Energy, Infrastructure & Utilities
Energy, Infrastructure & Utilities
Our Energy, Infrastructure & Utilities practice provides comprehensive legal guidance to energy companies—including those in the oil, natural gas, and renewable sectors—as well as electric cooperatives, public utilities, municipalities and quasi-municipal entities. These organizations operate in highly regulated and rapidly evolving sectors, and we deliver solutions that balance compliance, business realities and long-term community impact.
Our team includes former government regulators and industry leaders who know firsthand the commercial, regulatory and policy pressures companies in this sector face. From structuring renewable and nuclear projects to handling public financing matters and serving as outside general counsel, we combine legal experience with sector insight to help clients achieve strategic goals in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Our Services
Our multidisciplinary team advises energy companies, utilities, municipalities and quasi-municipal organizations on a wide range of issues, including:
- Construction & Real Estate: Guiding infrastructure and redevelopment projects for utilities and energy companies.
- Public Finance: Serving as bond counsel and underwriters’ counsel for transactions exceeding $1 billion in electric and natural gas financings.
- Corporate & Transactions: Supporting mergers, acquisitions, public-private partnerships and governance matters.
- Environmental & Regulatory Compliance: Advising on permitting, compliance, enforcement and rulemaking.
- Government Advocacy: Advising on public policy issues and lobbying before appropriate legislative and executive bodies.
- Labor & Employment: Providing tailored workforce and benefits solutions.
- Litigation: Advising on regulatory enforcement actions, construction disputes and business litigation.
- Privacy & IP: Advising on data privacy, cybersecurity, technology transactions and risks related to technology.
- Tax: Structuring projects and transactions to maximize tax efficiency and address federal, state and local tax considerations.
What Sets Us Apart
- Deep Experience Across Energy & Utility Sectors: We counsel a broad range of entities—including oil and gas companies, renewable energy ventures, water, sewer, electric, natural gas, telecommunications, cable, solid waste, and transportation utilities—giving us unmatched insight into the challenges and regulatory frameworks unique to each sector.
- Unmatched Bond Counsel Experience: Representing roughly three-quarters of the top 50 Tennessee cities, including the five largest, we have closed more municipal bond issues in the state than all other Tennessee-based firms combined. Our work finances essential infrastructure projects such as schools, roads, and utility systems.
- Renewable & Nuclear Energy Capabilities: We support clients on renewable energy initiatives—including wind, solar, and nuclear projects—and are actively involved in advancing the nation’s nuclear industry. Greg Young, former leader of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Bureau of Environment, brings 25 years of environmental experience and now advises clients on complex environmental, nuclear and energy policy matters.
- Strong Regulatory Relationships: We maintain deep connections with regulatory bodies—including the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and local agencies—enabling us to anticipate challenges, engage in meaningful dialogue, and advocate effectively for our clients.
- Trusted Partner to Energy Companies & Utilities: We serve as outside general counsel for some of the largest electric cooperatives, including Middle Tennessee Electric which is the second-largest electric cooperative in the United States serving nearly 800,000 people in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. We regularly advise energy companies on strategic matters. Our full-spectrum support includes compliance, contract negotiation, risk management, and governance. This trusted partnership approach allows us to align with each clients’ mission, enhance operations, and strengthen their ability to serve their communities.
Our Energy, Infrastructure & Utilities practice provides comprehensive legal guidance to energy companies—including those in the oil, natural gas, and renewable sectors—as well as electric cooperatives, public utilities, municipalities and quasi-municipal entities. These organizations operate in highly regulated and rapidly evolving sectors, and we deliver solutions that balance compliance, business realities and long-term community impact.
Our team includes former government regulators and industry leaders who know firsthand the commercial, regulatory and policy pressures companies in this sector face. From structuring renewable and nuclear projects to handling public financing matters and serving as outside general counsel, we combine legal experience with sector insight to help clients achieve strategic goals in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Our Services
Our multidisciplinary team advises energy companies, utilities, municipalities and quasi-municipal organizations on a wide range of issues, including:
- Construction & Real Estate: Guiding infrastructure and redevelopment projects for utilities and energy companies.
- Public Finance: Serving as bond counsel and underwriters’ counsel for transactions exceeding $1 billion in electric and natural gas financings.
- Corporate & Transactions: Supporting mergers, acquisitions, public-private partnerships and governance matters.
- Environmental & Regulatory Compliance: Advising on permitting, compliance, enforcement and rulemaking.
- Government Advocacy: Advising on public policy issues and lobbying before appropriate legislative and executive bodies.
- Labor & Employment: Providing tailored workforce and benefits solutions.
- Litigation: Advising on regulatory enforcement actions, construction disputes and business litigation.
- Privacy & IP: Advising on data privacy, cybersecurity, technology transactions and risks related to technology.
- Tax: Structuring projects and transactions to maximize tax efficiency and address federal, state and local tax considerations.
