Winstead's Washington D.C. Office Expands

WASHINGTON (July 27, 2010) - Winstead PC has hired John B. Rudolph and Timothy W. Bergin as shareholders in the Washington D.C. office. Both are experienced litigators in energy litigation and regulatory affairs. Rudolph has been practicing law for over 35 years, focusing on federal and state energy regulation and related appeals. He frequently counsels clients on natural gas and oil pipeline tariff and contract matters, and provides strategic advice concerning the regulatory implications and consequences of commercial activities and proposed courses of conduct. Bergin brings 30 years of experience to Winstead in commercial litigation and arbitration as well as federal regulatory proceedings and antitrust matters.

Rudolph and Bergin have extensive experience representing clients before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Rudolph has argued and obtained federal appellate remand of FERC orders, and Bergin's experience includes both rate and certificate proceedings before FERC. Both shareholders are skilled at representing clients before the regulatory bodies of the Federal government and will enhance Winstead's wide scope of legal services, especially to clients in the oil and gas industries. Thomas T. Hutcheson, chair of Winstead's Energy and Environmental practice group, says "We are delighted to add these highly skilled and experienced FERC practitioners to Winstead's expanding energy practice."

Over the last three decades Rudolph has prepared and tried numerous natural gas and oil pipeline rate cases before state and federal administrative agencies, negotiated multi-million dollar pipeline rate settlements, and prepared and successfully prosecuted complaint, declaratory order and certificate matters before FERC and various state regulatory bodies. His practice encompasses representation of both natural gas and oil pipelines, as well as pipeline customers and shippers. Rudolph is a member of the American Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, District of Columbia Bar Association, and a member and former executive committee member of the Federal Energy Bar Association. He received his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma Law Center.

Bergin also has broad experience representing clients in antitrust matters, as well as commercial litigation and arbitration generally. Bergin’s extensive administrative law experience includes representing clients before the Postal Regulatory Commission, the Department of Commerce, and the Federal Communications Commission. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the District of Columbia Bar Association, including its Government Contracts, Litigation and Antitrust, Trade Regulation and Consumer Affairs Sections. Bergin received his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Winstead's Washington office is the firm's primary link to the policy making centers of the federal government, regularly and actively engaged in federal public policy advocacy on behalf of a wide range of clients. Winstead attorneys have considerable experience in providing on-going communications with key decision makers in the Congress and the federal agencies; monitoring and tracking pending legislative and regulatory matters; analyzing legislative and regulatory proposals; developing and implementing strategies to influence the decision-making processes in federal government; and preparing and delivering Congressional testimony.

Winstead is among the largest business law firms in Texas. Winstead attorneys and consultants serve as trusted advisors to mid-market and large businesses, providing a core range of legal services that are critical to their operation and success. From its well-known reputation in real estate and financial services to its corporate and high-stakes litigation practice, Winstead delivers practical knowledge and responsive service. And it's all backed by a get-it-done attitude. Winstead has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. For detailed information about Winstead, visit www.winstead.com.

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