmission.

We have also developed targeted practices — such as regulatory, environment, tax, intellectual property, and strategic communications — to serve our energy clients. Our industry focus enables us to maintain cutting-edge experience and in-depth knowledge of the commercial, legal and regulatory challenges faced by our clients, so that we can provide the most effective legal solutions to facilitate transactions and resolve disputes.

We Know Energy®.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy: PHMSA Specialists - USA - Nationwide

What the Team is Known For

Bracewell LLP is a leading firm with highly impressive expertise across the energy arena, particularly esteemed for its ability within the oil and gas regulatory space. It offers excellent capability in FERC and CFTC investigations, as well as representation of pipeline clients in FERC rate, tariff and jurisdictional matters. The firm is also able to assist large utility clients, transmission owners and private equity investors on regulatory power matters, along with electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. It is frequently seen on big-ticket transactions in both the power and the oil and gas space, handling matters for clients ranging from electric utilities and merchant transmission owners to upstream exploration companies and refineries.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

Bracewell LLP advised Targa Resources on regulatory and commercial issues arising from Targa's planned expansion of its Grand Prix Pipeline.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Bracewell has a very seasoned legal team in the energy sector.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
Bracewell has a strong background in the energy sector. The team are very detail-oriented and respond in a timely fashion.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
The attorneys move quickly to assist in developing and implementing strategies to address issues as they arise. They are also adept at identifying issues and paths to address before problems arise.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Band 1
Band 1
Annie Cook
Annie Cook's regulatory practice is focused in the oil and gas space. She is particularly noted for her expertise in pipeline safety matters.
Annie takes time to understand desired client outcome and develop a strategy that will achieve it. She is extremely knowledgeable of the PHMSA regulations.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
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Band 1
Band 1
Catherine D Little
Catherine Little is well-regarded for her strength in PHSMA matters. She represents clients with oil and gas pipeline and LNG assets.
Catherine's professionalism, expertise and ability to deliver results makes her one of the go-to attorneys in this field of practice.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
Catherine Little is a true leader in the field of pipeline safety. I value her ability to anticipate challenges and guide the process to a favorable solution. Her depth of industry knowledge and communication skills inspire confidence.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
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Band 1
Band 1
Catherine Hood
Catherine Hood is a leading practitioner in energy and utility sector finance and frequently advises underwriters, issuers and investors on complex debt and equity transactions.
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Band 1
Band 1
Catherine McCarthy
Catherine McCarthy is notable for her expertise in project and transaction approvals as well as rate, tariff and sale matters before FERC. She also provides day-to-day regulatory and commercial advice for key clients.
She is a strong leader and respected across the Bar.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
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Band 1
Band 1
D Kirk Morgan II
Kirk Morgan II frequently serves as federal regulatory counsel to oil and gas projects, advising on a range of related agreements and FERC proceedings.
Kirk has an outstanding blend of regulatory acumen, transactional expertise and relational equity. He is a tenacious problem solver and has a tremendous demeanor.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
It is a true pleasure to work with Kirk. He is available at any time to assist with questions and provides an excellent work product.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
Kirk is very quick at getting to the heart of the matter and drilling down on the issues.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
Kirk is knowledgeable and stays up to date with the latest issues.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
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Band 1
Band 1
Eugene R Elrod
Eugene Elrod possesses significant expertise in advising pipeline owners and developers in a broad array of FERC matters and regulatory issues, including rate-setting disputes, project permitting and transaction approval.
Eugene has a calm and disarming demeanor but still advocates with zeal. He is well-versed in all facets of energy law and is a great problem-solver. He's a lawyer anyone would be glad to have in their corner.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
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Band 1
Band 1
G Alan Rafte
Alan Rafte has significant expertise spanning gas and liquids pipeline transactions, with a particular focus on the upstream and midstream sectors. He has further capabilities advising on DrillCo financing.
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Band 1
Band 1
Mark K Lewis
Mark Lewis specializes in advising companies and joint ventures in the midstream space on a broad range of regulatory matters, particularly pipeline project approvals and related operational issues.
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Band 2
Band 2
J. Anthony Terrell
Anthony Terrell provides issuers, underwriters and purchasers with expertise across debt, equity and hybrid securities as well as M&A and corporate restructurings.
He has exceptional experience and talent.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
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Band 2
Band 2
Ryan S Holcomb
Ryan Holcomb has notable expertise in negotiating power purchase agreements, sales and acquisitions involving both traditional and renewable power assets. He is a popular choice for private equity funds investing in the power sector.
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Band 2
Band 2
Todd W Eckland
Todd Eckland expertly handles the full spectrum of financial offerings on behalf of agents, purchasers and underwriters.
Todd is terrific counsel who is very in tune with the business.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
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Band 2
Band 2
W James McAnelly III
James McAnelly III offers a wealth of expertise in the upstream space spanning acquisitions and investments involving exploration, production and storage properties. He is also active in bankruptcy proceedings.
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Band 3
Band 3
Deanna E King
Deanna King is frequently called on by major power sector companies to provide regulatory compliance and commercial advice as well as to assist with proceedings before FERC and the CFTC.
Deanna is exceptional on all fronts.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
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Band 5
Band 5
Jason Jean
Jason Jean has a notable practice representing energy clients in high-value transactions, including the sale of midstream assets and joint venture agreements.
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Band 5
Band 5
Michael W Brooks
Michael Brooks has a wealth of regulatory expertise and is frequently retained to advise on internal compliance reviews.
Michael is sound on his technical knowledge, is always responsive and timely and is able to translate legal advice in a way that even commercial people can understand.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
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Band 5
Band 5
Michelle Boudreaux
Michelle Boudreaux is an experienced and a widely esteemed practitioner. She offers FERC advice to owners of natural gas and liquids pipelines. She routinely provides counsel on transactions and major project developments.
Michelle's advice reflects not only legal expertise but also commercial insight.
Energy: PHMSA Specialists respondentUSA
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Associates to watch
Associates to watch
Mandi Moroz
Mandi Moroz's practice sees her routinely advise clients in a range of PHSMA related regulatory matters.
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