Partners Laura Chappelle, Tim Lundgren, and Justin Ooms bring market leading expertise involving the MPSC, energy development, and utility regulation.
Varnum is pleased to announce that Laura Chappelle, Tim Lundgren, and Justin Ooms have rejoined the firm as partners in its Grand Rapids office, strengthening the firm’s Energy, Environmental, and Natural Resources Practice Team.
Chappelle, Lundgren, and Ooms bring top-of-market experience in Michigan’s renewable and alternative energy sector, with a focus on regulatory challenges, energy project development, and utility matters. Their collective expertise includes extensive work before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and on energy initiatives across the state.
“It’s great to welcome Laura, Tim, and Justin back to Varnum,” said Jon Bylsma, Chair of the firm. “We’ve worked alongside this team for years, and their return to the firm will create strong value for our clients across the energy sector.”
Chappelle, a past Chair and Commissioner of the MPSC, brings more than 25 years of experience in energy regulation and policy at both the state and federal levels. Her private practice is complemented by government service, including roles as Deputy Legal Counsel and Regulatory Policy Advisor to Governor John Engler, Assistant Legal Counsel to Speaker Paul Hillegonds, and counsel to both the Michigan House and Senate. She holds a J.D. from Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.
Lundgren advises clients on energy generation, permitting, and compliance, representing developers, lenders, and independent power producers in proceedings before the MPSC and other regulatory agencies. His environmental practice includes natural resource development, wetlands and water regulation, site remediation, and negotiations with state and federal regulators. Lundgren earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, an M.A. from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a bachelor’s degree from Hope College.
Ooms focuses on regulatory and policy matters affecting renewable energy, energy storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure. He represents clients before the MPSC and advises on the implementation of Michigan’s 2023 clean energy legislation, providing counsel on siting, compliance, and market participation. Ooms earned his J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree from Calvin University.
Varnum’s Energy Team supports clients across the full spectrum of the energy industry, from conventional and alternative sources to the rapidly growing renewable sector.
Commenting on how the return of this group enhances the firm’s capabilities, Matthew Eugster, leader of the Energy, Environmental, and Natural Resources Practice Team, said: “Michigan’s energy landscape is shifting quickly, and having Laura, Tim, and Justin on our team puts us in a great position to help clients navigate what’s ahead. They each bring significant experience in energy policy and regulation, and together we’ll be better equipped to guide clients and support them at every stage of their projects.”
