DLA Piper Grabs New Partner, Energy Expert

DLA Piper /a>has recently brought on board energy lawyer and electricity and renewable energy expert Michael Herrnstein, who not only began his career working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), but began it working alongside Lee Alexander, who has since moved on to DLA Piper. So the new appointment is also kind of a reunion.

“Mike’s deep experience, particularly his previous roles at FERC and a leading energy transmission company, complements the firm’s corporate and regulatory strengths,” said Alexander. “His addition underscores the firm’s commitment to continue building a preeminent energy practice in order to meet the needs of energy companies around the world across a range of sectors.”

Bob Gruendel, global Chair of DLA Piper’s Energy Practice, seconded this opinion, saying “Mike brings to the firm an impressive regulatory skill set in the electricity and power industries which, combined with our first-rate Corporate and Finance practice, will strengthen our capabilities in the areas of energy M&A, project development and commodity trading, among others. He is a highly recognized authority in the complex areas of energy regulation and corporate compliance and will benefit our clients seeking the most sophisticated guidance in this rapidly changing space.”

He began his career with FERC, but most recently worked with Day Pitney LLP , from whom Piper nabbed him. He has also worked as general counsel and vice president at Trans Bay Cable LLC and vice president of its parent company Steel River Transmission Company LLC. The broad spectrum of related experiences does make him stand out as an asset for DLA, and of course, working with somebody he started out his career with is a nice bonus. Before, Herrnstein worked at FERC, he got his JD from St. John’s University School of Law, and his BA from the State University of New York at Albany.

“Having worked with Lee for 20 years, I’m excited to once again be his colleague,” said Herrnstein. “DLA Piper’s global, full-service energy platform will provide me with significant opportunities to grow my practice and collaborate with the firm’s other talented practitioners.”