Michael E. Ward

• Supervised a multi-year preparation of the defense of the prudence of the construction of a major nuclear generating facility on behalf of a consortium of public utilities and headed the successful litigation for two of the utilities.
• Represented an independent system operator before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in complex litigations arising from the restructuring of the electric industry, including transmission rate design, recovery of operating costs, market rules and contracts with market participants.
• Briefed and argued various appeals before the D.C. and Ninth Circuits regarding electric industry restructure on behalf of an Independent System Operator Corporation.

Michael Ward focuses on administrative and appellate litigation involving matters arising under the Federal Power Act and related statutes and regulations. His representation in such matters also extends to all aspects of federal electric energy regulation, including arbitrations, judicial litigation and tariff preparation.

Mike’s experience in the private sector, however, has not been limited to the energy field. He has provided legislative assistance in areas as diverse as transportation planning and civil racketeering laws and multidisciplinary assistance—before the EPA, Congress and the U.S. Court of Appeals—on environmental matters.

Mike has also been very involved in pro bono work. He engaged in representation for parents and children in child abuse and neglect litigation in the D.C. Superior Court and has represented clients before the U.S. Court of Appeals and the Bureau of Immigration Affairs on immigration matters and before the Virginia Supreme Court on issues concerning gay and lesbian rights. Mike is also vice-chair of the D.C. Human Rights Commission.

Bar Admissions

• District of Columbia
• California

Education

• Stanford University (J.D., 1974)
• Dartmouth College (A.B., 1969)

Memberships