In-depth Knowledge of Ohio Energy Law

Electricity is a unique commodity because it must be generated and consumed almost simultaneously. There is presently no cost-effective way to store electricity in large quantities.

As a result of these constraints imposed by the laws of physics, issues arise in energy law that are as unique as they are complex. Companies and institutions with in-house counsel well versed in a variety of legal issues are often unequipped to tackle the complexities of energy transactions and disputes, especially in Ohio’s complex energy environment.

Brakey Law LLC has unmatched knowledge of energy law, helping a wide range of commercial, industrial, and institutional clients in Ohio successfully address energy issues and challenges.

  • Litigation: Brakey Law assists commercial, industrial, and institutional clients in disputes involving energy, including helping those clients solve problems with their investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, certified retail electric service (CRES) suppliers, and energy brokers.
  • Transactions: Carolyn Brakey has a thorough understanding of Ohio’s deregulated energy market. She specializes in energy transactions, including negotiating and drafting electric generation, natural gas, and demand response agreements. She also drafts requests for proposals (RFPs) for electric generation and natural gas service.
  • Regulatory: Brakey Law recognizes that competent representation in energy transactions and any resulting disputes is only one piece of the puzzle of a sound energy law strategy. Since Ohio energy users also need legal representation before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Brakey Law provides representation in electric and natural gas rate cases in front of the PUCO and FERC, including Reasonable Arrangements to achieve customized rate solutions.

Experienced with Complex Litigation and Class Action Law

The complexity of energy bills and the volume at which they are issued creates the opportunity for utilities and suppliers to issue unlawful charges. Brakey Law’s energy law knowledge led its leadership in the field of class action work.

Carolyn Brakey has originated energy class action lawsuits premised on her case theories with combined alleged damages of nearly a quarter billion dollars. The class action lawsuit she originated on behalf of large commercial and industrial energy customers of FirstEnergy Solutions resulted in a $12 million settlement, which is referred to as the Polar Vortex Settlement.

Brakey Law has experience in all aspects of class action litigation, from identifying potential lead plaintiffs to equitably disbursing settlement funds. With its network of national attorneys, Brakey Law is well positioned to handle complex litigation.

Comprehensive Capabilities in Intellectual Property Law

Ideas and innovations can be extremely valuable assets to a business. It is critically important that a company identifies and protects its intellectual property through patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.

Carolyn Brakey started her legal career as a patent examiner for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). She then went on to work for two Cleveland-area intellectual property law firms, first as a patent agent, and then as a patent attorney. Carolyn has prepared and prosecuted U.S. and foreign patent applications in a broad range of technologies for FORTUNE® 500 companies, startups, and individual inventors. She has rendered patent infringement, patentability, and validity opinions. She also has experience prosecuting and defending trademarks.

Business and Corporate Law

In addition to her capacity as Principal of Brakey Law, Carolyn serves as General Counsel to Brakey Energy. This in-house role has given her firsthand experience into the diverse legal issues that businesses face.

On top of more nuanced energy law issues, Brakey Law can help businesses with a wide range of legal issues. This includes helping entrepreneurs step-by-step as they set up shop, as well as helping large established businesses with complex transactions.