Industries: Energy, Energy Regulatory & Utilities

Energy Resources

Oil and Gas

In the oil and gas field, we have represented clients in both upstream, midstream and downstream markets, including major oil companies and large and small independent producers in exploration and production matters, including environmental and other permitting issues. We are also highly experienced in the acquisition and disposition of natural gas and petroleum pipeline and associated facilities, financing and tax structuring of production activities, including coalbed methane production, and in the offering and sale of interests in such activities as part of the financing process. As outside general counsel for a large independent petroleum refiner/marketer, we have handled a variety of financial, litigation and environmental matters involving refineries, product distribution networks and retail outlets.

We are skilled in all aspects of the ownership, operation, regulation and taxation of natural gas pipelines and distribution companies, including the construction, permitting and operation of gas transmission and gathering facilities, as well as low pressure distribution lines, compressor stations and storage facilities.

Additionally, our team’s experience includes:

  • Oil and gas leasehold issues
  • Natural gas gathering
  • Production on the Outer Continental Shelf
  • Representation of state-wide oil and gas trade associations
  • Natural gas purchase, sales and exchange transactions
  • Natural gas transportation, storage, processing and gathering contracts
  • Qui tam litigation
  • Fuel supply management agreements

Coal

Businesses in the coal industry face unique issues. The lawyers of McGuireWoods’ coal group have a wealth of experience addressing these issues – working with coal producers, coal transportation companies, utilities and coal service providers to solve challenges in virtually every aspect of the industry.

Our experience includes long-term supply contracting, permitting, environmental compliance, surety and bonding, reclamation, labor relations, governmental regulation, royalties, contract compliance, force majeure declarations, reserve acquisition and sale, price redeterminations, and merchant trading.

We have experience working for producers, utilities, and coal service providers as outside and in-house counsel, providing assistance that lawyers who concentrate on other industries do not fully understand. We have gone into mines to see why production goals cannot be met; stared down union organizers that work to increase costs beyond what revenues can pay; and unraveled complex title disputes to find enforceable lease grants, to name just a few examples of our experience.

Though our members are seasoned coal lawyers, they have the advantage of being part of a law firm with sophisticated experience in every aspect of business and industry. Our coal lawyers regularly call on the valuable resources of the firm in many disciplines to ensure that our coal clients can take advantage of the latest developments in complex legal areas including corporate governance, real estate and environmental, financial services, labor, litigation, securities, and tax and employee benefits, among dozens of others.

Representative Work for Coal Practice (PDF document)

Nuclear

Within its energy and utilities practice, McGuireWoods offers to clients depth and experience in legal aspects of the U.S. and international nuclear industry.

Our lawyers have:

  • Served as lead counsel to Dominion Resources in the purchase of Millstone Power Station in Connecticut.
  • Advised and negotiated physical power exchanges between unit entitlement holders in Seabrook and Vermont Yankee nuclear facilities.
  • Handled the documentation, arbitration and litigation of power plant construction claims and equipment warranties and failures on behalf of our clients.
  • Counseled clients in major nuclear fuel cost disputes, uranium enrichment, conversion and storage and for the manufacturing of fuel rods.

Additionally, our environmental team provides ongoing support to our clients in the nuclear industry, addressing environmental issues unique to nuclear facilities. We have experience with nuclear-specific software vendors and industry groups, which enables us to give our clients an advantage in negotiating software licenses, maintenance agreements and assignments.

For further information contact:

Mark J. La Fratta
 Joseph G. Tirone
 Gregg M. Rosen
 Leonard J. Marsico
Mark J. McGuire
Stephen H. Watts, II