Christopher J. Cerny
I count myself lucky to contribute to the future of energy in our country.
Contact: P /612.604.6791E /[email protected]
Administrative Contact: Mary Holly P /612.604.6467E /[email protected]
Education
University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., 2022
Articles Editor, Minnesota Journal of Law, Science and Technology
University of Washington, B.A., English Literature, 2016
Bar Admissions
Minnesota, 2022
My Approach
It is such an exciting time to be working in the energy regulatory world. This is a vastly changing space, and will be a massively impacted area of law over the next decade and beyond. I work with clients to navigate these changes, from developing more resilient power grids, to working around and trying to stave off climate change, to those developments not even yet imagined. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve long been a nerd when it comes to energy and environmental law, and love diving into regulatory discussions and keeping up on all the latest in the practice.
I help clients understand complex and intricate regulatory processes. In my former career as a leader in facilities and project management for a major retail corporation, I developed crucial skills in project and time management. Working with clients, I value being able to quickly break down any challenge they are facing into manageable pieces, triaging levels of urgency, and properly allocating time and resources. I strongly believe that working cohesively as a team is central to success, and I show up every day with the goal of not just doing my job, but creating a good atmosphere for colleagues and clients alike.
Outside of work, I have always been inclined to the outdoors and I do a lot of rock climbing, hiking, and camping. I also have a trade degree in boat building, and still enjoy spending my free time woodworking.
Practice Areas
Practicing Energy Legislative & Regulatory
My Experience
I represent clients with energy regulatory matters, including general rate case proceedings, certificates of need and route permits, state regulatory body investigations, contested case hearings, and more. I help clients navigate the various regulatory processes to gain agency approval for a wide variety of programs and infrastructure, or to intervene in matters that impact their interests.
Practicing Environmental
My Experience
I advise clients in connection with environmental matters, including those involving regulatory takings, permitting matters, compliance with federal and state environmental laws, land use and property rights, and more. Prior to joining the firm, I was a legal intern with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, where I gained deep insight into agency activities and policies.