Ernst Appointed Leader Of Dykema's Energy Industry Group

Press Releases

6.03.10

Lansing

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the appointment of Albert Ernst as Director of the firm's Energy Industry Group.

"Al has long been recognized as a premier energy attorney," said Rex Schlaybaugh, Dykema's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "He will provide invaluable leadership for the firm's Energy Industry Team, which consolidates our attorneys in-depth knowledge and experience in the areas of electrical, alternative energy, and independent power in order to ensure the optimal outcomes are delivered at the best possible value to our clients."

As a leading firm in the energy industry for over 30 years, Dykema has represented entities from nearly every sector of the energy industry, from generation through transmission and into distribution, including electric, natural gas, propane, petroleum, nuclear, hydro, alternative energy, water, wind, power, and other renewable energy sources, as well as consumer and electric transmission interests. These entities include electric and gas distribution cooperatives, generation and transmission electric cooperatives, electric investor owned utilities, independent transmission companies, investor owned petroleum companies, municipal utilities energy marketers, large customers and regulatory agencies. In addition, the firm frequently represents non-industry clients with energy issues, from private developers to biofuels producers to auto manufacturers.

The firm's attorneys regularly advise and represent clients before regulatory agencies on issues related to rates, tariffs, industry restructuring, licensing, code of conduct, franchise, and other issues; represent clients before state and federal courts; advise clients on transactional issues; draft legislation and lobby; and negotiate and obtain municipal franchises for utilities.

Dykema's Energy Industry Group consists of attorneys and government policy advisors who have experience providing strategic advice and legal counsel in the areas of regulation, litigation, appeals, legislative and governmental affairs, corporate law, transactions, securities, the environment, taxes, employment law, real estate, technology license agreements, government grants and incentives, and construction contracts.

Ernst has over three decades of experience working with companies in the public utility, energy, transmission, telecommunications, and rural electric cooperative fields. His practice focuses on the administrative and regulatory issues facing clients in the electric and natural gas sectors and related industry infrastructure.

Prior to joining Dykema, Ernst was an assistant attorney general for the State of Michigan. He also served as a consultant on utility-related matters to the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Energy and the General Services Administration.