In the rapidly evolving fields of communications and energy services, the race is won by the swiftest and the best informed. That is why the depth of Moss & Barnett's Regulated Entities group helps to maximize our clients' business opportunities and to keep them abreast of the constant regulatory and legislative changes.
Our Regulated Entities group represents several innovative companies, associations and advocacy groups in several states, including:
Local exchange
Interexchange
Cable television
Wireless
Direct broadcast satellite and transport services
Electric and gas utilities
The entrepreneurial culture of communications and energy providers makes our attorneys' in-depth knowledge of these industries all the more essential. Clients value that depth of understanding and the consistent, one-on-one attention they receive.
Clients' confidence in Moss & Barnett is well placed. We are one of the very few law firms in the region with attorneys practicing full-time in communications and utility regulation. Our attorneys average 17 years in the field and often take leadership roles in developing and shaping state laws and rule making. In addition, they have been consistently involved in federal rule makings. Our attorneys' expertise and dedication to our clients' success make them the ideal counselors and advocates in a highly competitive arena.
We offer our communications and energy clients the following services:
Business
Structure and negotiation of contracts and joint ventures
Mergers, sales and acquisitions
Real estate, employment, tax and other business and operational needs
Regulation
Advocacy and evidentiary hearing before local, state (PUC) and federal agencies regarding rate setting, licensing and other matters
Negotiation of interconnection agreements under the Telecommunications Act
Arbitrations and appellate review
Rule-making at both state PUCs and the federal agencies
Analysis and application of state law and the Telecommunications Act
[08/29] Util. Reform Network v. Pub. Util. Comm'n Petition to review order by Public Utilities Commission awarding of only part of attorney fees sought is affirmed in part and reversed in part where: 1) PUC's decision bore reasonable relation to the purpose and language of the governing provisions of the Public Utilities Code; 2) PUC did not err in denying a multiplier; and 3) PUC erred in awarding plaintiff's outside counsel hourly rates of up to $470/hour instead of the $550/hour they asked for.
[08/29] City of Cloverdale v. Dept. of Transp. In plaintiff-city's cross-complaint for indemnity, damages, and declaratory relief related to a lawsuit by nearby property owners for flooding caused by drainage channel constructed by the defendant Department of Transportation, judgment for defendant is reversed on the indemnity causes of action but is otherwise affirmed where plaintiff city failed to exhaust an administrative remedy by which the relinquishment could have been challenged.
