Energy: State Regulatory & Litigation: California

THE FIRM This San Francisco-based team consistently demonstrates its effectiveness and ability in front of regulatory bodies such as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The firm represents developers in California in state energy policy issues and has also developed a reputation in the growing niche of state generators trying to establish themselves in the California market.

Sources say: "The entire legal staff is impressive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Greenwald has led the energy group at the firm for a number of years and has focused his own practice on transactional matters. Recently, he has been working on greenhouse gas issues raised by new legislation. Sources describe him as "energetic and persistent" and comment that "he brings strong credibility to proceedings in front of the CPUC."

Jeffrey Gray does a great deal of regulatory work before the CPUC, particularly on behalf of Calpine, a large independent power company. He is currently involved in a case for this client with regards to changes to the renewable portfolio standard. He is "bright, innovative and a pleasure to work with."

Edward O'Neill has great breadth and depth of knowledge, which his clients find "extraordinarily beneficial." He has recently handled a number of matters before the CPUC on behalf of South San Joaquin Irrigation District. One interviewee noted that "his strength is his commitment to client service."

THE FIRM This boutique has a long-standing reputation in California Energy Commission (CEC) regulatory matters. It has recently taken advantage of the extremely active renewables market and successfully worked on projects for development companies. The firm's attorneys have also been representing clients in permitting issues for large solar projects.

Sources say: "They are among the best for what they do."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Ellison is described as a "skilful practitioner," with sources confirming that his stellar reputation in regulatory matters is "well earned." He represents a diverse range of clients including energy suppliers and consumers. 

Jeffery Harris has continued his work on issues surrounding the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has assisted his clients with licensing and permitting issues, most recently in relation to the Metcalf Energy Center.

THE FIRM The firm's energy practice attracts a broad range of clients involved in telecommunications, gas, electricity and oil pipelines. It has a focus on regulatory work before the CPUC and is actively involved in regulatory procedures to develop California's green energy portfolio. 

Sources say: "It's an amazing group of people."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Day is "a very good lawyer" who deals mainly with ratemaking proceedings and wireless telecommunications.

James Squeri appears regularly before the CPUC and also focuses on telecommunications. One interviewee comments that "his greatness is based on his personality."

THE FIRM This firm is recognized for its regulatory practice and works for many of the major utilities, such as long-term client Pacific Gas and Electricity (PG&E). It is at the forefront of rulemaking and enforcement proceedings stemming from the tragic San Bruno gas pipeline accident and has also recently represented Chevron in its high-profile case against Shell Oil.

Sources say: "They are very, very good."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Malkin is highly praised for his leadership of the firm's energy group and has played crucial roles in the Chevron case and the firm's work with PG&E. One interviewee describes him as "one of the most talented attorneys I've met in my life."

THE FIRM This firm is highly regarded for its work in transactional matters, negotiating power purchase agreements and asset acquisitions for a variety of clients. It also continues to be well respected for its appearances in front of regulatory bodies such as the CEC.

Sources say: "Certainly worthy of the top ranking."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jerry Bloom has recently been focusing upon the growing renewables market in California, and has also been involved in work for the California Cogeneration Council (CCC), promoting the organization of combined heat and power utilities in the state.

Joseph Karp is "a strong lawyer and good negotiator" with great depth of knowledge in natural gas and electricity issues. He continues to bring a variety of energy issues before the CPUC on behalf of the California Wind Energy Association and the CCC. 

Lisa Cottle receives high praise for her "responsive, innovative and patient" approach. She has recently been working for GenOn, a major energy company, negotiating as project counsel on the construction of a gas-fired generating station. She is described by one interviewee as "a crucial part of our business."

THE FIRM This firm has a highly active litigation practice and extensive experience with a number of regulatory bodies, including the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The DOE recently selected the firm to represent it on a renewable energy loan guarantee program.  

Sources say: "A particularly strong litigation group."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Hanschen is well respected in the field and has recently dealt with a variety of energy matters from greenhouse gas emissions standards to solar initiatives. One interviewee comments: "I have the highest regard for him."

THE FIRM Munger Tolles is noted for its work on behalf of high-profile clients such as Southern California Edison. The firm has a strong litigation department and a strong reputation for dealing with a variety of rate cases.

Sources say: "Very good firm all round, very smart people."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Henry Weissmann is an "extremely bright and creative lawyer," who heads much of the litigation work done by the practice. He is highly experienced in regulatory work for public utilities and also counsels clients on compliance matters.

THE FIRM The firm covers a broad range of energy issues and has recently represented Valero in a high-profile oil pipeline case against Shell. It deals with cases before the CPUC and policy issues involving the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Sources say: "Very professional, easy to work with and client focused."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Hindus has a solid reputation before the CPUC, dealing with both energy litigation and project development. He recently successfully represented oil refiners Valero, gaining refunds on previously overcharged rates.