With a practice spanning advice on transactions, compliance, and FERC proceedings, A&O Shearman is regularly sought out for its regulatory expertise by a variety of clients, including IOUs, independent power developers, and end-users. Led by Daniel Sinaiko in Los Angeles and Dorina Yessios in New York, the practice also includes George Cannon, Jr. in Washington DC, who is praised as one of ‘the most technically proficient lawyers in the field’. Also based in DC is Porter Wiseman, whose experience encompasses appearing before FERC and state public utility commissions as well as advising on due diligence for transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A&O treats me as though I'm an extension of their team. I am made aware of the firm's capabilities, and can speak with an expert in short order. George Cannon, in particular, is my favorite regulatory lawyer. He staffs engagements appropriately and is diffusive in regulatory hearings.’

  • ‘The team is small and nimble, and is engaged in some of the highest-value, highest-profile matters in the industry.’

  • ‘George Cannon, Jr., the lead partner, is among the most technically proficient lawyers in the field, and also consistently manifests reasonable judgment. This combination is rare.’

  • 'George Cannon, Jr. - diffusive personality, understands commercial objectives, easy to reach.’

  • ‘George Cannon, Jr., and Porter Weisman respond quickly and give clear advice - they are our go to firm for all FERC related matters.’

Key clients

  • Ørsted Onshore North America
  • NineDot Energy
  • U.S. Department of Energy
  • Marcus Hook Energy
  • Generate Capital, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Advised NineDot Energy on a petition at FERC for certain waivers of various federal energy regulations that would otherwise be applicable to the commercial operation of certain grid-charged battery energy storage systems that participate in certain state energy incentive programs.
  • Advised Ørsted and its various renewable generation subsidiaries in connection with various ongoing regulatory issues before FERC, including obtaining market-based rate authorizations, ensuring compliance with FERC's interlocking officer/director requirements, and other FERC regulatory requirements applicable to generation-owning public utilities.
  • Acted for Generate Capital in obtaining exemptions from federal energy regulation that are applicable to generating facilities that are otherwise exempt as "qualifying facilities" under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.

Lawyers

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Daniel Sinaiko, Dorina Yessios

Other key lawyers

George Cannon, Jr., Porter Wiseman