Matt Christiansen is a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he is a member of the energy and climate solutions practice. As a former general counsel at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and one of the nation’s leading energy regulatory attorneys, Matt represents a diverse range of clients, including independent power producers, hyperscalers and other large energy consumers, and trade associations, both before FERC and in the development of energy and digital infrastructure, such as data centers. 

He has extensive experience with major FERC proceedings involving energy market rules, generator and load interconnection procedures, and the development of electric transmission facilities and natural gas infrastructure. Matt specializes in crafting novel arguments that combine his unparalleled experience at FERC with his understanding of the relevant statutes, regulations, and court precedent, as well as in representing clients at every stage of the regulatory proceeding, including initial pleadings, rehearing requests, and appeals, where necessary.   

Matt also represents clients in negotiations involving the development of both energy infrastructure and digital infrastructure. He has particular expertise in negotiating FERC-jurisdictional agreements and in applying his experience with the relevant rules and regulations to secure the most favorable outcome for his clients.  

As FERC’s general counsel, Matt oversaw a team of more than 200 lawyers on all manner of adjudicatory and rulemaking matters and was involved in nearly every aspect of the commission’s work, including supervising the its activity in federal courts throughout the country. He has extensive knowledge of FERC rules and regulations under the Federal Power Act and Natural Gas Act, particularly with respect to energy markets and the development of electric transmission facilities and interstate natural gas pipelines.  

Prior to becoming general counsel, Matt was a legal advisor to FERC Commissioner Richard Glick and an attorney-advisor in FERC’s Office of General Counsel. Before joining FERC, Matt served as a law clerk to the Honorable Stephen F. Williams of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and the Honorable Jesse M. Furman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Matt is a lecturer in law at Yale Law School, where he teaches Advanced State and Federal Electricity Law.