James Dawson

(FERC); (D.C. Cir.) – Principal drafter of FERC protests challenging “qualifying facility” status for various projects under PURPA; currently representing utility client in multiple related D.C. Circuit appeals

(D.C. Cir.) – Successfully defended FERC authorization for proposed LNG terminal and feeder pipeline against NEPA supplementation, segmentation, cumulative impacts, and alternatives arguments; Court agreed to remand FERC authorization without vacatur for agency to undertake additional analysis of greenhouse gas and environmental justice considerations

(D.C. Cir.) – In pending appeal, defending FERC authorization for natural gas pipeline project, including conversion of dual use (oil/gas) to natural gas

(5th Cir.) – Drafted appellate brief in case successfully defending against challenge to a biological opinion issued by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in connection with the development of a proposed LNG terminal and feeder pipeline

(5th Cir.) –  Successfully obtained ripeness dismissal of appellate challenge to a Clean Water Act permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a proposed LNG terminal and feeder pipeline

(FERC) – Principal drafter of a successful opposition to a petition for declaratory order in a dispute involving a state regulatory agency’s assessment of “network upgrade fees” in connection with the development of qualifying facilities under PURPA

(E.D. Tex.) – Obtained denial of preliminary injunction, successfully defending against environmental and landowner challenges to the construction of a pipeline connecting to the largest refinery in North America

(Del.) – Principal drafter of successful appellate brief in a dispute concerning purported breaches of a wind-farming contract; secured 5-0 “reverse and render” decision from the Delaware Supreme Court

(FERC); (Md.); (D.C. Cir.) — Represented major energy company in state and federal proceedings concerning a Clean Water Act certification for a hydroelectric facility

(D.R.I.) – Defending midstream natural gas pipeline in pending class action suit in connection with an equipment incident at a meter and regulating station that allegedly contributed to loss of gas pressure and temporary interruption in local gas service

(Tex. App. – Beaumont); (Tex.) – Representing upstream private-equity firm in multiple pending appeals concerning jurisdictional issues and purported tort liabilities

(6th Cir.) – Principal drafter of appellate brief in dispute concerning judicial sanctions and breaches of commercial contracts, resulting in favorable settlement of appeal prior to oral argument

(N.D. Ill.); (7th Cir.) – Represented major telecommunications company in trial and appellate proceedings concerning purported antitrust liabilities

(U.S.) – Lead associate in successful U.S. Supreme Court merits appeal concerning statute of limitations for refiling state-court claims dismissed by a federal court exercising supplemental jurisdiction

(U.S.) – Lead associate in successful U.S. Supreme Court merits appeal concerning constitutionality of “revocation on divorce” statutes applicable to life-insurance policies

(U.S.) – Lead associate in U.S. Supreme Court merits appeal concerning legality of tax credit-funded scholarships to fund school choice programs

(U.S.) – Member of briefing team in successful U.S. Supreme Court merits appeal concerning statute of limitations for SEC disgorgement proceedings

Represented music companies in a variety of commercial disputes against operators of music services

(Tex. App. – Fort Worth); (Tex. Crim. App.) – Filed multiple amicus curiae briefs in high-profile case challenging a conviction for purported “illegal voting;” obtained ruling from the Texas Court of Criminal appeals reversing lower court on issues related to the statute’s mens rea requirement

(Ill. Ct. App.) – Member of briefing team for appeal in which the court granted our client’s motion to vacate his conviction on the basis of junk arson science; client was ordered released from prison the day after the appellate brief was filed, after serving more than twenty years behind bars

(11th Cir.) – Briefed and argued appeal concerning federal criminal law

(S.D. III.) – In case concerning prison conditions, briefed and argued successful motion for spoliation sanctions, which was based on information uncovered during James’s depositions of the prison’s warden and litigation coordinator

(Tex.) – Principal author of amicus curiae brief successfully supporting a writ of mandamus in a case involving compensation owed by the State of Texas to a former prisoner found innocent of the crime for which he was convicted

(5th Cir.) – Drafted appellate briefs on behalf of federal prisoner pursuing a Bivens claim involving prison officials’ retaliation for the exercise of his First Amendment rights

(U.S.) – Filed cert. petition in case concerning legality of traffic stop initiated after officers suspected the Petitioner was violating state laws concerning texting while driving

(U.S.) – Filed cert. petition in case concerning right of Petitioner to appeal a conviction after he was erroneously advised by the trial court that he was not waiving his appellate rights