J. Curtis Moffatt

Partner
TEL: 202.298.1885
FAX: 202.338.2416

1050 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW
Seventh Floor
Washington DC 20007

jcm@vnf.com
vCard
Print PDF

Curt Moffatt has represented energy clients for nearly 30 years before state and federal regulatory commissions, courts, and legislative bodies. He combines a rich political background with strategic thinking and a thorough understanding of the law to counsel clients on issues including project development, climate change, and corporate restructuring.

Mr. Moffatt’s current clients include several publicly traded, integrated energy Fortune 500 companies. Working directly with senior management of these companies, he provides not only counsel in rulemaking, individual rate and certificate, and confidential enforcement proceedings, but also strategic advice on a variety of issues faced by energy companies today. These include emerging issues such as climate change, as well as the development of significant infrastructure projects such as the Alaska natural gas pipeline and the Rockies Express pipeline.

Mr. Moffatt also works closely with these clients on corporate compliance issues. He has provided strategic counsel on formation and regulation of master limited partnerships, as well as on other issues related to corporate restructuring. In addition, he has served as special regulatory counsel in financial transactions that include public and private placements involving cogeneration and natural gas and petroleum products pipeline projects.

Mr. Moffatt is a member of the Board of Directors of Leaf Clean Energy Company. Formed in May 2007, the AIM-listed company will own, operate, and manage clean energy companies and projects, including carbon offset-generating projects, in North America.

Mr. Moffatt also served on the Board of the Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association and continues to serve on the boards of several philanthropic organizations.

Professional Background

While earning his undergraduate degree from Duke University, Mr. Moffatt served as Student Assistant to the University President, Terry Sanford. While working with Mr. Sanford, who later became a United States Senator, Mr. Moffatt was given the opportunity to participate in several Presidential campaigns as well as in the development of the initial charter for the Democratic National Committee.

From 1983 to 1984, Mr. Moffatt served for Senator Fritz Hollings, the then-Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, as manager of the Senator's Presidential campaign. More recently, he served on several fundraising committees for national Democratic campaigns. Mr. Moffatt also has advised Presidential transition and inaugural committees.

Mr. Moffatt served in the Carter Administration as an Attorney-Staff Advisor to a commissioner of the Federal Power Commission, focusing on electric rate and gas certificate issues. Later in 1977, he became a Legal Assistant to Charles B. Curtis, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), with staff responsibility for natural gas matters.

Government Service

Legal Assistant to the Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 1977-1979
Attorney/Legal Advisor, Federal Power Commission, 1977

Professional and Civic Affiliations

Member, Board of Visitors, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University (2011-present)
Energy Bar Association

Honors & Distinctions

Chambers Global, "Leaders in Their Field" 2013
Best Lawyers in America; Energy Law; 2010-2013
Chambers Global; Energy: Oil & Gas; 2009-2013
Chambers USA; Energy: Oil & Gas; 2008-2012
Legal 500 USA; Energy: Transaction & Regulatory; 2011

Speaking Engagements

34th Annual AGA Legal Forum, July 17, 2011
The Aspen Institute: 2010 Clean Energy Economy Roundtable, July 24, 2010

Related Information For J. Curtis Moffatt

Areas of Practice

Client Results

Education

Bar and Court Admissions