Balch & Bingham Introduces Dane McKaughan, Partner in the Firm’s Globally Recognized Energy Practice in Austin, Texas Office

Balch & Bingham is pleased to introduce Dane McKaughan as a partner in the firm’s globally ranked Energy Practice in the Austin, Texas office. Dane, who has been working alongside the firm’s attorneys for the past year,  brings his nearly 30 years of experience in regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters to support clients in Texas and across the energy sector.

Dane focuses on energy-related regulatory and litigation matters, with clients from both the regulated sector, such as gas utilities and pipelines, electric utilities and transmission providers, and the unregulated sector, such as generators and large-scale load.  Dane has extensive experience representing clients before state regulators, including the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC). Dane also has extensive experience in litigation before state agencies, including ratemaking proceedings and enforcement actions, and in state court. 

“We’re excited to have Dane on the team,” said Peter LeJeune, Chair of the Firm’s Energy Practice. “Dane’s extensive expertise in Texas energy matters and collaborative style align perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients. Dane adds valuable depth as we continue to grow our presence in Texas.”

Dane received his J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law. He also earned his Master’s in Public Affairs from The University of Texas, where his thesis examined the potential creation of the ERCOT market, a foresight that shaped the course of his career. He is board certified in Administrative Law.

“Energy regulatory law is a highly specialized area, but everyone at Balch speaks that very specialized language,” Dane said about his decision to join the firm. “It’s a collaborative, like-minded team of experienced professionals serving a growing client base, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Dane previously served as Chair of the Utility Section of the Texas State Bar and is a Fellow of the Texas and Austin Bar Associations. 

For more than 100 years, Balch's Energy Practice has been at the forefront of the energy sector, helping clients navigate complex challenges, market demands and emerging technologies.  We represent a wide range of entities in the energy arenas—ranging from electric utilities, energy cooperatives, independent power producers, project developers, and investment funds.

Balch's deep bench of talent includes some of the industry's leading practitioners, who regularly appear before state public utility commissions, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.