ethical issues in state utility commission proceedings
DESCRIPTION
Richard J. Johnson presentation to Energy Bar Association 2013 Mid-Year Meeting & Conference on October 24, 2013. Purpose: To present a reminder of basics Topics: conflicts, ex parte contacts, and contacts with represented intervenors Key Points: Complying with rules vs. client relations, consents are needed and cure most conflicts, local practice is key to managing contactsTRANSCRIPT
Ethical Issues In State Utility
Commission Proceedings
Richard J. Johnson
Moss & Barnett
Summary
• Purpose: to present a reminder of basics
• Topics – Conflicts
– Ex parte contacts
– Contacts with represented intervenors
• Key points – Complying with rules vs. client relations
– Consents are needed and cure most conflicts
– Local practice is key to managing contacts
Conflicts
• ABA Model Rule 1.7
– Consent is key
– Addresses rules and client relations
• Situations that are not a conflict
– Utility law firm represents utility customers in other matters
• Applies to virtually all firms
• Analysis similar to large class actions
Possible Direct Conflicts
• Utility law firm represents intervening utility customers in other matters
– Conflict may depend on identity of intervenor
– Size of group and role of customer-client
• Attorney for customer group whose members have conflicting interests
– Cost allocations
Positional or Issue Conflicts
• Advocating for different sides of an issue
– Representing customer groups and utilities.
– Representing different customer groups
– Representing different utilities
• Comment 24 criteria
– Same or different forums and times
– Degree of difference in positions
– Significance of issue
“Imposed” Conflicts
• Utility attorney with customer clients who intervene unexpectedly – Scope of intervention re adversity
• Utility attorney with other utility clients who may intervene – Degree of adversity, consent
• Significance of unforeseeable changes – Restrictions may be lessened
Ex parte and other restrictions
• ABA Model Rule 3.5, Agency ex parte rules – Disclosure as a typical remedy
• Agency codes of conduct, ethical codes – Personal financial interests
• “Routine” ex parte issues during advocacy – Advocacy vs. advisory functions
– Procedural vs. substantive topics
– Hearings directly before commissioners
Ex parte and other restrictions
• ABA Model Rule 4.2
– Advocacy policy makers vs. witnesses
– Limits on attorneys vs. regulatory department personnel
• Attorney-directed contacts prohibited
– ABA Model Rule 8.4(a) and Rule 4.2, comment 4