Michael E. Kaufmann, Energy Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Energy, Environmental, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatGreenberg Traurig Llp
Washington, DC
Practicing energy in Washington since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael E. Kaufmann?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Michael E. Kaufmann is an of counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Energy, Environmental, and General. Michael has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Energy · Environmental · General
- Handles Energy, Environmental, and General matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael E. Kaufmann: Michael E. Kaufmann is an of counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Energy, Environmental, and General. Michael has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on energy, environmental, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Energy
View other Energy attorneys
Environmental
View other Environmental attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Energy cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Michael takes energy matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Michael takes environmental matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Michael takes general matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael E. Kaufmann — energy lawyer in Washington
Michael E. Kaufmann is an of counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Energy, Environmental, and General. Michael has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
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
How Michael handles energy matters
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…
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for energy, environmental, and general matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Georgetown University Law Center J.D. Staff Member, The Tax Lawyer
—
University of Maryland B.A. summa cum laude
—
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1989 · ACTIVE
New York
1986 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at — in Georgetown University Law Center J.D. Staff Member, The Tax Lawyer and — in University of Maryland B.A. summa cum laude.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed — in Georgetown University Law Center J.D. Staff Member, The Tax Lawyer and — in University of Maryland B.A. summa cum laude. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Michael E. Kaufmann's office in Washington
Michael's primary office is at 2101 L Street, N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, DC, 20037. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Greenberg Traurig Llp
2101 L Street, N.W., Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20037
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael E. Kaufmann — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing energy attorneys in Washington.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael E. Kaufmann claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael E. Kaufmann — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new energy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a energy attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
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 Michael
Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael'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 Michael E. Kaufmann
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a energy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some energy attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do energy cases in District of Columbia 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Michael is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new energy clients right now?
Michael'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 Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Michael handles energy matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified energy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated energy attorneys in District of Columbia
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these energy attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
Bridget Michael Rohde
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 22
Joseph John Bottiglieri
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 20
Martin Jacobs
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 18
David Franklin Freeman, Jr.
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 16
Elizabeth Carrott Minnigh
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 15
Russell Randle
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 14