
Michael L. Platner, Energy Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Energy, Government, and Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Senior Tax CounselatVan Ness Feldman
Washington, DC
Practicing energy in Washington since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael L. Platner?
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Quick answer
Michael L. Platner is a senior tax counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Energy, Government, and Tax. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Van Ness Feldman. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Energy · Government · Tax
- Handles Energy, Government, and Tax matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Michael L. Platner: Michael L. Platner is a senior tax counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Energy, Government, and Tax. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Van Ness Feldman. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Washington
Michael concentrates on energy, government, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Energy
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Government
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Tax
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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.
Government cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Michael takes government 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.
Tax cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Michael takes tax 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
Michael L. Platner, energy attorney serving Washington
Michael L. Platner is a senior tax counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Energy, Government, and Tax. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Van Ness Feldman. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Michael works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on energy matters across the region.
Mr. Michael L. Platner is a lawyer practicing tax law, energy / utilities, government and 1 other area of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Oklahoma State University in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Michael practices at Van Ness Feldman LLP in Washington, DC.
Working with Michael on a energy matter
Mr. Michael L. Platner is a lawyer practicing tax law, energy / utilities, government and 1 other area of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Oklahoma State University in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Michael practices at Van Ness Feldman LLP in Washington, DC.
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for energy, government, and tax matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
University of Texas at Austin
J.D. · 1982
Oklahoma State University
B.S. · 1979
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
2011 · ACTIVE
Texas
1982 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Texas at Austin and B.S. in Oklahoma State University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Texas at Austin and B.S. in Oklahoma State University. 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
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of Texas
membership
Locations
Michael L. Platner's office in Washington
Michael's primary office is at 1050 Thomas Jefferson St. N.W., Seventh Fl., Washington, DC, 20007-3877. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Van Ness Feldman
1050 Thomas Jefferson St. N.W., Seventh Fl.
Washington, DC 20007-3877
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael L. Platner — 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 L. Platner claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael L. Platner — 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 L. Platner
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.
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