Russell Kooistra

Russell’s primary practice focuses on federal regulation of the physical and financial gas and electricity markets, including the representation of gas pipelines and local distribution companies, electric utilities, transmission companies, and hydropower project owners in proceedings before FERC. His practice includes matters related to administrative complaints and litigation, rate and certificate proceedings, and compliance with FERC’s Anti-Manipulation Rule. Russell also has experience drafting key documents in energy-related transactions, including energy M&A transactions, gas pipeline precedent agreements, and asset management agreements.

While attending law school, Russell interned at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission in the Division of Enforcement.

Regulatory

• Counseled a natural gas pipeline company in connection with filing a certificate application with FERC for a new greenfield pipeline project.
• Advised a natural gas midstream company in a proceeding involving FERC jurisdiction over the company’s processing plant residue line.
• Provided legal analysis to a natural gas utility regarding whether one of its traders violated FERC’s Anti-Manipulation Rule.
• Counseled an electric transmission company with respect to administrative litigation involving a FERC jurisdictional rate schedule, resulting in settlement.
• Represented an energy storage company in matters related to the acquisition of flywheel facilities.

Transactional

• Counseled an international renewable energy company on the acquisition of project companies that were developing 80MW and 75MW solar facilities in the Southeast United States.
• Advised a major investor-owned utility in the acquisition of portfolios of solar facilities in the Southeast United States.

• Chambers Global USA, Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation), Nationwide, Up & Coming (2025)
• Chambers USA Nationwide, Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) (2024-2025)
• Legal 500 United States for Energy: Energy regulation: Oil and Gas (2024-2025)
• Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch: Energy Law (2025-2026)