Katharine E. Leesman

Katie Leesman counsels energy industry clients on regulatory compliance matters and proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).  Select representative matters include:

• Assisting with the representation of Pacific Northwest utilities in the California Refund Proceeding before FERC.
• Assisting with the representation of a non-profit public benefit corporation in its enforcement proceeding against a California market participant. 
• Counseling independent power producers and electric power marketers in transactional and regulatory matters involving the Federal Power Act, Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
• Counseling natural gas companies on the regulatory requirements of the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Professional Background

During law school, Ms. Leesman was a law clerk at Van Ness Feldman, focusing primarily on pipeline safety, natural resources, and electric practice matters.

Prior to law school, Ms. Leesman served as a policy analyst for Dell Inc.’s government affairs group.

Government Service

Law Clerk, Office of Administrative Litigation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Summers 2009 and 2010.

Legal Intern, Office of Enforcement and Compliance, National Planning, Measures, and Analysis, Environmental Protection Agency, 2009-2010.

Legal Assistant, District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings, 2004-2006.

Professional and Civic Affiliations

• American Bar Association
• Energy Bar Association
• Board Member, Women's Energy Network

Publications

Susan A. Olenchuk, James B. Curry, Katie E. Leesman, "The Potential Impact of New Pipeline Safety Legislation on PHMSA's Regulatory Initiatives," Pipeline & Gas Journal (April 2012)

Susan A. Olenchuk, James B. Curry, Katie E. Leesman, “The National Transportation Safety Board’s Report on San Bruno:  Implications for Pipeline Safety,” Pipeline & Gas Journal (November 2011) 

Articles

• Potential Impact of New Pipeline Safety Laws on PHMSA's Regulatory Initiatives
• The National Transportation Safety Board's Report on San Bruno: Implications for Pipeline Safety