Energy Litigation & Appeals

Overview

Dykema’s energy litigation attorneys are experienced in handling all types of industry-related disputes, from administrative actions to complex multijurisdictional matters. We are mindful of our clients’ business aims and objectives, and explore cost-effective, out-of-court strategies such as alternative dispute resolution, mediation and arbitration where appropriate. Should a case proceed to trial, we call on our decades of courtroom experience and record of positive outcomes to win significant victories for our clients.

We represent clients in litigation-related issues including:

  • Siting and territorial proceedings
  • Wrongful death and electrocution actions
  • Consumer and competitive utility complaint cases
  • Environmental disputes
  • Employment disputes
  • Bankruptcy litigation
  • Contract disputes
  • Condemnation and other property rights proceedings 
  • Patents and intellectual property
  • Litigating challenges to agency rules
  • Administrative litigation
  • Local zoning disputes
  • Property tax issues 

Experience Matters 

  • Represented an electric cooperative in a case of national importance in which the plaintiff challenged the right of Dykema’s client to continue to provide electric service to its facilities after the original buildings had been torn down. After more than a decade of litigation at the Michigan Public Service Commission, two county circuit courts and the Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court rendered a decision in favor of Dykema’s client.
  • Represented an electric cooperative in a matter involving enforcement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding a portion of a utility service territory lying within a municipality’s borders. The municipality claimed the MOU required the cooperative to sell its public utility assets. Dykema's client filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, which was granted by the trial court with prejudice, because the MOU lacked a sufficient price term. The Illinois Appellate Court affirmed the decision.