Overview

Chris focuses his practice on the intersection of business and government, particularly in the renewable energy and traditional energy sectors, where he represents clients in regulatory advocacy and compliance, legislative and policy matters, and contested cases before regulatory bodies including the Public Utility Commission of Texas and matters before the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Chris’s experience spans a wide range of energy industry clients, including advising a major renewable energy trade association and a large power generation and electricity retailer in ERCOT. In addition, Chris has significant experience serving as ERCOT regulatory compliance counsel for major energy transactions.

Earlier in his career, Chris served as Chief of Staff in the Texas House of Representatives, where he played a pivotal role in managing legislative priorities and budget negotiations for a member of House leadership. His legislative insight adds a strategic layer to his practice, allowing him to serve clients at every level of the Texas legislative and executive branches and offer a comprehensive approach to clients navigating the intersection of law, policy, and business.

Chris also has significant experience in corporate mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financings, and in providing general corporate representation. His broad depth of experience allows him to understand each client’s business and needs at a deep level and enables him to find creative solutions to clients’ complex legal problems.

Experience

Highlights of Chris’ representative experience include:

  • Advised ERCOT market participants on Public Utility Commission of Texas rulemaking proceedings and served as lead drafter on numerous rulemaking comments.
  • Analyzed and counseled clients on matters pending before ERCOT, including Nodal Protocol Revision Requests, changes to operating and planning guides, and other binding documents.
  • Drafted legislation for clients across a variety of industries and served as subject matter expert in supporting the passage of legislation being considered by the Texas Legislature.
  • Represented Texas’s largest power generation and electricity retailer in contested cases resulting in the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ approval of settlement among dozens of parties concerning claims to $2.1 billion securitized funds related to 2021 winter storm impacts.
  • Held a critical role in the crafting and negotiation of the public and higher education portions of the 2016-2017 biennial Texas budget, which exceeded $78 billion.
  • Led negotiations and successfully passed multiple contested bills, including a constitutional amendment.
  • Advised clients on numerous M&A transactions and venture capital financings.

Honors & Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, 2024-present
  • Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2024

Professional Activities

  • Member, State Bar of Texas, Administrative and Public Law Section – Corporate Counsel Section
  • Member, Austin Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association

Education

Bar Admission

Community Involvement

  • Volunteer Marriage Mentor & Small Group Leader, Austin Stone Community Church

Insights

Education

Bar Admission

Community Involvement

  • Volunteer Marriage Mentor & Small Group Leader, Austin Stone Community Church
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