Overview
Henry Weissmann advises companies at the intersection of regulation, litigation, public policy and transactions.
Recognized by Chambers USA as a “Star Individual” in the field of energy and regulation, Henry brings deep expertise to addressing the most complex and high stakes matters facing regulated companies.
His experience spans rate applications, regulatory approvals of M&A and financing transactions, class actions and mass torts, challenging government actions, regulatory and legislative proposals to address wildfire risk, and counseling clients regarding regulatory compliance.
Henry has guided clients through significant financial challenges, including bankruptcy and near-bankruptcy situations.
Capabilities
Industries
Experience
Regulatory – Disputes, Financing and Settlements
Henry represents organizations operating in regulated industries in administrative proceedings and related transactions, as well as high-stakes litigation and challenges to government regulations.
Key representations include:
Hawaiian Electric – Spearheaded strategic response to the August 2023 Lahaina Fire. Lead negotiator for $4.04 billion settlement, signed less than 15 months after the event. Also led the company’s legislative and regulatory initiatives.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company in proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to:
- Review its Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization.
- Approve a $7.5 billion securitization transaction.
- Determine the just compensation PG&E would be owed if the City and County of San Francisco were to condemn PG&E’s assets used to provide electric service to San Francisco customers.
Southern California Edison Company in connection with:
- Applications to the CPUC to obtain rate recovery of the costs to resolve claims arising from the 2017-2018 wildfires, including approval of a $1.6 billion settlement to recover costs arising from the Thomas fire.
- Proceedings at the CPUC to review the shut-down of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.
- Litigation and regulatory proceedings arising out of the energy crisis of 2000-01, including negotiation of a settlement with the CPUC.
Verizon and other telecommunications carriers in numerous regulatory and litigation matters.
Mass and Class Actions
Henry also has extensive experience in class actions. He has defended clients in over 25 class actions in jurisdictions nationwide.
Key representations include:
Hawaiian Electric in thousands of cases arising from the Maui Wildfires in 2023.
Plains All American Pipeline in class actions arising from an accidental release of oil in Santa Barbara County.
Verizon in actions alleging that early termination fees in wireless contracts are unlawful penalties.
More
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2024-2026
- Star Individual in Energy: State Regulatory & Litigation, Chambers USA, a ranking given to lawyers with exceptional recommendations in the field, 2023-2025
- Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyer, recognized for depth of regulatory knowledge, which was characterized as “unsurpassed,” 2022
- Board co-chair, Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League, a non-profit organization devoted to organizing debate programs at public high schools
- Member, The American Law Institute
- Serves on the State Litigation Advisory Committee of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Founding member, Los Angeles Lawyers Division of the Federalist Society; past president of its local chapter, 1992-2004
- Past president, Conference of California Public Utility Counsel, a group of private and public sector lawyers who practice before the California Public Utilities Commission
