D. Kirk Morgan II

Kirk Morgan chairs Bracewell’s Oil & Gas Regulatory Practice and concentrates almost exclusively on natural gas regulatory and commercial matters. He advises interstate and intrastate pipelines on rates, services and regulatory compliance, while also working with natural gas gatherers and Hinshaw pipelines. For intrastate pipeline clients, his counsel includes the requirements and opportunities under Section 311 of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.

New pipeline infrastructure is a significant part of Kirk’s practice. He assists clients with greenfield pipelines and system expansions, guiding them through open seasons and negotiating and drafting precedent agreements, transportation agreements and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) tariffs. He also works with pipeline clients to obtain regulatory approvals for new infrastructure, services and rates. When disputes arise, he represents natural gas pipelines in administrative litigation before FERC, including rate cases and complaint proceedings.

Kirk’s work combines regulatory analysis with the commercial considerations facing pipeline operators. In Chambers USA client commentary, he has been described as able to translate complicated regulatory guidance into business-oriented language and to provide both technical and practical advice. Clients have also noted his regulatory and commercial counsel, responsiveness and approach to complex issues.

Trailblazer Pipeline Company

• representation in NGA Section 4 general rate case

Southern Natural Gas Company

• representation in NGA Section 4 general rate case

El Paso Natural Gas Company

• representation in NGA Section 5 rate case investigation

Stagecoach Pipeline & Storage Company

• representation in NGA Section 5 rate case investigation

Kinetica Energy Express

• representation in NGA Section 4 general rate case

Venice Gathering System

• representation in NGA Section 4 general rate cases

Numerous interstate natural gas pipelines

• representation in connection with the negotiation of and regulatory approvals for pre-filed rate case settlements

• Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, J.D., 2001, magna cum laude
• Catholic University of America, B.A., 1998, summa cum laude

• Maryland
• District of Columbia

Chambers Global

• Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation), 2020 – 2026

Chambers USA

• Nationwide Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation), 2010 – 2026

Legal 500 United States

• Energy Regulation: Oil and Gas, 2017 – 2020, 2023 – 2026 (Leading Partner, 2023 – 2026)
• Energy: Regulation, 2012 – 2016
• Energy Litigation: Oil and Gas, 2019

IFLR1000

• United States: Financial Services Regulatory, 2018 – 2025

Best Lawyers in America®

• Energy Law, 2018 – 2027
• Oil and Gas Law, 2018 – 2027
• Washington, DC Lawyer of the Year, Oil and Gas Law, 2023

Lawdragon 500 Global Leaders in Energy

• Energy Regulatory, 2026

Lawdragon 500 Leading US Energy Lawyers

• Energy Regulatory, 2024 – 2025

• Energy Bar Association

• “Pipeline Development: Best Practices,” LEPA 2024 Annual Business Conference, September 2024.
• “Pipelines and Affiliates,” LEPA 2023 Annual Business Conference, September 2023.
• “Understanding Federal Agency Actions: Rulemakings, Guidance, and Other Authority,” LEPA 2022 Annual Business Conference, September 2022.
• Chair, Platts Annual Pipeline Development and Expansion Conference, 2013-2016.
• “Reasonable Rates of Return Benefits Pipelines and Shippers Alike,” Pipelines & Gas Journal, October 2016.
• “Court Decision Could Change Tax Burden on Pipeline MLPs,” Midstream Business, July 2016.
• “Another Bite at the Apple: Renegotiating Rates with Distressed Shippers,” Pipelines & Gas Journal, July 2016.
• “Handling Change Management,” Midstream Business, February 2016.
• “Credit Challenges to Project Development,” Midstream Business, July 2015.