Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) - USA
What the Team is Known For
Van Ness Feldman LLP is an impressive group that specializes in assisting energy clients with the full range of power and oil and gas regulatory matters. It is well-regarded for work on gas pipeline siting, FERC litigation and LNG work, and offering strong capability in pipeline rate cases. The firm possesses a considerable pipeline safety practice focusing on regulatory compliance and enforcement. It is frequently retained on transmission rate, reliability and efficiency matters. The firm is also active on hydroelectric power matters, with particular expertise in relicensing. It is further noted for extensive capabilities in energy-related environmental and PHMSA issues.
Strengths
"Van Ness Feldman's attorneys are very knowledgeable about the regulatory scheme and have good relationships with agency staff."
"Van Ness Feldman has a deep bench and is able to tackle all of the various tasks we have sent its way. The team offers thorough and well founded recommendations."
"Van Ness Feldman spots the problems no one else sees and the team finds solutions."
Work Highlights
Van Ness Feldman LLP represented Spire STL Pipeline in obtaining a new certificate from FERC to keep the pipeline in operation after its certificate of public convenience and necessity had been vacated at the District of Columbia Court of Appeal in 2021.
Notable practitioners
Brian O'Neill has a long history of managing a vast array of FERC and DOE proceedings relating to pipelines, including certification and expansion. His recent experience includes handling Natural Gas Act violations.
"Brian has gravitas and decades of experience."
Lawrence Acker has considerable expertise in advising natural gas distributors, power marketers and electric utility operators on a range of issues including regulatory compliance and project relicensing.
Paul Korman assists pipeline operators with a broad spectrum of regulatory disputes and issues, including seeking approval for commercial transactions and pipeline expansion.
"Paul Korman has a wealth of knowledge of the industry."
Douglas Smith leverages his experience at FERC and the DOE to advise clients on a broad range of regulatory matters before those agencies.
"Douglas is quick to grasp key issues and he is very helpful and concise to work with."
Gary Bachman focuses his robust regulatory practice on hydroelectric sector matters, frequently advising on regulatory approvals, power sales contracts and interconnection arrangements.
"Gary is very knowledgeable and provides excellent service."
Michael Pincus is noted for his representation of pipelines before FERC and other state agencies. His experience includes project certification and environmental permits, as well as investigations and rate cases.
"Michael is fantastic on the certificate side. He is thorough."
"He has excellent contacts within FERC."
Michael Diamond is active on behalf of natural gas pipeline owners in a range of FERC proceedings including approvals for infrastructure and rate cases.
"Michael Diamond is very responsive and he knows his subject matter thoroughly."