Thomas M. "Tom" Grim, Energy Attorney in Portland, Oregon
Portland, OR
Trusted energy attorney serving Portland.
Practices in
Are you Thomas M. "Tom" Grim?
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Quick answer
Thomas M. "Tom" Grim is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Energy.
- Based in
- Portland, OREGON
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Energy
- Handles Energy matters from Portland, OREGON.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Energy Law, Portland (OR) (2026).
About Thomas M. "Tom" Grim: Thomas M. "Tom" Grim is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Energy.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Thomas takes on
Thomas concentrates on energy. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Energy cases in Portland, Oregon
Thomas takes energy matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Thomas M. "Tom" Grim — energy lawyer in Portland
Thomas M. "Tom" Grim is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Energy.
Tom Grim is a partner of the firm and focuses his practice primarily on energy and public utility law. Mr. Grim represents clients in commercial transactions, administrative contested cases and judicial proceedings. Tom chaired the firm's energy practice group and has significant experience in all areas of energy law, including the following recent matters:
Represents public utility clients as general counsel in all legal matters relating to the utility.
Represented a public utility in the joint development and ownership of a 100 MW wind generation facility.
Represented a private client in the negotiation of agreements for the interconnection and sale of output from a 20 MW biomass facility.
Represented a public utility in the prosecution and settlement of a $15 million damages claim resulting from a generation facility outage.
Represented a private client in the negotiation of a retail power purchase agreement for a 200 MW paper mill.
Represented a public utility client in the defense and settlement of a $500,000 WECC enforcement action.
Represented multiple clients in the formation of a public utility consortium for the wholesale purchase of power. Currently general counsel for the consortium.
Represented a public utility client in the negotiation of a retail power sale agreement for largest steel mill in the region.
Represented a public utility client in negotiations with BPA regarding restrictions on the sale of resources under the Regional Power Act.
Represented a public utility client in proceedings before FERC and state courts in the successful defense of a $97 million refund claim.
Represented public utility clients in the interconnection and purchase of output from a 20 MW biomass facility and a 5 MW landfill gas facility.
Represented a private client in the sale of power under PURPA and the transmission of the power across an intervening utility system.
Represented a public utility client in the defense and settlement of a rate challenge by its large industrial customer.
Working with Thomas on a energy matter
Tom Grim is a partner of the firm and focuses his practice primarily on energy and public utility law. Mr. Grim represents clients in commercial transactions, administrative contested cases and judicial proceedings. Tom chaired the firm's energy practice group and has significant experience in all areas of energy law, including the following recent matters: Represents public utility clients as…
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for energy matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of California - Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1984
Santa Clara University
J.D. · 1988
Thomas studied at B.A. in University of California - Santa Barbara and J.D. in Santa Clara University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed B.A. in University of California - Santa Barbara and J.D. in Santa Clara University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Thomas has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Energy Law, Portland (OR)
2026
Lawyer of the Year — Energy Law, Portland (OR)
2022
Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Municipal
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Energy Law, Portland (OR) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Energy Law, Portland (OR) (2022). Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Municipal (2026).
Locations
Thomas M. "Tom" Grim's office in Portland
Thomas's primary office is at 1455 Southwest Broadway, Suite 1500, Portland, Oregon, 97201. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas M. "Tom" Grim
Thomas 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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Thomas M. "Tom" Grim — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new energy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a energy attorney in Portland, Oregon
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 Thomas
Thomas 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Thomas'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 Thomas M. "Tom" Grim
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a energy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some energy attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do energy cases in Oregon 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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Thomas is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Thomas 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 Thomas?
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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new energy clients right now?
Thomas'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 Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon
Thomas handles energy matters throughout Oregon. 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 Oregon
If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these energy attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





