James M. Avery Joins Pierce Atwood's Energy Practice

Pierce Atwood LLP continues to expand its Energy Practice Group with the addition of James M. Avery, a partner with more than 25 years of experience in a broad range of regulatory and transactional matters for clients in the energy, telecommunications, and transportation industries. Jim’s practice focuses on representing utilities, generators, aggregators and suppliers before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities and the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board as well as other state utility commissions across the region and nation. 

Jim also represents clients in the development and siting of energy facilities, including wind, solar, biomass and natural gas-fired electric generating facilities, electric and natural gas transmission lines, combined heat and power facilities, liquefied natural gas facilities and telecommunications facilities.  Prior to joining Pierce Atwood, Jim was a partner in the Energy, Utilities & Environmental Practice Group at Brown Rudnick LLP.

Jim has represented one of the world's leading developers of renewable resources and the world’s largest developer of wind generation resources in securing regulatory approvals necessary to complete its acquisition of a major utility holding company. He has also represented the developer of the largest biomass generation facility in the nation in siting and contracting matters. 

Jim also represented a gas utility in securing the necessary regulatory and environmental approvals for the first liquefied natural gas facility in Massachusetts in over 35 years and the permanent financing of the facility.  In addition, Jim has negotiated energy efficiency, performance contracts and gas and electricity supply arrangements for industrial and government clients.

In addition to his regulatory and rate work with energy companies and utilities, Jim also represents clients in a variety of commercial and financial transactions, including acquisitions, mergers, corporate restructurings, contracts, and financings.

Jim earned his J.D. cum laude from Boston University School of Law and his B.A. cum laude from Colgate University.