Overview
Rick Roberts is one of the nation's leading energy litigators, handling litigation and antitrust matters for prominent players in the energy industry. As the leader of Steptoe's Electric group, Rick is active at both the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and appeals courts. He has successfully tried numerous cases before the FERC and federal district courts and has won appeals before multiple circuits of the US Courts of Appeals. He has secured billions of dollars in litigation awards for clients, successfully negotiated settlements for billions of dollars more, and defended clients against claims by others. He has also successfully challenged in federal courts the constitutional limits of state authority within the electric power sector.
In addition to his litigation role, Rick counsels clients concerning all facets of federal energy regulation, market manipulation and antitrust, and defends clients in government enforcement proceedings. Rick has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America as "Lawyer of the Year" for Energy Law in 2020 and has also been ranked in Band 1 by Chambers Global every year since 2010.
Rick also performs significant pro bono service. Human Rights First awarded Rick its 2019 Star award for his work in winning asylum for a family of Honduran refugees.
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- J.D., University of Maryland School of Law, 1988, with honors
- B.S., Towson University, 1984
News & Publications
Client Alerts
California PUC Proposed Decision: A Net Energy Metering Program ≠ Community Renewable Program
March 7, 2024
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 28 Practice Rankings, 34 Individual Awards in Legal 500 US 2023
June 14, 2023
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 25 Practice, 72 Individual Mentions in Chambers USA 2023
June 1, 2023
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 16 Practice, 40 Individual Mentions in Chambers Global 2023
February 21, 2023
Client Alerts
FERC Proposes NOPR on Backstop Siting Authority
December 19, 2022
By: Richard L. Roberts, Daniel A. Mullen, William M. Keyser, Cary Glynn
Client Alerts
Manchin Permitting Reform Legislation: Electric Transmission Implications
September 28, 2022
By: Richard L. Roberts, William M. Keyser, Cary Glynn, Michelle Castaline
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 27 Practice Rankings, 26 Individual Awards in Legal 500 US 2022
June 16, 2022
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 27 Practice, 72 Individual Mentions in Chambers USA 2022
June 3, 2022
Noteworthy
- Best Lawyers in America, "Lawyer of the Year," Energy Law (2020)
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Best Lawyers in America, Energy Law (2008-2022)
- Human Rights First, Pro Bono Star Award, "Outstanding Pro Bono Work on Behalf of Asylum Seekers" (2019)
- Legal 500 US, Leading Lawyer, Energy Litigation - Electric Power (2023)
- Legal 500 US, Leading Lawyer, Energy Regulation: Conventional Power (2020-2022)
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Legal 500 US, Energy: Litigation (2011-2015, 2017-2019)
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Legal 500 US, Energy: Regulatory (2012-2014, 2019)
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Chambers USA, Band 1, Energy: Electricity, Regulatory & Litigation, Nationwide (2010-2023)
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Chambers Global, Band 1, Energy: Electricity, Regulatory & Litigation, US (2010-2021)
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Super Lawyers, Washington, DC, Energy and Resources (2008-2010; 2013-2021)
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Who's Who Legal, Energy (2013-2014)
- Euromoney's Expert Guide to the World's Leading Energy and Natural Resource Lawyers (2010)
Professional Affiliations
- Energy Bar Association