About

Provided by McGuireWoods LLP

Energy issues and their economic, environmental, political and legal implications have never been more important, and for over half a century, McGuireWoods has been a highly regarded player in one of the most heavily regulated industries in the world.

Our energy practice is recognized for the depth of its bench (more than 100 interdisciplinary lawyers, and consultants from our subsidiary, McGuireWoods Consulting) and the extent of our experience, which crosses sectors and legal practice areas. We represent electric and gas utilities; independent and renewable generation developers; coal, natural gas, uranium, petroleum, and renewable fuel suppliers; and maturing clean tech companies and start-ups (biomass, hydroelectric, solar and wind). Our team experience also includes the financing, organization management, purchase and sale of energy projects, ventures and resources, as well as corporate transactions, high-profile litigation and navigation of countless regulatory landmines.

In the past year alone, we have defended Fortune 100 companies in landmark litigation and represented clients in multibillion-dollar deals. We represent nearly 20 percent of the nation’s utilities. We have a nationwide renewables practice focusing on utility and largescale wind and solar projects on behalf of developers and acquirers. Our lawyers and consultants understand the energy business, the regulatory environment and the myriad of complex challenges facing energy-related businesses.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation) - USA - Nationwide

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

McGuireWoods LLP possesses significant strengths across regulatory work in the power space. It maintains a robust FERC enforcement practice that counts many of the leading utilities as clients. The firm is noted for its work on regulatory compliance and market manipulation litigation. It also offers a highly knowledgeable regional transmission organization team that focuses on representing clients on market structure and rate issues. The firm has particular strength in relation to cost allocation and compensation issues. It is further recognized for advising on power sector transactions and wider corporate strategy for public utilities, independent power producers and investors.

Work Highlights

  • McGuireWoods LLP represented Members of the Southeast Energy Exchange Market in litigation before FERC and on appeal regarding FERC’s approval of the SEEM. 

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Joanne Katsantonis
1
Joanne Katsantonis
1
Band 1

Joanne Katsantonis is well-regarded for her work advising public utilities, independent power producers and investors on a broad array of transactions and broader corporate strategy.

Joanne is an outstanding practitioner and a leader in her field.

Noel Symons
2
Noel Symons
2
Band 2

Noel Symons has considerable expertise in the full range of regulatory matters concerning RTO markets, including reliability, must-run issues and cost allocation.

Noel is a very experienced individual who brings a lot of perspective to matters.

Todd Mullins
2
Todd Mullins
2
Band 2
Todd Mullins leverages his past experience at FERC to advise clients on a broad range of enforcement and compliance matters.

Todd is an amazing lawyer.

Brian Kelly
3
Brian Kelly
3
Band 3
Brian Kelly is chair of the firm's energy industry team power practice. He has a strong track record representing electric utilities, infrastructure companies and independent power producers in a range of transactions.

Brian is exceptional. He is very knowledgeable about the area and very responsive.

David Connelly
4
David Connelly
4
Band 4
David Connelly often acts as regulatory counsel on mergers and acquisitions and is further noted for handling a range of ratemaking applications and other FERC proceedings.

Dave has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, deep legal knowledge and a genuine commitment to our issues.

David is very able to handle things with a lot of tact and delivers in terms of client responsiveness.

Dave has extensive expertise on FERC matters. He is responsive and provides practical legal advice.

Julia English
5
Julia English
5
Band 5
Julia English routinely acts as regulatory counsel on transactions concerning power generation and transmission assets. She frequently represents her clients before FERC.
Katlyn Davis Farrell
5
Katlyn Davis Farrell
5
Band 5
Katlyn Davis Farrell supports electric utilities in a range of FERC mandates including transaction approvals, transmission rate filings and a variety of compliance matters.

Katlyn is so knowledgeable in the field and very pragmatic.

Ranked Lawyers at
McGuireWoods LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

USA - Nationwide

Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation)

Noel Symons
2
Noel Symons
2
Band 2
Todd Mullins
2
Todd Mullins
2
Band 2
David Connelly
4
David Connelly
4
Band 4
Julia English
5
Julia English
5
Band 5
Katlyn Davis Farrell
5
Katlyn Davis Farrell
5
Band 5
Energy: Electricity (Transactional)

Joanne Katsantonis
1
Joanne Katsantonis
1
Band 1
Brian Kelly
3
Brian Kelly
3
Band 3