Andrews Kurth Grows Energy Practice in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Andrews Kurth is pleased to announce that Richard A. Drom has joined the firm as a Partner in the Energy practice group in the Washington, D.C. office.

Formerly of Powell Goldstein, Drom focuses his practice primarily on energy regulatory matters, with extensive experience in electricity, natural gas and oil matters. His background includes corporate transactions, complex contracts, and state and federal regulatory and legislative issues.

“We are excited to have Rick come aboard,” said Andrews Kurth Managing Partner Bob Jewell. “He will add strength to an already widely accomplished team in D.C. and bring even more capabilities to bear on behalf of our energy clients.”

Drom played an essential role in the development of the comprehensive Energy Market Rules for the Midwest ISO. He has provided advice to regional transmission organizations (RTOs) on many issues, including the development of real-time and day-ahead energy markets, financial transmission rights, regional transmission planning, and procedures and protocols for transmission service operations.

He served as Vice President, General Counsel and Board Secretary with PJM Interconnection LLC, an RTO that plays a vital role in the United States’ wholesale electric system. PJM was the initial wholesale energy market platform for U.S. regional transmission organizations. Drom was responsible for over 150 FERC proceedings while at PJM, virtually all of which resulted in positive outcomes for the company.

“As the pace of energy regulatory change quickens and the marketplace becomes ever more complex, our clients need sophisticated business counsel that can help them cut through the myriad layers of local, state and federal regulations, and help guide them in a direction that will be most beneficial to their companies,” explains Shemin Proctor, Managing Partner of the D.C. office. “Rick brings that kind of experience to Andrews Kurth and complements the energy lawyers already working from this office.”

Drom also chaired the PJM Tariff Advisory Committee that established the first successful generation interconnection procedures in the United States, resulting in over 50,000 MW of generation interconnection requests and over $700 million of planned transmission expansion facilities. In addition, he has represented natural gas companies and state regulatory commissions before the FERC in interstate pipeline rate, certificate and Order No. 636 gas restructuring proceedings.

“I’m very happy to be joining Andrews Kurth,” said Drom. “I look forward to working with the other lawyers on the team in assisting the firm’s energy clients.”

Drom received his J.D. in 1980 from the University of Southern California Law Center. He received his M.S., summa cum laude, in 1977 from the University of Southern California. He graduated with a B.S., magna cum laude, from the University of California at San Diego in 1975.

For more than a century, Andrews Kurth has built its practice on the belief that “straight talk is good business.” Real answers, clear vision and mutual respect define the firm’s relationships with clients, colleagues, communities and employees. With more than 400 lawyers and offices in Austin, Beijing, Dallas, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, The Woodlands and Washington, DC, Andrews Kurth represents a wide array of clients in all areas of business law. For more information about Andrews Kurth, please visit andrewskurth.com.