2009-11-25 19:30:05 -

Van Ness Feldman : , a leading law and policy firm, today announced that Member (Partner) Doug Smith : has been recognized by Public Utilities Fortnightly as a “Groundbreaking Lawyer” of 2009. The list is comprised of attorneys who have reputations of playing integral roles in shaping law and policy affecting the utility industry.

Mr. Smith, who served as General Counsel to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) from 1997-2001, represents regulated entities before FERC, with a focus on regulatory policy matters and audits and investigations. Mr. Smith also represents energy sector clients on emerging Federal policies relating to climate change regulation, transmission development, smart grid deployment, and innovative generation technology demonstration and deployment.

Public Utilities Fortnightly is

a monthly publication that provides information and analysis to the electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications industries. For its inaugural : Groundbreaking Lawyers list, Fortnightly conducted a survey of in-house counsel at utilities, public utility commissions and trade associations. The list appears in the November 2009 issue of Public Utilities Fortnightly.

About Van Ness Feldman


With 80 professionals in Washington, DC and Seattle, WA, Van Ness Feldman is recognized as a leading law and policy firm in the areas of utility regulation, energy project development, climate change regulation and greenhouse gas emissions trading, and environmental and natural resources regulation.


Van Ness FeldmanNathan Darling, 202-298-1890