Atty. Dane McKaughan
Dane McKaughan is an energy attorney who focuses on energy-related regulatory and litigation matters, with clients from both the regulated sector, such as gas utilities and pipelines, electric utilities and transmission providers, and the unregulated sector, such as generators and large-scale load. Dane has extensive experience representing clients before state regulators, including the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC).
Energy Law & More Attorney · Serving Austin, TX
Profile Summary
About Dane McKaughan at a Glance
Dane McKaughan is a energy attorney based in Austin, Texas, practicing at Balch & Bingham LLP. Educated at The University of Texas (J.D., 1998). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Utilities Law (2026). Serves clients in Austin, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Dane McKaughan
- Dane McKaughan is an energy attorney who focuses on energy-related regulatory and litigation matters, with clients from both the regulated sector, such as gas utilities and pipelines, electric utilities and transmission providers, and the unregulated sector, such as generators and large-scale load
- Dane has extensive experience representing clients before state regulators, including the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC)
- He is a prior Chair of the Public Utility Law Section of the Texas Bar and is Board Certified in Administrative Law
- Dane has extensive experience in litigation before state agencies, including ratemaking proceedings and enforcement actions, and in state court
- He has argued numerous appeals of administrative orders and has represented clients in commercial litigation on energy-related disputes
- He also routinely counsels clients participating in the ERCOT market and represents clients’ interests in rulemaking proceedings at the PUCT and ERCOT
Practice Areas Explained
Dane McKaughan's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Dane McKaughan handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Austin.
Energy & Utilities Law in Austin
Energy attorneys for oil & gas, renewables, utility regulation, and energy sector transactions.
Dane McKaughan is one of 35,985 energy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse energy attorneys in Texas →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Austin
Practicing law in Texas. Legal matters in Texas are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Austin are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Texas state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Texas brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Texas courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Austin Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Austin-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Austin or all attorneys in Texas.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Austin Choose Dane McKaughan
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Dane McKaughan's practice in the field of energy.
Focused Energy Practice
Concentrating on energy means Dane McKaughan's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Austin
A Austin-based practice means Dane McKaughan attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Dane McKaughan's Practice Areas & Specializations
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