WASHINGTON, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrew Weissman, the Energy Business Watch editor-in-chief and publisher who for more than 30 years as an attorney and leading analyst has played a key role in transforming federal and state energy and environmental policy, has moved to Haynes and Boone, LLP.

Serving as the firm's senior energy advisor out of its Washington, D.C. office, Weissman's unparalleled research will enable the firm to get out in front of rapid and radical changes in the energy sector, offering clients comprehensive services at the nexus of law and economics, said Buddy Clark, head of the energy practice.

"Weissman represents the type of Haynes and Boone lawyer that our clients know and rely on -- trusted advisors, not just lawyers -- with a deep understanding of our client's business," Clark said. "Weissman has spent his career analyzing the dynamic intersection of power and natural gas markets."

Terry Conner, Haynes and Boone managing partner, said the arrival of Weissman and his two energy market analysts shows the firm is eager to break new ground in providing value-added services.

"Andy brings some very special capabilities that will allow us to serve clients with unparalleled depth," Conner said. "His legal and industry knowledge and experience, and cutting-edge market information, will help them assess and implement strategic business decisions.

"In the ever-shifting business world, our clients increasingly expect this sort of relationship, which provides true competitive advantage."

The addition of the Weissman group, like the firm's employment of two energy landmen, signals that Haynes and Boone is attuned to the market needs of those working in energy and power arena.

"We are seeing today a transformation of the energy landscape fueled by the lowest natural gas prices in more than 10 years and phenomenal increases in US oil and gas production," Clark said. "Clients across the energy spectrum will be looking for ways to take advantage of these changes, and Weissman will add to the firm's ability to provide that advice."

Never before has the energy economy been more challenging for producers, consumers and investors. Electricity and natural gas prices continue to have a profound impact on our daily lives and business. The necessity of reliable, actionable intelligence is paramount for those whose decisions could affect thousands.

For his part, Weissman said Haynes and Boone seemed a logical choice.

"These days what it really takes to serve clients effectively is an integrated team that includes strategic advice, market analysis, a team with deep energy experience, and representation in a wide field of services," he said. "I feel that Haynes and Boone is really quite exceptional in terms of its capabilities, with deep and broad experiences more oriented toward providing strategic advice."

Beyond that, Weissman said the firm culture creates a unique affinity for his work. "It takes a certain imagination to come up with flexibility with an entrepreneurial spirit," he said. "That's the kind of advice that clients need:  Advice that integrates both first-rate legal experience and orientation to business."

Weissman has provided strategic advice and counseling to more than fifty major power producers, financial players, major electric and gas utilities, independent oil and gas producers, coal producers, energy traders, hedge funds, retail and wholesale energy marketers, equipment vendors and large energy users.

He focuses on identifying major developing trends in the natural gas, oil, electricity and coal markets. During the period immediately after enactment of Title IV of the Clean Air Act, he also pioneered the use of emissions trading in the United States, structuring many of the initial transactions, including the first publicly announced transaction. More recently, he played a key role in path-breaking efforts to substitute use of natural gas-fired generation for more than 1,000 MW of coal in Denver, Colorado.

In addition, Andy has been lead attorney in major multi-year litigation efforts involving hundreds of millions of dollars in claims, briefed major cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals, directed two of the most intensive investigations ever undertaken regarding management practices at nuclear plants and been the lead attorney in numerous high profile regulatory proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state public utility commissions.

About Haynes and Boone

Haynes and Boone, LLP is an international corporate law firm with offices in Texas, New York, California, Washington, D.C., Mexico City and Moscow, providing a full spectrum of legal services. With more than 525 attorneys, Haynes and Boone is ranked among the largest law firms in the nation by The National Law Journal. The firm has been named one of the "Best Corporate Law Firms in America" (Corporate Board Member Magazine, 2001-2012) and recognized as a "Top 20 Law Firm" for culture and for diversity with respect to both women and minorities (Vault, 2012).

CONTACT: Douglas R. Bedell
Haynes and Boone, LLP
214.651.5815 (office)
214.704.3058 (cell)
doug.bedell@haynesboone.com

SOURCE Haynes and Boone, LLP