Merkel Law Office

Energy, Water & Resource Law

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Washington Energy & Utilities Law

Energy, wind, water, and land -- these resources form the backbone of our economy, and have a critical impact upon society and industry.

I became interested and involved in law, legislation, and regulation related to energy when I worked as legal counsel for Washington State Senator Henry M. Jackson from 1973 to 1983. Senator Jackson's leadership of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources allowed me to gain a thorough understanding of a wide range of energy and natural resource issues.

When I moved back to my native Washington State in 1984, I built a legal practice in which I could use my knowledge of energy law, business law, and government affairs to benefit the residents of Washington.

As a Washington energy law attorney, I represent a variety of nonprofit energy organizations, public and private water interests, and private companies. My clients include electric and water utilities, a trade association of rural electric utilities, a number of energy cooperatives, a water users group, and an umbrella group that promotes the development of new energy and other types of cooperatives.

The legal services that I provide to these groups are extensive, and include:

  • Formation of cooperatives and other types of business entities, including corporations, LLCs, etc.
  • Corporate governance
  • Water rights
  • Drafting and review of legislation
  • Business transactions, including acquisition and financing of water and power resources
  • General counsel, including negotiation of business contracts, legal transactions, and employment law issues
  • Regulatory compliance, including utility ratemaking and power supply agreements

I also maintain a small business law practice involving debt collection litigation.

I primarily serve clients in Western Washington and the Puget Sound Basin, from Olympia north to the Border and have clients in Eastern Washington. I am also a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association.


Contact Merkel Law Office


The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

Merkel Law Office
1001 Fourth Avenue, Suite 4050
Seattle, WA 98154
Phone: 206/389-8222 | Fax: 206/691-8186

The law office of Joel C. Merkel, Washington energy law attorney, serves clients throughout Washington State, including the communities of Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and Olympia.