Bray Dohrwardt

Leadership in Energy Law and Business

With decades of experience in the energy sector, I provide strategic legal counsel across a wide range of energy-related matters, including renewable energy, natural gas, electric generation, energy trading, distributed energy solutions, and regulatory compliance. My work spans complex commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and corporate governance, with a focus on helping clients navigate the rapidly evolving energy landscape.

I have guided organizations through transformative energy projects, including acquisitions and integrations totaling over $7 billion in assets and technologies, such as power generation facilities, natural gas assets, renewable energy projects, and innovative energy solutions. My ability to align legal strategy with business objectives ensures clients achieve both immediate and long-term success in this dynamic industry.

Operational and Legal Expertise in Business Leadership

In addition to my legal practice, I bring extensive operational and managerial experience that enhances my ability to serve as a trusted advisor to clients. While serving as General Counsel for the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Business of a leading energy company that included one of largest power and gas trading operations in North America, I also served as the Commercial General Manager of its Canadian business unit, comprising 600 full-time employees.

In this unique dual role, I was responsible not only for managing all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters across North America, but also for leading the Canadian business unit’s strategic operations, including profit and loss management, team development, and organizational growth. My focus on building high-performing teams and fostering employee engagement resulted in exceptional retention, achieving less than 1% turnover over a decade. This combination of operational insight and legal expertise positions me to provide clients with practical, business-oriented solutions that address both legal challenges and strategic goals.

Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Governance

I have successfully guided organizations through rigorous North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) audits, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) inquiries and self-reports, FERC rulemaking proceedings, and previously served on FERC’s Natural Gas Regulation Committee and FERC’s Electricity Regulation and Compliance Committee. I have also successfully designed fit-for-purpose energy trading and power-station control room compliance programs across several North American markets. My depth of experience in compliance and corporate governance helps clients maintain regulatory integrity while minimizing risk.

Professional Background and Recognition

I am licensed to practice law in Minnesota and Texas. I earned my Juris Doctor (Cum Laude) from William Mitchell College of Law, where I served as a Law Review Editor, and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Legal Studies from Hamline University (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa). My work has earned recognition as a multi-year finalist for Best Corporate Counsel by the Houston Business Journal and a featured profile in Who’s Who in Energy by the Houston, Dallas, and Pittsburgh Business Journals.

Commitment to Clients and Community

Beyond my professional work, I am an active guest speaker at legal and regulatory conferences, and an advocate for education and pro bono legal initiatives. I approach every client relationship as a strategic partner, combining legal acumen with business insights to help clients achieve their goals and thrive in competitive markets.