About Me

My name is Carolyn Elefant, and I am the founder and principal attorney with the Law Offices of Carolyn Elefant. After graduating from Cornell Law School in 1988, I spent two years working as an attorney advisor with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) where I handled some of the major hydroelectric re-licensing proceedings of that period. In 1990, I left FERC and worked as an associate for the national energy boutique, Duncan and Allen. In 1993, I started my own law firm, where I continue to specialize in all types of energy regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and state commissions. I also served as of counsel to the Law Offices of Scott Hempling from 1999-2007. At present, I focus on marine energy development (where my former FERC experience comes in handy given that FERC has asserted jurisdiction over the process). I also represent clients in appellate matters and civil litigation. I currently serve as legislative and regulatory counsel to the Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition.

In the emerging field of marine renewables, the decisions that developers, investors, coastal communities and other stakeholders make today become tomorrow's precedent. Therefore, at a minimum, it's important to have an attorney to advise about the applicable laws and regulatory scheme. Moreover, with so much regulatory confusion regarding these new technologies, an attorney can help navigate proceedings more smoothly.

You do not need to retain me as your primary attorney. I frequently team with other firms on projects or offer my expertise to prospective investors or other law firms on a consultant basis. And having worked for state commissions and municipalities, I am aware of, and can accommodate any applicable rate caps.

Please contact me by email at [email protected] or 202-297-6100 for further information about my services. My law firm website (which will be undergoing an update) is carolynelefant.com.