Atty. Michael E. Kaufmann
Michael E. Kaufmann focuses his practice on energy regulatory and compliance matters.
Electric Power & Utility Regulation & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC · 40+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael E. Kaufmann at a Glance
Michael E. Kaufmann is an Of Counsel based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Greenberg Traurig Llp. They have 40+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1986. Their practice focuses on environmental and energy. Admitted to practice in New York (1986) and District of Columbia (1989). Educated at Georgetown University Law Center J.D. Staff Member, The Tax Lawyer (—) and University of Maryland B.A. summa cum laude (—). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael E. Kaufmann
- Michael E. Kaufmann focuses his practice on energy regulatory and compliance matters
- His practice encompasses federal and state administrative and regulatory law, litigation, enforcement, appeals, policy, and infrastructure and project development in the energy sector
- He is a constant advocate for gas and electric utility and merchant clients, as well as industrial end-users
- Michael represents a diverse range of clients in the energy industry, including independent power producers, power marketers, cooperatives, municipal utilities, and industrial energy consumers
- He handles regulatory and enforcement proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and regulatory proceedings before various state commissions
- His work includes negotiating wholesale and retail power supply agreements and counseling developers of new energy facilities across the United States
- In the area of project infrastructure and finance, Michael provides regulatory advice to project sponsors and financial institutions involved in the financing and development of critical energy infrastructure
- This includes merchant and utility power plants, natural gas pipelines, transmission projects, renewable power projects, hydroelectric facilities, and liquefied natural gas projects
- Michael’s experience extends beyond private practice
- He has served as in-house counsel for energy companies, including as Director of Regulatory Affairs at NRG Energy and as Senior Counsel at Constellation Energy Resources
- In these roles, he managed regulatory affairs at FERC, advised on wholesale gas regulatory issues, and counseled business units on legal, regulatory, and compliance matters at federal and state levels
- Additionally, Michael has wide-ranging government experience
- He worked at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as an Attorney-Advisor in the Office of General Counsel, Energy Markets Section, and as a federal appellate attorney in the Office of the Solicitor
- In these positions, he advised on issues related to competitive wholesale electric energy markets, transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce, and electric system reliability
- Concentrations • Energy regulatory • Regulatory compliance • Regulatory litigation Experience Representative Matters • Advised lead arrangers in financing for the $755.3 million gas-fired combined cycle 785-megawatt turbine in Connecticut that has become one of the largest suppliers to date for New England’s multistate electric grid coordinator.° • Advised institutional investors and commercial bank lenders in the $685 million financing of the development, construction and operation of a 500MW Natural Gas-Fired Generating Facility in California.° • Advised international lenders/investors in $700 million financing of new energy project in Pennsylvania, which will deliver 1050 MW natural gas/ethane electric power.° • Advised business units, coordinated with outside counsel, and participated in regulated interstate pipeline rate proceedings, as well as generic wholesale gas regulatory proceedings and rulemakings at FERC affecting NRG/Direct Energy’s businesses and operations.° • Oversaw FERC regulatory compliance regarding secondary/released transportation and/or storage capacity transactions.° • Counseled the wholesale and retail business units of a Fortune 125 competitive energy company regarding legal, regulatory, and compliance issues at the federal and state levels.° • Conducted first-chair litigation and advocacy before federal and state regulatory agencies.° • Advised large industrial end-users regarding innovative power supply arrangements and various other aspects of site selection throughout the United States.° °The above representations were handled by Mr. Kaufmann prior to his joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Government Experience • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission o Attorney Advisor, Office of the General Counsel, Energy Markets Section, 2009-2015 o Federal Appellate Attorney, Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Solicitor, 2006-2007 • Assistant District Attorney, New York County District Attorney’s Office, 1985-1988 In-House Experience • Director, Regulatory Affairs, NRG Energy, 2021-2023 • Senior Federal Regulation Manager, Direct Energy, 2018-2021 • Senior Counsel, Constellation Energy Resources, LLC, 2007-2008 Recognition & Leadership Professional & Community Involvement • Member, Energy Bar Association, 1989-Present
Practice Areas Explained
Michael E. Kaufmann's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael E. Kaufmann handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.
Environmental Law in Washington
Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.
Michael E. Kaufmann is one of 55,977 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental attorneys in District of Columbia →
Energy & Utilities Law in Washington
Energy attorneys for oil & gas, renewables, utility regulation, and energy sector transactions.
Michael E. Kaufmann is one of 35,985 energy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse energy attorneys in District of Columbia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Washington
Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Washington Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Washington-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 District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Washington Choose Michael E. Kaufmann
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 Michael E. Kaufmann's practice in the field of environmental and energy.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael E. Kaufmann brings 40+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in New York and District of Columbia, Michael E. Kaufmann can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering environmental and energy, Michael E. Kaufmann can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Washington
A Washington-based practice means Michael E. Kaufmann 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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