Firm Welcomes Former Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Advisor to the Washington, D.C. Office.
Foley announced today that Michael D. Hornstein has joined the firm as a partner and a member of the Energy Regulation Practice and the Energy Industry Team in its Washington, D.C. office. Hornstein will focus his practice on matters arising under various federal and state energy laws and regulations. He also represents clients in the development and financing of domestic and international power projects, including substantial experience with renewable energy projects.
“With his extensive experience in handling federal and state energy regulatory matters, Mike will be a great resource to the firm in further developing our Energy Regulation Practice in Washington,” said Paul F. Hanzlik, chair of the firm’s Energy Regulation Practice. “His service as legal and policy advisor to two FERC Chairmen and as a Supervisory Attorney and Attorney-Advisor in FERC’s Office of the General Counsel will also bring added value to our Energy Industry Team.”
Hornstein was responsible for obtaining the required regulatory approvals for several recent portfolio financings of wind energy projects located throughout the United States and was successful in an application to FERC on behalf of a wind energy developer seeking “grandfathering” protection from the removal of the mandatory purchase obligation under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). He also recently obtained expedited FERC approval on behalf of a large Japanese energy company to acquire a portfolio of generating assets in the U.S.
Hornstein’s addition is the next step in the firm’s strategic plan to strengthen and grow its FERC practice, enhancing its nationally recognized capabilities in a broad range of energy regulatory matters. Foley’s FERC team has extensive experience representing developers and lenders in power project development and finance, including experience in renewable energy such as wind and solar energy projects. The team also demonstrates broad experience representing power marketers and generators in FERC investigations, Independent Systems Operators (ISO) market design proceedings, and interconnection issues, as well as extensive administrative litigation experience.
Hornstein comes to Foley from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP where he chaired the firm’s Energy Regulatory Group. He also taught CLE courses at Orrick on Energy Regulatory Issues in Project Finance. He is a member of the Energy Bar Association where he was chairman of the Power Generation and Marketing Committee in 2006. He also is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board of Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.
Hornstein’s pro bono work includes legal services to assist in asylum cases referred through the Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (CAIR) and Human Rights First. He has obtained asylum for an individual from Togo based on political persecution and an individual from Burundi based on ethnic and political persecution.
Foley & Lardner LLP provides the full range of corporate legal counsel. Our attorneys understand today’s most complex business issues, including corporate governance, securities enforcement, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property counseling and litigation, outsourcing and information technology, labor and employment, and tax. The firm offers total solutions in the automotive, emerging technologies, energy, entertainment and media, financial services, food, golf and resort services, insurance, health care, life sciences, nanotechnology, and sports industries.