With nearly five decades of experience in energy law, Dave's background in FERC and related regulatory aspects make him a natural choice to resolve complex electric, gas and oil energy issues.
Overview
Dave helps clients in the electric utility, natural gas and petroleum industries navigate the complex regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and defends their interests before the federal appellate courts. He focuses his practice on providing clients with practical solutions to complicated energy issues.
Dave advises clients on regulatory matters involving generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as natural gas and oil. He represents consumers in energy matters, advises electric transmission owners and public power utilities participating in Regional Transmission Organizations, and assists clients with FERC and NERC compliance and training. His experience also includes representing clients in significant energy litigation before federal appellate courts.
Dave began his career in energy law in FERC's Office of General Counsel, where he developed a foundation in the federal regulations governing the energy industry. After joining Stinson, he served as managing partner of the firm's Washington, DC, office, where he helped expand the office and strengthen Stinson's presence on the East Coast. Dave is also a past president of the Energy Bar Association and has remained actively engaged in the development of energy law throughout his career.
Experience
- He represents electric transmission owners in Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and negotiates agreements for public power electric utilities to join RTOs. Lately, Dave has focused on negotiating interconnection agreements for public power utilities and defending those agreements against complaints.
- Dave defends shippers and customers in major litigation involving cost allocation and rates.
- He advises and represents oil refineries as shippers in petroleum pipeline cases and represents utilities in FERC and NERC enforcement/penalty actions.
- His FERC experience extends to advising utilities of the impact of bankruptcy on FERC jurisdiction.
- Recognized as a leader in energy law and oil & gas law, Dave founded the Annual Midwest Energy Bar Association Conference, and frequently speaks on energy-related topics to professional and industry organizations.
News & Insights
News
Speaking Engagements
EBA Primer Series
American Gas Association Legal Forum
Energy Bar Association
American Bankruptcy Institute
National Association of State Regulatory Commissions
National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates
Williston Basin Petroleum Conference
National Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives
Recognitions
Recognitions
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® list for Energy Law and Oil & Gas Law
Selected for inclusion in Washington DC Super Lawyers for Energy & Natural Resources and Utilities, 2009-2011, 2013-2020
Professional & Civic Activities
Professional & Civic Activities
American Bar Association
Energy Bar Association, Former President, 1999
DC Chapter of Suffolk Law School Alumni Association, Past President
Practices & Industries
Admissions
- Massachusetts, 1977 (not admitted in DC)U.S.
- Supreme Court, 1983
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit
Education
Suffolk University School of Law, J.D. with honors, 1976
College of the Holy Cross, B.A. 1973