What Sets Us Apart
- Deep Experience Across Energy & Utility Sectors: We counsel a broad range of entities—including oil and gas companies, renewable energy ventures, water, sewer, electric, natural gas, telecommunications, cable, solid waste, and transportation utilities—giving us unmatched insight into the challenges and regulatory frameworks unique to each sector.
- Unmatched Bond Counsel Experience: Representing roughly three-quarters of the top 50 Tennessee cities, including the five largest, we have closed more municipal bond issues in the state than all other Tennessee-based firms combined. Our work finances essential infrastructure projects such as schools, roads, and utility systems.
- Renewable & Nuclear Energy Capabilities: We support clients on renewable energy initiatives—including wind, solar, and nuclear projects—and are actively involved in advancing the nation’s nuclear industry. Greg Young, former leader of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Bureau of Environment, brings 25 years of environmental experience and now advises clients on complex environmental, nuclear and energy policy matters.
- Strong Regulatory Relationships: We maintain deep connections with regulatory bodies—including the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and local agencies—enabling us to anticipate challenges, engage in meaningful dialogue, and advocate effectively for our clients.
- Trusted Partner to Energy Companies & Utilities: We serve as outside general counsel for some of the largest electric cooperatives, including Middle Tennessee Electric which is the second-largest electric cooperative in the United States serving nearly 800,000 people in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. We regularly advise energy companies on strategic matters. Our full-spectrum support includes compliance, contract negotiation, risk management, and governance. This trusted partnership approach allows us to align with each clients’ mission, enhance operations, and strengthen their ability to serve their communities.
Experience
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We represented the second-largest Mister Sparky franchisee in the county in its majority recapitalization and investment from CapitalSpring, a leading...
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We represented Tennergy Corporation in connection with a $633.6 million tax-exempt natural gas prepay bond transaction. This was a significant...
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On behalf of American Petroleum Institute, we drafted legislation and led the coalitional lobbying effort to ensure industrial energy infrastructure...
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We represented Portland Utilities Construction Company, a preferred underground utility contractor in the Southeast and Texas, in its sale to...
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We represented Dean Solon, the founder of Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. (backed by Oaktree Capital), a leading solar-power components maker,...
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We represented the Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation (MTE), the largest electric co-op in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) region...
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We represented a critical infrastructure energy client in connection with a blind tabletop exercise in which our team and two...
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We have served as bond counsel or underwriters' counsel in approximately $2.8 billion of utility system bond financings since 2014....
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As benefits counsel for Jackson Energy Authority's IDPs, we have drafted and maintained defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plan...
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With a team led by Jessie Zeigler, we represented the Town of Smyrna, Tennessee in a lawsuit against the Municipal...
Experience
-
We represented the second-largest Mister Sparky franchisee in the county in its majority recapitalization and investment from CapitalSpring, a leading...
-
We represented Tennergy Corporation in connection with a $633.6 million tax-exempt natural gas prepay bond transaction. This was a significant...
-
On behalf of American Petroleum Institute, we drafted legislation and led the coalitional lobbying effort to ensure industrial energy infrastructure...
-
We represented Portland Utilities Construction Company, a preferred underground utility contractor in the Southeast and Texas, in its sale to...
-
We represented Dean Solon, the founder of Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. (backed by Oaktree Capital), a leading solar-power components maker,...
-
We represented the Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation (MTE), the largest electric co-op in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) region...
-
We represented a critical infrastructure energy client in connection with a blind tabletop exercise in which our team and two...
-
We have served as bond counsel or underwriters' counsel in approximately $2.8 billion of utility system bond financings since 2014....
-
As benefits counsel for Jackson Energy Authority's IDPs, we have drafted and maintained defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plan...
-
With a team led by Jessie Zeigler, we represented the Town of Smyrna, Tennessee in a lawsuit against the Municipal...
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Total Professionals: 21
Publications
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April 24, 2025 | Firm Publication
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April 9, 2025 | Firm Publication
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April 10, 2024 | Firm Publication
Past Events
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February 15, 2024 | Nashville, TennesseeThe Vanderbilt Law and Business Program
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October 23 - 25, 2023 | Nashville, TennesseeThe Paul J. Hartman State & Local Tax Forum
Media Mentions & Firm News
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July 30, 2021 | The Trial Network
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January 23, 2020 | Governor's Council for Judicial Appointments
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January 16, 2019 | Benchmark Litigation
Publications
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April 24, 2025 | Firm Publication
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April 9, 2025 | Firm Publication
-
April 10, 2024 | Firm Publication
Past Events
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February 15, 2024 | Nashville, TennesseeThe Vanderbilt Law and Business Program
-
October 23 - 25, 2023 | Nashville, TennesseeThe Paul J. Hartman State & Local Tax Forum
Media Mentions & Firm News
-
July 30, 2021 | The Trial Network
-
January 23, 2020 | Governor's Council for Judicial Appointments
-
January 16, 2019 | Benchmark Litigation
Contact
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.