About Frederic
Frederic Lee Klein: Energy & Utilities Legal Counsel in Hartford
Frederic Lee Klein is a seasoned legal professional specializing in energy and utilities law, providing comprehensive legal counsel and representation across a broad spectrum of complex transactions and regulatory matters. With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Klein’s deep understanding of the energy sector, coupled with his extensive litigation and transactional expertise, makes him a trusted advisor for both regulated and unregulated companies. He is a Chair of the Energy and Utilities Section within the firm’s Regulatory, Energy, and Telecommunications Department.
Mr. Klein’s practice encompasses a wide range of areas, including electric and natural gas market restructuring, complex energy transactions, regulatory compliance, and disputes involving electric utilities, natural gas pipelines, hydroelectric facilities, and government contracts. He excels in representing clients before more than dozen state and federal regulatory commissions, district and appellate courts, and in advising clients on antitrust matters and critical utility regulations. His expertise extends to providing legislative support on energy-related issues and meticulously negotiating and drafting numerous power purchase and sale agreements, as well as general contract templates for electricity, natural gas, and renewable energy products.
A significant portion of Mr. Klein's career was spent within Northeast Utilities, where he served as Assistant General Counsel for 12 years. This experience provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of the energy industry, particularly regarding trading activities under industry standard agreements, the transfer of a hydroelectric facility, and the relocation of a fuel cell. He also offered crucial antitrust advice in connection with joint ventures and pre-merger activities. This background uniquely positions him to advise clients facing similar challenges.
Beyond his experience with Northeast Utilities, Mr. Klein previously worked in private practice in Washington, D.C., serving as part of the Office of General Counsel at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This role honed his understanding of federal energy regulation and provided invaluable experience in navigating complex legal issues impacting the energy market.
Mr. Klein’s legal expertise covers a diverse array of litigation and advisory matters, including:
- Regulatory Compliance:** Representation before state and federal regulatory commissions concerning electric utilities and natural gas pipelines.
- Transactional Expertise:** Negotiation and drafting of power purchase agreements, sales agreements, and contract templates for electricity, natural gas, and renewable energy products.
- Market Restructuring:** Guidance on electric and natural gas market restructuring initiatives.
- Project Development:** Representation on numerous complex energy transactions and project developments.
- Competitive Energy Markets:** Experienced representation of competitive energy marketers throughout the Northeast with respect to licensing and regulatory issues, as well as wholesale and retail customers in contract negotiation and drafting.
- Litigation:** Litigation involving the regulation of electric utilities and natural gas pipelines, licensing of hydroelectric facilities, and interpretation of government contracts.
Furthermore, Mr. Klein possesses a strong understanding of antitrust law and its application to the energy sector, advising clients on a wide range of issues related to market competition and regulatory oversight. He consistently delivers strategic legal counsel and provides litigation support when necessary.
Key Credentials & Awards:
- Lawyer of the Year: Energy Law (Hartford, 2023)
- Recognized: Energy Law, Recognized: Water Law
- Practice Area: FDA Law
- Named as a 2009 MS Corporate Achiever by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter
- Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2011
Bar Admissions: Mr. Klein is admitted to practice in Connecticut and maintains an active legal presence in the United States. Details on specific bar admissions can be obtained upon request.
Education: Mr. Klein's commitment to legal excellence is underscored by his extensive academic background and professional certifications. He consistently strives to stay at the forefront of legal developments within the energy sector.
