Paul Korman

Paul Korman is experienced in complex litigation before federal and state courts and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). He advises interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, natural gas producers, marketers, and distribution companies on virtually all aspects of natural gas regulation.  Mr. Korman represents companies and investors in rate cases, complaints, and confidential investigations before FERC and other regulatory agencies involving both natural gas and electricity.  In November 2007, he was invited to be a member of the “Practitioners Panel” at FERC’s first conference on Energy Policy Act of 2005 enforcement.

Recent examples of Mr. Korman’s work include:

• On behalf of the Texas Pipeline Association, briefed and argued an appeal resulting in an opinion from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacating the Commission rule requiring the posting of certain data by intrastate pipelines.  
• Successfully litigating rate, complaint, and certificate cases on behalf of interstate pipelines, including rate cases initiated under sections 4 and 5 of the Natural Gas Act and section 311 of the Natural Gas Policy Act.
• Successfully representing a client subject to a FERC show cause order alleging market manipulation.
• Resolving FERC enforcement matters without the client paying a civil penalty.  
• Providing compliance training for regulated entities on all facets of FERC’s regulations and conducting internal investigations.

Professional Background

Prior to joining Van Ness Feldman, Mr. Korman served as the Assistant General Counsel of MidCon Corp., a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation.  In addition to representing MidCon Corp. at FERC, he was responsible for all phases of complex litigation between two interstate pipelines, which included proceedings before federal and state courts and FERC.  He also managed administrative litigation and won reversal of an order seeking over $1 billion in restitution, precipitating a favorable settlement.

Government Service

Assistant to Commissioner George Hall , Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 1977-1979

Special Assistant, Federal Power Commission, 1975-1977

Professional and Civic Affiliations

• Energy Bar Association

Honors & Distinctions

• Legal 500 USA; Energy Litigation; 2008-2010
• Chambers USA; Energy: Oil & Gas; 2010-2011

Speaking Engagements

• EBA: Legal Practice and Administrative Procedure, December 2, 2011
• 10th Annual Gas and Power Institute, September 23, 2011
• 2010 AGA Energy Market Regulation Conference, October 1, 2010
• Energy Bar Association's 63rd Annual Meeting, April 23, 2009
• FERC Compliance Summit 2008, May 19, 2008
• FERC Conference on Enforcement Policy, November 16, 2007

News

• Van Ness Feldman’s Electricity, Oil & Gas, Environment, Government Relations, Climate Change, Native American, Transportation Practices Receive National Recognition by Chambers USA 2011
• Van Ness Feldman’s Climate Change, Energy Practices Again Receive Top Rankings by Chambers USA 2010
• Van Ness Feldman Again Lauded by Legal 500 for Energy Litigation Capabilities
• Van Ness Feldman’s Energy Litigation Capabilities Win Praise from Legal 500