Department profile

Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation)

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

Van Ness Feldman LLP

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) - USA - Nationwide

Band 2

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.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

Van Ness Feldman LLP successfully represented the Williams Companies in defending against a petition for declaratory order filed by Energy Transfer, which asserted that FERC should regulate Williams’ Louisiana Energy Gateway system.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

The team is consistently accessible, timely in their communications and proactive in addressing emerging issues
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) respondentUSA
Van Ness Feldman's primary distinguishing strength is its unparalleled institutional knowledge of FERC. The team also consistently provide practical, business-oriented solutions that are tailored to our commercial goals.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) respondentUSA
Van Ness Feldman has an excellent ability to handle complex matters.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) respondentUSA
Van Ness Feldman has super knowledgeable, well experienced FERC lawyers. Stand out strength is that they are creative and flexible.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople
Brian D O'Neill
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.
View profile
Band 1
Band 1
Susan Olenchuk
Susan Olenchuk has significant experience in safety, compliance and enforcement issues before FERC and PHMSA.
Susan is consistently thoughtful, proactive and highly responsive - qualities that are especially valuable in the fast-evolving pipeline safety space.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) respondentUSA
View profile
Band 2
Band 2
Joseph Hainline
Joseph Hainline is a former attorney advisor at PHMSA. He offers capable assistance to pipeline owners across compliance, investigation and enforcement mandates.
Joseph's deep subject matter expertise in PHMSA regulations and his ability to translate complex engineering and regulatory requirements into practical legal guidance make him a standout in the field.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) respondentUSA
View profile
Band 2
Band 2
Paul Korman
Paul Korman assists pipeline operators with a broad spectrum of regulatory disputes and issues, including seeking approval for commercial transactions and pipeline expansion.
Paul is really good at thinking with business sense.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) respondentUSA
His legal advice is superb while being cognizant about our commercial desires.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) respondentUSA
View profile
Band 3
Band 3
Douglas Smith
Douglas Smith leverages his experience at FERC and the DOE to advise clients on a broad range of regulatory matters before those agencies.
View profile
Band 4
Band 4
Michael Pincus
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 responsive to requests and always makes an effort to address issues promptly and thoroughly.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) respondentUSA
Michael is an excellent legal technician. He is very clear in his communications and extremely responsive.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) respondentUSA
View profile
Band 5
Band 5
Gary Bachman
Gary Bachman focuses his robust regulatory practice on hydroelectric sector matters, frequently advising on regulatory approvals, power sales contracts and interconnection arrangements.
View profile
Band 5
Band 5
Michael Diamond
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’s work is thorough, comprehensive and timely.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) respondentUSA
Michael Diamond has provided great, timely advice. He has understood complex issues quickly and is a strong drafter.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) respondentUSA
View profile