Lauren Aguilar
Associate – Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Description of field of expertise
Lauren is a trusted adviser to clients on state and federal regulatory issues and disputes involving electric, natural gas, water, alternative energy, and wastewater utilities, and she works closely with the implementing agencies. She routinely drafts pleadings and related testimony, prepares witnesses, and has helped execute virtually all aspects of trial and settlement.
Having testified before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) on behalf of consumers, Lauren has a deep understanding of how the process works and can guide her clients and other witnesses through it. She also assists in rate investigations, cases and periodic adjustment proceedings, and other environmental compliance, policy, regulation and deregulation matters before the IURC.
Lauren is passionate about connecting with her clients, working to exceed their expectations, and assessing her clients’ needs to allow her to craft effective solutions for them. She is also committed to embracing new technology, efficiency techniques, and continuing education.
Lauren joins Barnes & Thornburg after spending four years as a utility analyst with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, where she served on case teams and testified in rate cases. The four years prior to that, she was a senior environmental manager with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, where she coordinated, drafted and published land, water, and air environmental rules, including preparing public notices and fiscal impact documents. She also provided policy recommendations to facilitate rules that met various stakeholder interests.
What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?
Get involved in state bar association practice groups. Energy and utility law tends to be a super specialized small sandbox, so getting to know your peers will always be a good thing. Learn skills that are not necessarily typically associated with the legal world. In order to best serve my clients I not only have to understand the state and federal issues surrounding energy and utilities, but I also need to have an understanding of things such as accounting, environmental standards, and taxes. Having a general understanding of at least the lingo involved helps you be a valuable and trusted part of the team. Also, don’t be afraid to learn how to use Excel!
Final thoughts…
Be your authentic self. Your unique perspective and experience is one of your most valuable assets. Also, be kind, you can be assertive and zealously advocate for your client while also being kind and respectful to those on your team and your opponents. Be a leader in this space!