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Dane McKaughan, Energy Attorney in Austin, Texas

Austin, TX

Trusted energy attorney serving Austin.

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Quick answer

Dane McKaughan is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Energy.

Based in
Austin, TEXAS
Experience
attorney
Known for
Energy
  • Handles Energy matters from Austin, TEXAS.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026).

About Dane McKaughan: Dane McKaughan is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Energy.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Dane takes on

Dane concentrates on energy. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dane handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Energy cases in Austin, Texas

Dane takes energy matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dane agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Dane McKaughan — energy lawyer in Austin

Dane McKaughan is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Energy.

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.

Dane's approach to energy cases

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…

The kind of cases Dane takes

Dane reviews new inquiries case-by-case for energy matters in Austin and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • The University of Texas

    J.D. · 1998

Dane studied at J.D. in The University of Texas.

Law school and academic background

Dane completed J.D. in The University of Texas. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dane runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Dane has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Utilities Law

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Utilities Law (2026).

Locations

Dane McKaughan's office in Austin

Dane's primary office is at 919 Congress Avenue, Suite 840, Austin, Texas, 78701. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

919 Congress Avenue, Suite 840

Austin, Texas 78701

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Dane McKaughan

Dane has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Dane McKaughan — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new energy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Dane usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Dane charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dane's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Dane will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a energy attorney in Austin, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many energy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Dane

Dane discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in energy practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every energy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Dane confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Dane's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many energy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Dane McKaughan

  • How much does it cost to hire Dane for a energy case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dane walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Dane offer a free consultation?

    Dane charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dane's office. Some energy attorneys offer free consults — check Dane's current terms during booking.

  • How long do energy cases in Texas typically take?

    Simple energy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Dane gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Dane take my case if I'm outside Austin?

    Dane is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Dane will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Dane?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Dane will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Dane accepting new energy clients right now?

    Dane's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Energy attorneys serving Austin, Houston and Dallas in Texas

Dane handles energy matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified energy attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Dane's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these energy attorneys in Austin handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.